Essential Gear for Summer in Alaska: What You Actually Need and What You Don’t
Alaska in the summer? Absolute magic. Think endless daylight, towering mountains, epic wildlife encounters, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. But if you’re not prepared, Alaska will humble you—fast. One minute, you’re basking in the midnight sun, and the next, you’re caught in an unexpected downpour, knee-deep in mud, and wondering why you didn’t pack better socks.
That’s where this guide comes in. Below, you’ll find the essential gear for a summer adventure in Alaska—whether you’re hiking, camping, fishing, or trekking on glaciers. Plus, we’ve linked some of our favorite tried-and-true products to make gearing up easy! (Yes, these are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase. Gotta fund those adventures somehow!)
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Ultimate Guide To Fishing In Alaska
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How To Have The Perfect Whale Watching Tour
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How To Pack For A Summer In Alaska
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The Basics: Gear Everyone Needs
These are the non-negotiables—whether you’re road-tripping, hiking, fishing, or just exploring small Alaskan towns.
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Rain Jacket (Because It WILL Rain): Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket – Lightweight, breathable, and keeps you dry without making you feel like a walking sauna. Shop Here!
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Bug Repellent: Insect Repellent – Works way better than DEET and doesn’t smell terrible. Shop Here!
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A Good Daypack: Osprey Talon 22 – Just the right size, with plenty of pockets for snacks and extra layers. Shop Here!
Layers, Layers, Layers:
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Rain Jacket (Because It WILL Rain): Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket – Lightweight, breathable, and keeps you dry without making you feel like a walking sauna. Shop Here!
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Bug Repellent: Insect Repellent – Works way better than DEET and doesn’t smell terrible. Shop Here!
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A Good Daypack: Osprey Talon 22 – Just the right size, with plenty of pockets for snacks and extra layers. Shop Here!
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Base Layer (Moisture-Wicking): Smartwool Merino 150 Tee – Because staying dry = staying warm. Shop Here!
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Mid Layer (Insulation): Jacket – Packs small but keeps you toasty. Shop Here!
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Waterproof Hiking Boots: Randir boots – Great grip, lightweight, and actually comfortable out of the box. Shop Here!
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The Right Socks: Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks – Lifetime warranty and ridiculously comfortable. Shop Here!
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Bear Safety Gear:
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Bear Spray: Counter Assault Bear Spray – The best defense if a bear gets too close. Shop Here!
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Bear Canister: BearVault BV500 – Required for some backcountry areas and keeps your snacks from attracting unwanted visitors. Shop Here!
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For Hiking & Backpacking
Alaska’s trails range from mellow to extreme—make sure you’re ready.
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Trekking Poles: Super helpful for rough terrain and steep climbs. Shop Here!
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Lightweight Tent: Packs down small but stands up to Alaska’s weather. Shop Here!
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Sleeping Bag: Summer in Alaska can still mean chilly nights. Shop Here!
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Water Filtration: Because drinking straight from a glacier-fed stream isn’t as safe as it looks. Shop Here!
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Emergency Bivy: SOL Emergency Bivy– Just in case the weather turns or you get stuck overnight. Shop Here!
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Sleep Mask: MZOO Sleep Mask – Comfy, blackout-level darkness, and won’t smush your face. Shop Here!
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Offline GPS or Maps: Garmin inReach Mini 2 – Satellite GPS + emergency SOS. Worth every penny. Shop Here!
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For Glacier Treks & Ice Climbing
Glaciers are incredible, but they demand serious gear.
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Crampons: Essential for gripping icy surfaces. Shop Here!
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Waterproof Gloves: Keep your hands warm and dry. Shop Here!
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Ice Axe: Useful for steeper glacier hikes. Shop Here!
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Insulated Jacket: Even in summer, glaciers are cold. Shop Here!
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Sunglasses & Sunscreen: The glare from the ice is no joke—protect your eyes and skin. Shop Here!
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For Fishing in Alaska
Planning to cast a line? You’ll need the right gear.
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Waders & Boots: Simms Freestone Waders – Stay dry while fly fishing in Alaska’s rivers. Shop Here!
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Fishing Rod & Reel:Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit – A solid setup for beginners and experienced anglers alike Shop Here!
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Tackle Box: Plano Guide Series Tackle Box – Keep everything organized. Shop Here!
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Bear-Resistant Cooler: YETI Tundra 45 – Keeps your catch (or your beer) ice-cold for days. Shop Here!
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Fishing License: Don’t forget to grab one before you hit the water! Shop Here!
For Hanging Around Town
Even if you’re not trekking through the wilderness, Alaskan towns have their own rugged charm and unique weather patterns. Stay comfortable and stylish while exploring.
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Xtratuf Boots: Xtratuf 6” Ankle Deck Boots – The official footwear of Alaska. Perfect for rainy days, muddy streets, and even casual nights out. Shop Here!
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Casual Layers: Patagonia Better Sweater – Warm, versatile, and stylish enough for grabbing a coffee in Anchorage or strolling through Juneau. Shop Here!
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Packable Rain Jacket: Lightweight and easy to stuff into a daypack for sudden showers. Shop Here!
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Comfortable Pants: Prana Stretch Zion Pants – Ideal for everything from brewery hopping to short hikes. Shop Here!
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Daypack for Exploring: Classic, functional, and stylish. Shop Here!
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Insulated Coffee Mug: Hydro Flask 20 oz Coffee Mug – Keeps your brew hot, because let’s be honest—you’re going to need caffeine for all these adventures. Shop Here!
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Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Stay Wild
Alaska is unpredictable, rugged, and absolutely incredible. Packing the right gear can make the difference between an unforgettable adventure and a miserable, soggy disaster. Get prepared, gear up, and get out there!
What’s the one piece of gear you never travel without? Drop your must-haves in the comments! #VentureWild