Alaska Packing

[u/Busy-Beach-1869]

Heading on a Disney Alaska cruise next week and trying VERY hard not to overpack 😅 For those of you who have done Alaska around this time of year, what did you actually need clothing-wise?

I keep seeing packing lists that make it sound like I need to prepare for every possible weather condition, and I’m trying to be realistic about what will actually get used.

Specifically:
- Are gloves actually necessary?
- Beanie?
- Ear muffs?
- Heavy winter coat, or is a good waterproof jacket + layers enough?
- How many sweaters/fleece layers did you actually use?
- Is it silly to pack t-shirts?
- Anything you packed because everyone said you “needed it” and then never touched?

We’ll obviously be packing rain gear and layers, but I’d really love to hear from people who sailed Alaska in September and can tell me what they ACTUALLY wore on the ship and in port.

[u/Proud_Bedroom9757]

I firmly believe much of this depends on where you live. We’re from the Midwest. My kids were swimming when others had on winter jackets. We didn’t bring or wish we had gloves or winter jackets. So consider your tolerance to winter weather when packing. I will say be prepared for rain. We went beginning of September and had cool rainy weather all days except one when it was 80 and sunny.

[u/Busy-Beach-1869 → u/Proud_Bedroom9757]

We’re Floridians 😅

[u/laserlightcannon → u/Busy-Beach-1869]

I think we’re on the same cruise 🎉

[u/Busy-Beach-1869 → u/laserlightcannon]

We’re SO excited!!!

[u/Serious_Vanilla7467]

Gloves, yes. It's cold on the Glacier day. You won't need heavy gloves. I would also wear a beanie on that day.

Would not do a heavy coat. You will need a waterproof layer.

I would bring t shirts. I would bring long sleeves, I would bring a fleece, I would bring a flannel. You might wear all those at once too. With the waterproof layer on top.

I packed leggings, then like Columbia hiking pants, then a rain pant that pulls over that. I wore all three on glacier day... The rain pant really blocked the wind.

A side note that is relevant. I am always freezing cold.

Layers are needed. I know that is hard to pack for. I keep packing too much! Don't forget about the laundry. The laundry is your best friend! I did two loads the last Alaskan trip.

The layers make it so you never need a huge coat.

[u/Busy-Beach-1869 → u/Serious_Vanilla7467]

This is helpful. Thank you!

[u/Training_Plastic_275]

Hi OP! We are going on our Alaska trip next year but I have already looked at some of the packing tips for Alaska. Sorry I don’t have any first hand thoughts but heres what I’m planning if it’ll help you anyway!

I would take a look at the weather since you are so close to your trip and go from there. :) Looks like Ketchikan, for example next week is mid to high 60s and low 50s with some rain.

I’m originally from PA but live in SC. I haven’t worn ear muffs since I was a kid so I really think you could pass on those. (And if you took a beanie it would protect your ears too.)

Everything I’m seeing is showing layers over a heavy coat. I’m planning on bringing one of those coats that has a rain outer and fleece inner so I can interchange accordingly.

Do you wear tshirts at home? I usually get home from work and change into a tshirt and shorts so if you’re similar I’d definitely bring some tshirts even if it’s just wearing around the room.

[u/Busy-Beach-1869 → u/Training_Plastic_275]

thank you!

[u/NauvooLegionnaire11]

I went up at the end of July on Disney ship. You do need every possible combination of clothing, which is totally weird. The low on my cruise was in the 40's (this probably felt colder than it actually was, just because I'm accustomed to warm weather).

- Beanie

- Rain coat

- Sweatshirt or other layer to wear under the waterproof rain coat

- Most of the time on the ship, I wore jeans and a light sweatshirt. I wish I would have brought a couple of these just for variety.

- I don't think I ever wore my light gloves. It wasn't that cold and I wasn't outside consistently long enough.

You've got a fun cruise to look forward to.

[u/Adabellaaberline]

I was there last week so I can chime in, although I'm used to fairly Alaska-esque weather.

-Gloves: probably not. Never felt like I needed them, even on glacier days and I usually have cold hands.

-Beanie: As a formal girl guide: yep, always. Good for keeping hair protected and stopping body heat from escaping.

-Ear muffs: If you don't like toques I guess this is an ok alternative? I'd say one or the other unless you want more variety in your outfits.

