What to pack for alaska
Jul 12th, 2017, 10:09 AM
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What to pack for alaska
My husband and I are from Louisiana. We are going for a land and cruise trip to Alaska in September. I'm very cold natured and worried about weight limits for luggage. Also I'm looking for waterproof boots that will keep my feet warm! Any suggestions?
Jul 12th, 2017, 11:15 AM
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In general, down and merino wool are great for warmth, layering and weight. I have a lightweight down coat from LL Bean (that I don't see that they're currently offering) that stuffs into it's own pocket, making it really easy to pack. It weights next to nothing. You might look for something similar. I wouldn't get a heavy duty down coat; just a light weight one--given when you're traveling.
Merino wool mid- and baselayers are great for traveling. They wick moisture and can be worn repeatedly without getting smelly. You might look at Smartwool and Icebreaker (warning that they're not cheap). Put a fleece on top of that and you will be pretty warm. Layer the down jacket on top of that and you should be good down into the 30s. You can buy wool long underwear, too.
A had and gloves are a must, too. I'd bring some wool socks as well. Again, they can be worn repeatedly without getting smelly.
My go-to waterproof boots are the Salomon Quest, but those may be overkill for what you're looking for as they're for rugged hiking and backpacking. But they are light and waterproof (although not space savers). Salomon has other hikers that may be a better solution for you. Any product with Goretex should work for you. Boots--in my opinion--are hard to recommend because it's so dependent on fit. If you have an outdoor shope near you, I'd start there.
I realize that some of my suggestions aren't cheap. You can look for gently used items on ebay if cost is a concern. Shop online retailers like REI, Sierra Trading, Campmor, Backcountry and the like for sales and closeouts, too.
Merino wool mid- and baselayers are great for traveling. They wick moisture and can be worn repeatedly without getting smelly. You might look at Smartwool and Icebreaker (warning that they're not cheap). Put a fleece on top of that and you will be pretty warm. Layer the down jacket on top of that and you should be good down into the 30s. You can buy wool long underwear, too.
A had and gloves are a must, too. I'd bring some wool socks as well. Again, they can be worn repeatedly without getting smelly.
My go-to waterproof boots are the Salomon Quest, but those may be overkill for what you're looking for as they're for rugged hiking and backpacking. But they are light and waterproof (although not space savers). Salomon has other hikers that may be a better solution for you. Any product with Goretex should work for you. Boots--in my opinion--are hard to recommend because it's so dependent on fit. If you have an outdoor shope near you, I'd start there.
I realize that some of my suggestions aren't cheap. You can look for gently used items on ebay if cost is a concern. Shop online retailers like REI, Sierra Trading, Campmor, Backcountry and the like for sales and closeouts, too.
Jul 12th, 2017, 12:18 PM
#3
What's your itinerary and when in September will this be? Unless you're tromping around in wetlands or wading into streams to fish, I can't imagine why you'd need waterproof shoes or boots. Maybe pack some extra socks, or in the worst case, stop at a store in Anchorage (Walmart, maybe, or Fred Meyer - regional chain similar to Walmart) and pick up something there. But let us know where you'll be and more help can be forthcoming.
Jul 12th, 2017, 07:16 PM
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We fly into Fairbanks on the tenth. We're there for two days have an aurora viewing scheduled then to Denali and have att riding and jeer excursion. Then to Mckinly. Nothing planned there yet. Then to Whittier where we get on ship for cruise. We fly home from Vancouver on the 23rd. At one place, ( I think it's Denali) we have a nature hike. But no wading through ponds or fishing. No backcountry hiking or camping. We are taking a helicopter to a glacier but I think they provide you with boots and warm clothes.
Jul 13th, 2017, 01:03 AM
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I have a pair of ordinary hiking shoes purchased at a discount place called Super Shoes which I wear in winters here in NH. With warm socks. What's important is a good sole that insulates from cold ground (I used to work in a place with concrete floors). Easy Spirit has an ankle bootie that looks like something I wear. It is listed as water resistant which should be good enough.
Looks like average September temperature for Fairbanks is 46 degrees. Make sure you have a warm hat and gloves. I have a pair of irreplaceable knit gloves lined with thinsulate that have seen me through minus 20 weather. The lined rag wool gloves are pretty good.
Due to weight limits, I think layers might be best. A windbreaker (I wore inexpensive fisherman's hooded raincoat) over fleece vest, long sleeve sweater, turtleneck, and thermal undershirt should keep you warm enough. If you get cold easily, it's very important to have a jacket that covers your hips. Do not wear tight clothing. I might suggest slacks a size larger than you usually wear to fit comfortably over long johns.
When we had a surprising temperature, my husband bought things at a Salvation Army type of place in Wasilla. For us it was a late June heat wave that caught even locals by surprise. You would have to purchase in AK and should be easy to find - chemical packets for hand and foot warmers. My husband uses these for outdoor work.
Looks like average September temperature for Fairbanks is 46 degrees. Make sure you have a warm hat and gloves. I have a pair of irreplaceable knit gloves lined with thinsulate that have seen me through minus 20 weather. The lined rag wool gloves are pretty good.
Due to weight limits, I think layers might be best. A windbreaker (I wore inexpensive fisherman's hooded raincoat) over fleece vest, long sleeve sweater, turtleneck, and thermal undershirt should keep you warm enough. If you get cold easily, it's very important to have a jacket that covers your hips. Do not wear tight clothing. I might suggest slacks a size larger than you usually wear to fit comfortably over long johns.
