Planning a family trip to Alaska is an exciting adventure filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, wildlife encounters, and memorable experiences. We have visited Alaska twice in the last few years and fell in love with its beauty. However, packing for the Last Frontier can be a bit of a challenge due to its unique climate and outdoor activities. To help you prepare for your Alaskan journey, we’ve put together a comprehensive family packing list to Alaska that covers everything you’ll need to make the most of your family adventure.
What to pack for Alaska when visiting in summer
Essential baby gear
Ergobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier
Adventure with baby anywhere with the Ergobaby 360 Carrier. This comfortable, all-position carrier keeps your little one close in front, back or hip carries. Padded straps distribute weight evenly for easy wearing. Breathable mesh keeps baby cool. Perfect for travel, this carrier bonds you and baby from tot to toddler.
Osprey Poco Child Carrier
Adventure together with the Osprey Poco Child Carrier. This comfortable backpack carrier lets kids ride along on any trip. Adjustable harness customizes the fit for parent and child. Padded cockpit, sunshade and foot stirrups keep kiddos cozy. Large cargo area fits necessities. Easy carrying for trails, travel and everyday.
Warm water-resistant clothing
Columbia women’s Powder Lite Ii Hooded Jacket
Stay warm and protected on every adventure with the Columbia Women’s Powder Lite II Hooded Jacket. Designed with Omni-Heat™ technology, it reflects and retains body heat while offering breathable comfort, making it perfect for mild to severe cold. Omni-Shield™ ensures light rain and stains are no match, keeping you dry and clean. Lightweight Thermarator™ insulation provides superior warmth, even in wet conditions, while the active fit ensures all-day comfort.
Columbia Men’s Voodoo Falls 590 TurboDown Hooded Jacket
Stay warm in cold weather with the Columbia Voodoo Falls 590 TurboDown insulated jacket. The metallic Omni-Heat lining retains body heat while the 100% nylon shell dissipates moisture. 590 fill power down insulation and strategic baffling provide lightweight warmth. The hood, zippered hand pockets, and adjustable hem seal in heat. Packable and versatile for your adventures.
Columbia Girls’ Silver Falls Hooded Jacket
The Columbia Silver Falls Hooded Jacket keeps your child warm and dry. Thermarator insulation made from 100% recycled polyester retains heat, while the water resistant shell blocks wind and moisture. Chin guard, hand pockets, elastic cuffs and binding at the hood seal in warmth. Durable and sustainable for all weather protection.
Columbia Boys’ Silver Falls Hooded Jacket
Keep your child warm and dry with the Columbia Silver Falls Hooded Jacket. Made with recycled Thermarator insulation for heat retention. The water resistant shell blocks wind and rain while features like a chin guard, hand pockets, elastic cuffs and hood binding seal in warmth. Sustainable protection for all weather adventures.
Waterproof Breathable Poncho
Stay dry in wilderness storms with the Frogg Toggs Ultra-lite2 Waterproof Poncho. Water-repellent fabric shields from downpours. Snap closure forms spacious shelter. Elasticized sleeves prevent slipping. Ultra-light packs down small. Roomy to wear over coat and pack. Hunker down dry at camp or stay mobile on trails protected from elements.
Columbia Women’s Switchback III Jacket
Stay dry in downpours with the Columbia Switchback III rain jacket. The lightweight Hydroplus shell blocks water while allowing airflow. Adjustable stow-away hood and cuffs seal out rain. Packs into its own pocket for easy portability. Zippered hand pockets keep essentials accessible. The perfect versatile waterproof layer for everyday wear.
Fleece Jacket
Stay cozy in the Columbia Benton Springs Fleece Jacket. Soft 100% polyester MTR filament fleece retains warmth without weight. Zippered side pockets securely store small items. Collar and full zip closure seal in heat. Active cut provides lightweight comfort for outdoor activities. A lightweight cold weather essential for ultimate comfort.
Women Winter Pompom Beanie
Stay cozy and stylish with the REDESS Women Winter Pompom Beanie! Made with windproof, stretchy knit fabric and a warm fleece lining, it’s perfect for keeping your head and ears toasty. The plush pompom adds a chic touch, making it ideal for winter outings, skiing, or casual wear. A great gift for anyone who loves warmth and style this season!
