What to Pack for an Anchorage Summer Trip
Travel like a local with this honest checklist
Welcome to Anchorage! We’re so glad you’ve decided on a summer visit to Alaska’s largest city, where the scenery is incredible, the wildlife abundant, and daylight seems never to end. No matter how much pre-trip planning you did, we know you likely still have questions ahead of your trip, so who better to answer those questions than our all-local team?
Visiting Anchorage in the summer months means it’s the perfect time to take advantage of all the activities and destinations this bustling area has to offer, but it’s important to have all the tools necessary for a safe and fun adventure, starting with knowing what to pack for Alaska. Of all the Alaska travel tips out there, we think our real-deal Anchorage summer packing checklist is the one to follow.
What Is Alaska Summer Weather Really Like in Anchorage?
One of the first questions we’re often asked is “What is Alaska summer weather like in Anchorage?” and that requires some explanation. Alaska’s location means a shorter summer season, typically arriving in early June, with autumn rolling in toward the end of August. Anchorage, located in the Southcentral region of the state and along Cook Inlet, generally experiences fairly mild summer temperatures in the upper 60s F during the day, and around 45 F at night. However, daylight hours are long and lingering, with more than 20 hours of sunshine around the summer solstice. Anchorage’s location also means a wetter environment than other areas of Alaska, with showery days not uncommon and downright rainstorms definitely possible.
Here are our top clothing and gear recommendations for the ever-changing Alaska summer weather:
Your Anchorage Summer Packing List: A Local's Honest Take
Layers
As conditions change, dressing in layers is key to a comfortable outdoor experience. Try to pack non-cotton base layers made from wicking material, and avoid blue jeans if you can (wet denim makes for a miserable day). Bring a fleece midlayer, and always carry a high-quality rain jacket and pants to stay dry in any storm. We like to pack along a warm hat and light gloves as well, especially if we’re exploring a glacier or out on a boat.
Bug repellent
Yes, Anchorage has mosquitoes, and yes, they appear downtown and at the Copper Whale Inn, especially in the early morning or evening hours. We know there are a host of products touting an ‘all-natural’ formula or other methods to keep mosquitoes away from humans. But honestly? The answer is and always will be a repellent containing DEET, especially if you plan on exploring hiking trails or doing some fishing in the great outdoors, where mosquitoes love to hang out. Either purchase upon arrival or bring along (ProTip: Pack in a plastic zipper bag just in case it spills in transit).
Eye shades
There’s a saying that Alaskans are tired in the winter because it’s dark all the time, and tired in the summer because it’s light all the time. Nothing messes with a body’s natural circadian rhythm like a bright sun shining directly into the eyes during normal sleep times. The local solution? Eye shades to block out all light and allow for a regular bedtime routine. Adequate sleep is important for a truly enjoyable Alaska experience, especially an active one, so purchase eye shades for everyone in the family prior to departure. Better to travel with your own personal blackout shades if you'll be staying anywhere outside our cozy little inn, since not every lodging provides them.
Sturdy Footwear
A lot of Anchorage visitors plan on a fairly robust slate of activities during their stay, from guided hikes to paddling a kayak, so appropriate shoes are a very important part of a safe and comfortable day. Sneakers with comfortable support are fine for walking around town and light hikes, but hiking boots are a must for higher-alpine adventures or more rugged trails. Those visitors planning tours out to the coast should consider rubber boots that keep feet completely dry (and keep your other shoes clean, especially if fishing). Locals adore their XtraTuf boots, and wear them just about everywhere. Known for the distinctive calf-hugging fit and strong rubber soles, XtraTufs come in a variety of styles and are a must-have signature coastal Alaska item.
Charging Cords and Portable Chargers
While cell service is spotty outside many areas of Anchorage, you will be taking a lot of photos and accessing wifi in some locations, so you’ll want to have a full phone charge at all times. We like to keep cords and chargers in a zipper bag just in case of rain or snow.
Small Backpack
Keep track of smaller items and store away extra layers by bringing along a high-quality backpack. Be sure the brand offers sealed seams and strong zippers, as you’ll be wearing the pack through all kinds of weather and environments during your visit. Try it on in the store or at home before you depart to make sure the shoulder straps are comfortable and it holds the storage amount you’ll need.
What Copper Whale Provides So You Can Pack Lighter
Still deciding where to stay in Anchorage, Alaska? A few things on this list you don't actually need to pack if you're staying with us. Every room at the Copper Whale Inn comes with blackout curtains for the midnight sun and locally made bath products, so you can leave the sleep masks and travel-size toiletries out of the suitcase and make room for something else.
Still Have Packing Questions?
Visit the Copper Whale Inn's FAQ page for even more information, and feel free to contact our team at any time: Phone: 907-258-7999. Email: info@copperwhale.com