I will be traveling through the Inside Passage with a backpack and will be using the state ferry system and staying in hostels (budget travel).

My question is do I really need to bring my sleeping bag? I may spend and overnight stay on one of the ferries, and will stay most nights at ports. I want to travel light and know that a sleeping bag adds bulk and weight.

Please help!

On the ferry, you either sleep on a plastic lounge chair, in a tent or possibly on the floor inside. The lounge chair is more comfortable with a sleeping bag. Also, you may need the warmth depending on where you sleep. You can get a lightweight bag or a lightweight warm blanket.

It's a fabulous adventure and you will meet lots of great folks.

Have fun!!!!!!!!!!1

Congrats! The Alaska Marine Highway is about the finest way to see Southeast -- no hoopla, and you get to talk to local folks (remember, this is their means of transportation). The ferries turn into one big slumber party, with folks sleeping all over -- definitely bring a sleeping bag (down is lightweight & scrunches). Also, earplugs would be helpful, since, like everywhere, the general public can be.....general! But seriously, enjoy yourself and soak in the sights & sounds!

Thanks for your good advise. I have read you comments. So do you think I should bring the sleeping bag consindering that I may only spend perhaps one night on board the ferry for my ten day trip? I guess it boils down to one or two nights wearing layered cloths at night or carryng the sleeping bag gear for the entire trip. Will I need the sleeping bag at hostels?
thanks.

When I traveled the Alaska Marine Highway with husband and another couple, only husband took sleeping bag (and slept on the deck). The rest of us rented blanket/pillow from the ship (and I "borrowed" a sheet off the maids cart which I returned at the end of the voyage) and slept in the lounge. Many people slept in the lounge chairs, but there were people everywhere. The deck chairs go immediately by the folks who know, and they camp out there for the duration. I'd say, don't bother with the sleeping bag if it's only for one night (Bellingham to Skagway was three nights) and just rent a blanket. Have a great time.

It depends on what your level of comfort is. As someone who spent 3 days on that ferry, I would've killed for a sleeping bag. I was w/a large group and there weren't enough lounge chairs or couches for everyone. (And those "pillows" on those couches are not comfortable either.) I wound up sleeping on the floor w/a dinky little blanket. Sleep being the operative word since the floor was hard and the boat rocky. However if you're only doing it for one night and if there's not many people you should be okay on a lounge chair.