When we had a surprising temperature, my husband bought things at a Salvation Army type of place in Wasilla. For us it was a late June heat wave that caught even locals by surprise. You would have to purchase in AK and should be easy to find - chemical packets for hand and foot warmers. My husband uses these for outdoor work.
Jul 13th, 2017, 07:26 AM
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Two things: (1) waterproof boots are easy to find and source for 100-120 bucks or less. You don't need galoshes, just normal hiking shoes by any decent brand (Teva, Merrill, Columbia, Timberland) will be available with waterproofing.
(2) you CAN get a windproof jacket that is very lightweight and wear it under a fleece and have protection up (or down) to the high 30s and low 40s. I wore an REI Elements windproof jacket under a mid-weight fleece and was warm (and the better half claims I'm cold-natured) and NOT burdened by the bulk of a puffy down coat..
(2) you CAN get a windproof jacket that is very lightweight and wear it under a fleece and have protection up (or down) to the high 30s and low 40s. I wore an REI Elements windproof jacket under a mid-weight fleece and was warm (and the better half claims I'm cold-natured) and NOT burdened by the bulk of a puffy down coat..
Jul 13th, 2017, 09:19 AM
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If you live in Louisiana, don't buy anything that you couldn't use at home on a cold day. Just layer up. One decent outer jacket and/or a fleece jacket will do the trick.
Troll online sales (I like Campmor and Backcountry for deals) for gloves and hats, if you don't own any.
I don't like silk or any kind of what we call long underwear b/c you can't easily take it off if you get too hot, but that's just personal preference.
Since you said you're not doing serious hiking or wading, forget waterproof boots, just wear a sneaker hybrid and get some warmer socks if you don't have any. if you buy shoes, just get something sturdy that you might be able to wear at home.
Troll online sales (I like Campmor and Backcountry for deals) for gloves and hats, if you don't own any.
I don't like silk or any kind of what we call long underwear b/c you can't easily take it off if you get too hot, but that's just personal preference.
Since you said you're not doing serious hiking or wading, forget waterproof boots, just wear a sneaker hybrid and get some warmer socks if you don't have any. if you buy shoes, just get something sturdy that you might be able to wear at home.
Jul 13th, 2017, 09:44 AM
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I just want to clarify that down is not necessarily bulky at all. The jackets/coats I have in mind are intended for cool, not cold, weather and are actually easy to move around it. The benefit they have over some rain jackets is that they are really light and designed to pack small. When my LL Bean down coat is stuffed into its pocket, it the size of a large wallet. But that said, I don't disagree that a waterproof/windproof coat, when layered, could serve the same purpose.
Jul 13th, 2017, 11:33 AM
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I have this:
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/8267...d-jacket&csp=f
Maybe you, too, indyhiker? I actually wear mine on cold nights in Tampa, lol. It is very compact, and machine washes great. Mine doesn't have the hood, as it;s an older version.
I have a couple of fleece jackets I've bought on sale that I can layer under the LL Bean if it's really quite chilly. THAT I don't do in Tampa
I highly recommend the LL Bean jacket, and it's currently on sale, but I still would hate to see the OP buy something she can't ever use at home.
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/8267...d-jacket&csp=f
Maybe you, too, indyhiker? I actually wear mine on cold nights in Tampa, lol. It is very compact, and machine washes great. Mine doesn't have the hood, as it;s an older version.
I have a couple of fleece jackets I've bought on sale that I can layer under the LL Bean if it's really quite chilly. THAT I don't do in Tampa
I highly recommend the LL Bean jacket, and it's currently on sale, but I still would hate to see the OP buy something she can't ever use at home.
Jul 13th, 2017, 11:41 AM
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“average September temperature for Fairbanks is 46 degrees”
46 degrees is not the dead of winter. I agree with NewbE – just layer up. Don’t buy anything you couldn’t use at home.
Look at layering a rain jacket with a fleece underneath. You can remove the jacket and the fleece will still keep you warm. Add a turtleneck under the fleece for another layer. At 46 degrees that should be fine. If you think you need more, add a scarf, hat and gloves.
The fleece in Canada and Alaska are warmer than you'll find in the lower 48, so you can always purchase one to wear and bring home a souvenir.
46 degrees is not the dead of winter. I agree with NewbE – just layer up. Don’t buy anything you couldn’t use at home.
Look at layering a rain jacket with a fleece underneath. You can remove the jacket and the fleece will still keep you warm. Add a turtleneck under the fleece for another layer. At 46 degrees that should be fine. If you think you need more, add a scarf, hat and gloves.
The fleece in Canada and Alaska are warmer than you'll find in the lower 48, so you can always purchase one to wear and bring home a souvenir.
Jul 14th, 2017, 09:16 AM
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We like the fleece/raincoat option mentioned above. Don't buy a cheap raincoat it can make or break your trip. We had a two week trip to Alaska, one week glorious, the next rain and 40's - 50's. I'm usually a cheapskate, but wife talked me into buying high end rain gear and we didn't skip a beat. Two things I'd add:
1.) I wear a tight fitting Under Armour long sleeve shirt as a first layer, takes almost no room in suitcase. If you get sweaty just rinse it out and hang, ready the next morning.
2.) Baseball cap. The brim keeps the raincoat hood out of your face and directs the rain away.
1.) I wear a tight fitting Under Armour long sleeve shirt as a first layer, takes almost no room in suitcase. If you get sweaty just rinse it out and hang, ready the next morning.
2.) Baseball cap. The brim keeps the raincoat hood out of your face and directs the rain away.