Columbia Bora Booney Sun Hat
Stay protected from sun and sweat with the Columbia Bora Booney hat. The lightweight 100% nylon design features a drawstring closure and UPF 50 sun protection. Omni-Shade blocks UVA/UVB rays while the mesh vent panel and Omni-Wick sweatband keep you cool. The tight weave construction wicks moisture and dries quickly. Perfect for fishing, hiking, and all-day wear in the summer sun.
5 pairs of socks
Stay cozy in ICEIVY Women’s Soft Knit Wool Blend Socks 5 Pack. Vintage crew socks made with high quality wool, cotton, synthetics blend for warmth and softness. Wool makes them breathable and durable to keep toes toasty in any cold weather. Free sizes fit US shoes 5-9.
Sturdy hiking shoes for adults and kids
Columbia Women’s Hiking Shoes
The Columbia Women’s Crestwood waterproof hiking shoes provides sure grip and cushioned support for miles of exploration. Lightweight breathable mesh upper. Advanced traction adapts on wet or dry terrain. Techlite midsole for comfort and energy return.
Timberland Men’s Hiking Boot
Conquer trails comfortably in the Timberland White Ledge Mid hiking boot. Waterproof leather provides durable support mile after mile. Padded collar, rustproof hardware, grippy rubber outsole. Removable EVA footbed cushions and absorbs shock. Breathable lining wicks moisture. Experience nature protected in these rugged, personalized-fit boots.
Kids Hiking Shoes
Let kids explore in comfort with Mishansha Hiking Shoes. These sneakers provide cushioned support for outdoor play and adventures. Protective toe cap and non-slip sole for terrain grip during hikes and climbs. Breathable mesh keeps feet cool. Growing kids need extra foot support, so empower yours to keep pace.
Sunscreen & insect repellent
BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Protect skin and reefs with Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ stick. Zinc oxide/titanium dioxide provide UVA/UVB protection by reflecting rays. Paraben-free, fragrance-free, vegan formula glides on clear without irritants. Sweat and water resistant 80 minutes. Easy twist-up stick for on-the-go.
Insect Repellent
Enjoy pest-free adventures with Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent. Long-lasting formula repels mosquitoes, ticks, flies, gnats, chiggers. More effective than DEET! Repels Lyme, Zika and other bugs. Fragrance-free, non-greasy, safe for family. Won’t damage gear.
Sunglasses with UV protection
SOJOS Polarized Sunglasses
Look stylish on your next adventure with the SOJOS Retro Round Polarized Sunglasses. The 51mm wide x 47mm high lenses filter glare and UV rays, making them perfect for cruises, beaches, or driving trips. TAC polarized lenses with UV400 coating provide visual clarity and eye protection wherever you roam. Durable plastic frames with metal hinges and European nose pads keep you comfortable. Fits men and women – pack these versatile shades for any occasion.
Hiking gear
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Hike in comfort with TrailBuddy Trekking Poles. These lightweight, adjustable poles provide stability mile after mile on trails. Aluminum shafts reduce knee/joint strain; ergonomic cork grips keep hands comfy. Easily collapse to pack neatly for travel.
Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 ventilates and conforms to your back for comfortable carrying. Anti-Gravity suspension utilizes a mesh backpanel and harness. Interior sleeve holds hydration reservoirs. Dual side compression straps and sleeping bag compartment. Integrated raincover and trekking pole attachments included. Top lid and hipbelt zippered pockets store essentials. Mesh side pockets for water bottles or gear. Perfect for multi-day hiking and backpacking trips.
Camera gear & accessories
Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera
Unleash photographic potential with the Canon EOS R6 mirrorless camera. 20MP sensor delivers ultra-sharp images even in low light up to ISO 102400. Blazing fast autofocus captures fleeting moments. Dual card slots allow overflow recording and backup. Shoot continuously at 20fps with electronic shutter. Weather-sealed, compact body perfect for adventure.
