Leaving next Saturday for a week. We will do 2 days at Denali and 3 in Seward (including the NW Fjords Tour). I am struggling with how much "cold weather" gear to pack (keeping the cruise in mind). I have numerous fleece pieces, including a thick pullover that is very warm and am wondering with layers underneath (silk long johns, fleece etc) if that will be adequate. Or should I dig out my parka? I dread lugging it for just one day, though.

I plan on gloves and a hat but am just trying to determine the level of outerwear that I will need.

Thanks!

Hi Sid, I completely understand as we lugged around a third suitcase containing cold weather gear for the glacier cruise we took last week out of Whittier. All I can say is I am so glad we did because it was that cold. My husband and I had on jeans with layers on top including a t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, fleece jacket and a light weight rain coat on top--we were warm and comfortable--of course, the hat, gloves and scarf helped. I hope you enjoy a wonderful trip!

No parka needed!

Layers. Bring your long underwear. Bring your fleece. Bring your hat and gloves. And, bring a light rain shell & rain pants. This stuff will mostly be needed out on the water. Denali is interior, so you probably won't need to layer up much at all - but, having the light rain gear will help, so you can keep on hiking and enjoying yourself if it rains.

Don't forget the bug spray (or buy it here!) - I think you'll potentially need it at Denali.

just bring layers no parka! IF you have a gortex jacket, that is a great wind break and a couple of layers underneath and you'll do fine.

bring the hat and gloves... in the evenings all i needed was the windbreaker.

wore lightweight pants most of the time i was there. lived in t shirts with a denim long sleeve button up over top as a jacket most of the time.

my hiking boots were my everyday shoes most of the time....used my teva's with and without socks at the end of the day....didn't need dress clothes anywhere

never needed the long johns but silks don't take up too much room...

enjoy! alaska is a place of wonders...

The 10 day forecast for Seward is mid 60s and 30-60% chance of showers.

Doesn't sound like cold weather gear to me.

Any time you're on the water in Alaska the wind chill will be a consideration, and of course if you get onto or next to a glacier the air coming off it will be chilly. That said, remember that in late June the sun is up for a helluva long time, so places like the interior (Denali, for instance) have plenty of time to warm up - temps in the 80s are not that unusual in Fairbanks, a little to the north.

I'd bring a windbreaker and maybe a sweater for the Kenai Fjords tour, a hat if you want one, but things like woolies or mittens - c'mon...

If the weather is all that terrible, visit one of the Walmart or Fred Meyer stores (or, in Anchorage, Nordstrom) and buy what you need, with no sales tax at that. It's not Pluto, you know.