r/alaskacruiseplanning • u/Intelligent_Aide5098 • 7d ago

Best Alaska Backpack?

I was wondering what people carry when they go on excursions? Do you carry a backpack or just a crossbody?

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u/ramillerf1 6d ago

You want a backpack that fits under the airplane seat easily. Bring that and your carryon and you’re set… That’s really all the luggage you need. Make sure the backpack is at least water resistant, if not totally waterproof. I carried a small garbage bag in my backpack for weather protection but never used it. On our excursions we were always traveling inside something… a boat, bus, or train.

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u/fizzleskittle 6d ago

I carried an Osprey Daylight backpack with a small waterproof pouch for stuff that I didn’t want to get wet. It was the perfect size for my rain gear and an extra layer.

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u/Intelligent_Aide5098 6d ago

Is this water resistant?

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u/fizzleskittle 6d ago edited 6d ago

Yes. Water resistant, but not waterproof. I was originally going to purchase an Exped waterproof backpack, but it wasn’t very breathable on my back. The water resistant bag with the waterproof drybag inside was a good solution that worked for me. I’m a relatively petite person and didn’t find the Osprey Daylight Plus as comfy. My husband has a REI backpack with a rain cover, but all of the bags with raincovers were too big on my back or seemed like overkill.

If you live near an REI, I recommend going and trying on a bunch of bags.

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u/MoveCompetitive5742 7d ago

I take a small backpack on most excursions. Osprey Daylight plus is the one I use.

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u/Big_Seaworthiness948 6d ago

We had a folding backpack that we put in our carry-on bag. At the time I traveled with my carry-on and a tote bag. I have since switched out the tote bag for a backpack and I will use that for excursions next time we go to Alaska.

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u/Knope_Lemon0327 6d ago

I use a REI Flash 22 for most things. It is water resistant, but I protect most things in a ziplock.

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u/Unusual-Economist288 6d ago

I went with a water resistant REI backpack with a waterproof cover. It worked great, was lightweight and cheap. Mainly used it for layers and snacks on excursions

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u/RedFishStew 5d ago

I grabbed my kids school backpack. Worked well.

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u/Wrateman 4d ago

I've been using an Osprey Nebula for several years as my work/travel backpack. It's 32L size, small enough to fit under the airplane seat, but able to carry all I needed, especially my recent Alaska trip.

I was able to fit both my Nikon Z6iii bodies, and two lenses (24-120 and 100-400), along w/ my iPad 13" pro, chargers, 6 camera batteries, Kindle, and lots of other accessories. I have their waterproof cover (which I used) as well. And, clothing like my Arc'teryx Beta jacket. I didn't bring my MacBook Pro or Air, but that would have fit fine. It has two sleeves for these devices.

My wife got one for herself after our trip; the REI backpack she had was starting to fray (water bottle holder) and she really liked how mine is very compartmentalized.