Amazon Basics Tripod
Capture travels from the perfect perspective with the AmazonBasics lightweight tripod. Extends 25-60 inches to match shooting height. Quick-release plate enables smooth camera mounting. Rubber feet provide stability. Standard mount attaches cameras, phones, scopes. Compact and lightweight for packing.
DJI Air 3 Drone
Capture travel moments in stunning clarity with the DJI Air 3 drone. Dual cameras let you seize scenic views and tell visual stories. 46 minutes of flight time means more opportunity to get satisfying shots without worrying about battery. Enhanced safety features enable worry-free flying in challenging areas. 48MP camera takes impressive, highly croppable images. Record immersive 4K/60fps HDR video with rich details.
SanDisk 64GB Memory Card
Capture travel moments in stunning quality with the SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB SD Card. Built for professionals with ultra high speeds up to 200MB/s for rapid shooting and transfer. Record smooth 4K video and burst mode photography without interruption.
SAMSUNG 256GB Micro SD Card
Store travel memories worry-free with the SAMSUNG EVO Select 256GB Micro SD Card. Blazing 130MB/s speeds for photos, videos, music. UHS-I and U3 for fast transfers and smooth app loading. Capacities from 64GB to 512GB. A2 and V30 ratings keep content sharp. Rugged water, temperature, x-ray, magnet and drop protection.
Celestron 8×42 Binoculars
Explore the outdoors in sharp detail with Celestron Nature DX binoculars. 8x magnification reveals birds, wildlife and scenery with crisp clarity across a wide field of view. Extra-low dispersion glass produces vivid colors and contrast. Waterproof design withstands elements while twist-up eyecups adjust for eyeglasses. Compact and lightweight.
Travel essentials
Travel Wallet
Travel with ease using the slim Zero Grid Passport Wallet. This document holder keeps your passport, cards, cash and more organized and protected. RFID-blocking guards your valuables. Soft leather exterior and fabric lining keep contents safe. Multiple compartments and pockets tidy everything. Go jet-setting carefree with your essentials secured.
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
Never lose gear again with the Apple AirTag 4 Pack. Attach these tiny trackers to secure essentials like keys, bags, cameras. Locate lost items instantly using iPhone Precision Finding. Built-in speakers help find nearby misplaced items. Durable stainless steel design. Take them anywhere with IP67 water/dust resistance. Stress less about lost luggage and belongings.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are small, zippered bags that help you organize and compress your clothing and other items, allowing you to fit more into your suitcase. We think these cubes are life saviors when it comes to packing. Not only do they save space in a bag, but if you get different sets in different colors as we do, you can designate a specific set for each person in your family and easily know where things are.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Keep your toiletries and small items organized for stress-free packing with handy hanging toiletry bags. Their compartments store everything neatly so you can quickly find what you need when traveling. Hang them in your hotel or tent for easy access. With your items streamlined in these bags, you’ll save time packing and avoid forgotten items.
Windproof Travel Umbrella
Stay dry on the go with the HERO Travel Umbrella. Windproof reinforced canopy withstands gusts without flipping inside out. Compact telescoping design packs down small for purses or carry-ons. Automatic open and close function for easy one-handed use. Durable fiberglass ribs resist corrosion. Rubberized grip and wrist strap offer a secure hold. The perfect portable umbrella for breezy days or sudden showers.
First Aid Kit
Be prepared with the First Aid Only 298-piece Comprehensive First Aid Kit. Contains bandages, ointments, wipes, burn treatments, pain relievers, gauze, wound closures and other essentials. Organized in a soft-sided case with clear pockets for easy access. Two layers with individual compartments.
Luggage Scale
Use a luggage scale to avoid overweight baggage fees. We always check the weight of our suitcases at home before leaving for the airport. This can save you money and hassle at the airport and help you avoid having to leave any items behind.
Purell Hand Sanitizer (Travel Size)
Keep hands refreshed on-the-go with Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer. This gentle, aloe-infused gel formula cleans hands without drying skin. Just a quick dollop banishes germs and microbes. Clip it on your belt or toss in your bag for easy, water-free sanitizing.
Hand Wash Detergents
You may not always have access to a washer, but you might need to quickly wash a few things (especially the kid’s clothes). These little hand wash detergents are small, lightweight, and easy to use. Simply pour some water in the sink, open the pouch, put the detergent in, and wash your things.