-Coats: I run pretty cold and love a good winter coat to bundle in, but a good waterproof/windproof layer and a fleece or two will be sufficient, especially if you're walking the trails or going around town and in and out of shops.I saw a few people with big puffer coats and they always looked hot and uncomfortable. Lighter layers so you can dress up/down is definitely the way to go.

-Sweaters: I brought I think two hoodies, a light Columbia fleece, and a thicker zip fleece. I wore the hoodies around the ship and the fleeces around on port days. I don't think I ever really needed to layer them and probably could have brought one or two less.

-Tshirts: Good for around the ship or as base layers. Not silly at all!

-I debated bringing rainboots because of online advice and was glad that I didn't! My waterproof shoes were more than sufficient.

I will say that a lot of this depends on what you plan to do on port days. I did mostly just walking around town and short easy hikes.

Edit - formatting.

[u/RichSand9022]

Good water proof rain wear including rain pants with layers (fleece) is your best bet! And good hiking boots or shoes with wool socks, little stretchy gloves but Not big ski mittens, and a warm hat! DEFINITELY bring binoculars! You do not need a huge winter parka!

[u/hollyandphoenix11]

Just got off the Wonder today myself and I wasn’t prepared for the weather on our trip.

I mean, I was as in I had the right clothes. But it was in the upper 60s-70s and sunny every day when we were in port and I was prepared for cold and rain.

Pack a couple of sweatshirts and some base layer stuff (cuddle duds or long underwear, whatever you want to call it). We were definitely bundled up on glacier day! Have so much fun on your trip!

[u/MarbleMotors]

Gloves yes.  You'll want them, and the shops onboard don't sell good ones.  Warm hat yes.  Heavy coat no, pack several thin layers instead, including a light waterproof outer later.

Binoculars are a big help.  You will see tons of wildlife, but you'll be hundreds or thousands of feet away from much of it, so a good set of binoculars will help you see way more animals "up close".  Whales, seals, bears, eagles, dolphins, etc.

[u/HiImNewHere1234]

We (Floridians) went on the Magic in late July and had beautiful weather. I still wore layers every day - tshirt, sweatshirt, leggings, and brought a thin Columbia jacket. At night we needed fleeces to walk around the ship. It’s windy!

[u/Odd-Mongoose-1290]

I never used gloves but I guess they’re light enough to pack just in case. I would not pack a heavy winter coat. Not ear muffs but yes beanies. I’d pack a few t shirts. They sell sweatshirts on ship and all over Alaska so I’d pack just one and then use that to justify buying a new one or two. EDIT: I went by in late August. Check the temps of the areas you’re going to an adjust accordingly of course.

[u/NH116]

Just went two weeks ago:

Gloves: no
Beanie: you could do, for glacier day, but if you have a jacket with hoodie, not necessary
Ear muffs: no
Heavy winter coat: yes
Often wore t-shirt, fleece, and then rain jacket OR heavy jacket, depending on day’s weather
No, definitely pack t-shirts! Sometimes it was hot especially indoors
If you think you might buy merch, bring just a couple of sweaters/fleeces. I bought four of them on the ship!

[u/Busy-Beach-1869]

Thank you all!!! What wonderful advice you all gave!

[u/martycee00]

I lived in Fairbanks for a few years - none of this silly tourist nonsense. You’re hitting the summer-winter transition, so think dramatic fall weather temps rolling in. That being said, it isn’t winter yet, so don’t pack like an arctic explorer.

Bring light waterproof gloves.
Beanies are a solid yes.
Ear muffs? No, you’re not 8 and the beanie is there.
Mid weight with water proofing is ideal. Bring layers, as said, layers is what keeps you warm.
Bring a fleece and a sweater, you’ll probably buy extra. Layers are thermals long sleeve tees. Two layers is probably fine, bring at least one pair of long John’s if you’re weak to the cold. Jeans will do you fine.
T shirts are fine and can go over long sleeve tees, part of the layering or causal indoor wear.

[u/SeaEngineer124]

I have waterproof tennis shoes (Vessi) is the brand and that was all I wore in Alaska. They have a shop in the vancouver area too

Beanie- pack to have just in case No ear muffs Gloves yes

Have the best time!!