Are you wondering what to wear in Alaska? “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing” is the mantra of all experienced Alaska adventurers, and with good reason. Weather in the 49th state can be wildly unpredictable, swinging from sunny to rainy or snowy and everything between just about any time of the year, so packing the right clothing for current conditions is doubly important.
Not sure what to wear in Alaska and what to pack? Don’t worry! The Greatland Adventures team is made up of Alaskans, so we’re pretty dialed into the most appropriate clothing for each tour and its usual (or unusual) weather. Check out our suggestions for staying comfortable on tour, whether it’s cold and snowy or warm and sunny.
What to Wear in Alaska: Winter Tours
Generally, the months between November and March are considered prime time for Alaska’s signature winter weather conditions, which means cold temperatures and snow. Depending upon your activity level, dressing appropriately in the winter means working from the ‘inside out’ when it comes to clothing choices. We also highly recommend dressing in layers, each of which will trap body heat in, and keep moisture, like rain or snow, out. When in doubt, layers, layers, layers, is the answer to your question, “What to wear in Alaska?” Plus, wearing layers means it’s easier to shed a layer (or even two) when you’re working hard skiing, hiking, or sledding in the snow. We recommend our guests wear three layers of quality winter clothing, listed below.
Base layer
This layer closest to the skin is one of the most important, trapping body heat while also wicking away any moisture that may occur. Most base layer fabrics are either made from wool, synthetic materials like polyester, or a synthetic wool blend that provides ample warmth even when wet. And don’t worry if you were part of the old-style wool-wearing generation of many years ago: Today’s wool is softer and virtually itch-free, making it one of the best quality fabrics for cold weather adventures. What not to wear? The cheap, cotton long underwear that does little for insulation purposes. Splurge on base layers, as your comfort is worth every penny.
Middle layer
Often referred to as the ‘insulating layer,’ this middle section is where the warmth from your body is captured and held. A favorite fabric is fleece of varying thicknesses (depending upon your own body’s tendency to run warm or cool) and should include a pullover or zip-style jacket or shirt, and pants. If you don’t wish to wear fleece, a warm, non-cotton sweater or light puffy jacket is a good option for the top, but steer clear of blue jeans or cotton sweatpants for your bottom half. If snow pants are available to you, these can be a fine layer instead of fleece, but note that you’ll need to make sure they are made from materials that can repel wet snow, fog, or sleety rain, so double-check before purchasing.
Outer layer
The outer layer step is a critical one, as clothing must keep nature’s wet, snowy conditions from leaching into the insulating and base layers below. That said, any moisture coming from the base layer must have a way to escape, so wrapping yourself in a rubber foul-weather jacket and pants will only exacerbate the problem. Wear a ‘shell’ made of waterproof-breathable materials (not water-resistant) to allow for a dry, comfortable outdoor experience. It’s not necessary to purchase the most expensive GORE-TEX outfit at the outdoor store, but it is important to read labels and make sure you have the waterproof-breathable tag.
Hats
A quality winter hat is critical for wintertime recreation in Alaska. Not only will a warm hat prevent heat from escaping out the top of your noggin, it will also protect your ears, which are particularly susceptible to frostbite in very cold conditions. Be sure to try on hats and make sure your ears are completely covered. If temperatures are expected to be extremely cold (like below zero), consider a balaclava to pull over your neck, chin, mouth, and nose as well. Note: Ball caps do not provide any insulation and can blow off in windy conditions, leaving you unprotected from the elements. The same for hoods; if your outer layer has a hood, use it in combination with a warm hat.
Gloves/Mittens
Do not overlook protecting your sensitive fingers in cold weather! It’s very important to choose insulating gloves with a waterproof shell coating on the outside for the best possible protection. Mittens, of course, will be even warmer, since they trap the heat from all four fingers in the same place. Some mittens and gloves will have a pocket for chemical hand warmers, which can come in handy during times of inactivity and last up to several hours.
Footwear
There’s nothing worse than cold toes while exploring Alaska’s winter wonderlands, and we want every guest to be warm and toasty from head to foot during our tours. Before you arrive in Alaska, select thick, non-cotton socks rated for cold weather to cushion and protect your feet. Some people prefer to layer a thin, non-cotton sock with a midweight winter sock in the belief that a bit of warmer air will be trapped between the layers.
Winter boots should be waterproof and insulated. If you are embarking upon a northern lights tour, realize that much of the night will be spent standing with little movement, so choose a boot rated to -40F or lower. If you plan to snowshoe, hike, or walk farther than a half mile, pick boots suited for winter recreation activities. Whatever you choose, be sure your boots fit with your preferred sock, leaving enough room for ample wiggling. We suggest taking the socks you will be wearing to the outdoor store and trying both boots and socks together. Walk a bit around the store and make sure your feet have enough room and the boots are comfortable on your heels, ankles, and legs.
Don’t want to invest in heavy winter gear you’ll probably wear but once? Greatland Adventures rents outerwear for just this reason, so ask our office team and they’ll be glad to help you sort out the proper sizes. Note that selections are not guaranteed, so call ahead as far in advance as possible!
What to Wear in Alaska: Spring, Summer, or Fall Tours
Alaska’s non-snowy seasons can still pack a punch, weather-wise, so it’s important to choose clothing with variable forecasts in mind.
Between April and September, Alaska experiences a wide range of weather, so our general rule of thumb is to remember the layering concepts and be prepared to add or remove one of those recommended layers as conditions change.
Base layer
Whether hot and sunny or cold and rainy, the base layer remains an important part of your Alaska wardrobe. While a t-shirt and shorts are fine for walking around town, if you plan to explore a glacier or hike a trail, a non-cotton base layer is a better choice. Wicking fabrics of polyester or Merino wool are now made into long or short-sleeve shirts that, while more expensive, are a great option for traveling around Alaska.
Middle layer
Fleece works well for a spring, summer, or fall visit to the 49th state, mostly because the insulating factor combined with comfortable styles means it’s easy to take off or put on as temperatures rise or fall with weather changes or morning and evening cooling.
Outer layer
Remember that waterproof-breathable label we mentioned above? Yep, it’s important to have for non-snowy visits to Alaska, too. Rain can fall hard and often in Alaska, especially in the Southcentral region (where Anchorage is located), so keeping warm and dry will go a long way toward a better travel experience.
Hats
Alaska’s midnight sun is a real thing, and you’ll want to protect your eyes and face from our long, lingering sunshine during the summer months. A ball cap or sun hat is perfect for this season, but in the early spring and fall, it’s wise to add a beanie or other warm hat, just in case temperatures drop.
Footwear
Sturdy shoes meant for walking on uneven surfaces are a must for Alaska adventuring, and make sure you have comfortable socks to match. Kids can wear sneakers if you don’t want to buy special hiking shoes, but check to be sure the soles have enough tread on them for scrambling along mountain trails in variable weather.
We provide options for you to add outer layers for our selected winter tours, especially for all our aurora tours. Have questions about clothing, sizes, or brands? Greatland Adventures staff are always willing to share their tips for selecting, packing, and wearing your Alaska gear.
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