Neck Pillow
Enjoy customized neck support on trips with the MLVOC Memory Foam Travel Pillow. Contoured design prevents strain. Adjustable rope lock customizes angle and size. Breathable, sweat-resistant cover is soft and machine washable. Premium memory foam cushions pressure points.
Travel Blanket
Bring a small travel blanket to make your kids more comfortable on the plane or during long car rides. Not only will it work as a way to keep them warm, but it will also make them cozy and relaxed (just as you wanted).
Backpack by SwissGear
This TSA-friendly bag simplifies travel with lay-flat design and USB charging port. Padded 17″ laptop sleeve and multiple compartments keep gear organized. Breathable back panel ventilates on the move. Front organizer stores essentials for easy airport access. With this backpack, you’ll breeze through security and stay powered up.
Gadgets
Apple iPad Air
Keep kids engaged on the go with the Apple iPad Air. The fast M1 chip powers a vivid 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, perfect for games, movies, and more during long trips. Long battery life for all-day entertainment. Supports Apple Pencil for drawing and Magic Keyboard for versatility. 12MP cameras capture memories. Wi-Fi and cellular models available to stay connected everywhere. The lightweight iPad Air packs pro features into a thin design – the perfect travel buddy to keep your child happily occupied.
Power Bank
Don’t let a dead phone ruin your trip! Pack a portable power bank to charge devices on-the-go. This compact savior stores backup power to revive your phone anytime, anywhere. Just connect and charge without outlets. Avoid low battery dread with this travel essential!
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
Immerse yourself in spatial audio with the Apple AirPods 3rd Generation. These sweat-resistant earbuds deliver dynamic sound. Their contoured, secure fit makes them perfect for workouts. Just tap the earbuds to control your tunes, take calls, and summon Siri. The wireless charging case provides over 30 hours of listening. Recharge on the go by simply dropping AirPods in the pocket-sized case. Easy pairing with Apple devices thanks to the H1 chip.
JLab JBuddies Pro Wireless Over-Ear Kids Headphones
Keep kids entertained with the JLab JBuddies Pro Wireless Headphones. Cloud Foam earcups provide a comfortable customizable fit. Volume-limiting technology protects young ears, with built-in 85/95dB switches. Bluetooth 5 gives up to 35+ hours of wireless playtime. Kid-friendly controls on earcups. Recharge via USB. Comes with AUX cord for wired sharing. Perfect for travel and learning.
Kitchen and food
Thermos Funtainer Bottle
Stay hydrated anywhere with the Thermos Funtainer Bottle. This insulated 16oz bottle keeps drinks icy cold for 12 hours – perfect for travel and outdoor adventures. Durable stainless steel design. Sip refreshing cold drinks from sunrise to sunset, wherever you roam.
CLIF BAR – Variety Pack
Power adventures with CLIF BARs. Made with wholesome, sustainably sourced ingredients to sustain active bodies during activities like hiking and biking. Variety of classic flavors like Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter satisfy cravings. Conveniently wrapped, these bars deliver tasty energy on the go. This value pack includes 16 assorted flavors to sample.
Ziploc Variety Pack
Ziploc food bags with an innovative Stay Open design for easy filling and storage. Stand upright to organize fridge and pack for travel. Patented bottom and reliable Grip n’ Seal closure. Lock in freshness and flavor. Variety of sizes – ideal for leftovers, bulk ingredients, sandwiches. Durable, leakproof and BPA-free. Microwave safe.
Small Cooler
Keep snacks fresh for hours with the PackIt Freezable Snack Box. The built-in cooling gel can be frozen overnight and keeps contents cool without ice packs. Fits containers, bottles, fruits, veggies – perfect for lunches, day trips, and on-the-go. Made from nontoxic, lead/BPA-free materials. Foldable rectangular design with handle for easy transport.
Bottom line
Remember that the specific items you need might vary based on the time of year you visit and the activities you plan to do. Be sure to check the weather forecast and local regulations before your trip. With this comprehensive packing list in hand, you’ll be well-prepared for your family’s Alaskan adventure, ready to create lasting memories in one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth.
