OK, we are getting the itinerary down gradually for our August-September trip to Alaska(about 1/3 done at this point) and the question of gear is coming up again and again. We will be a week in Juneau/Skagway and 2 weeks in the Kenai Peninsula. We could sure use some help with this. We live in Israel, and we only pray that we will need rain gear here - but the prayers are answered only minimally, so we don't have a clue what the rain in Alaska might be like. Also, if it gets down to 32 degrees F, we think it is really cold. So here are our questions if anyone would be so kind as to respond with good advice:
1. We intend to hike most days for at least an hour and sometimes for as much as 4 - 5 hours. So, what kind of shoes do we need?
2. We have good hiking shoes for the dessert, but I take it this might not cut the mustard in Alaska. Do we need rubber boots? Are such shoes comfortable for hiking? Where can we get them in Alaska and what should they cost?
3. What type of rain gear will we need? Since we won't have much use for it after the 3 weeks of our vacation, we would prefer to buy the least expensive items as long as they are adequate. Can you suggest venues for shopping and expected prices? Our first stop will be Juneau.
4. Any other gear advice will be much appreciated.
This forum is a godsend and the best source of information I have found (Better than the two books I purchased over Amazon.)
Thank you so much.
George L.

Go to www.cruisecritic.com and you will find a wealth of information. Even if you are not going on a cruise it will answer many of your questions.
HAve a great time!! Alaska is terrific!

You will want tie shoes/boots that are waterproof. I got a pair of hiking shoes at an LL Bean factory outlet. My husband just wore Rockports and applied a waterproofing solution. Your current hiking boots might be fine if you add the waterproofing solution. We did not hike during wet weather. He also likes an inexpensive rain poncho that is available at places like WalMart. I prefer a light rain jacket that is part of a two piece outfit that people buy for fishing trips. Again, it was inexpensive at a factory outlet store. You should be able to find something in Juneau but Skagway is very small. There are two WalMarts in Anchorage but none on the Kenai. There's a very nice outdoor clothing/sporting goods store in Soldotna. I really hate to recommend WalMart. You can try the Fred Meyer stores. Dress in layers. A polar fleece vest or jacket/pullover over a flannel shirt and turtleneck jersey works well. Wear whatever you wear at 32 deg over that. Have knit caps and mitten/gloves. Mittens are warmer. I don't have a problem staying warm but my husband does so he also uses heat packs for his hands and feet. These are little chemical packets that heat up. You can find these at places like WalMart and probably Fred Meyers and some drug stores (which tend to be small department stores nowadays). But these are usually only needed when it gets below zero. You shouldn't need them. It's really important to keep your feet dry and to wear a hat in cold weather.

Thanks for so much useful information.
I am still unsure regarding shoes since I have read in so many places that rubber boots are needed. Is this an exaggeration?
Does the waterproofing solution really work that well?

We hiked rain or shine in Alaska last year, with more wet/damp hiking days than dry, and wore good atheletic shoes or hiking shoes, not hiking boots, the entire time. That worked fine for all of us. We each brought one extra pair in case the other became too wet, but that was never an issue. On the trails, the hiking shoes were the most comfortable due to the support and stability. DH had Goretex, the others wore regular hiking shoes or atheletic shoes, but DH didn't fare any better with wetness than the rest of us--no one got wet feet. Yes, the waterproof treatment did seem to work well, but we didn't do any wetland hiking.

Good luck with your planning!

Rubber boots seem to be favourite with Juneau folks. You will see them tons of times on the locals- tall, ugly brown ones. But you can definitely go w/t them in good hiking boots.
Hooded sweatshirs are a must in Juneau. Rain is more oftern than sun. Be prepared for non stop nasty drizzle. If you are lucky you will catch beautiful sunny waether with high sky above you. Otherwise it's gloomy and dull.