Packing List for Alaska in July -- Too much and/or more layers needed?

[BigZfan]

I have been reading and searching about information on packing for a cruise to Alaska in July for a 7 day cruise, and I have come across a ton of information. People say to pack less than you think you will need, but at the same time they say to bring layers, layers, and layers. Using the information that I have gathered from Cruise Critic's forums, and my own ideas, I have created the following 3 lists. One is a general packing list for things for both my husband and I and the second two are a list for me and a list for him.

 

My question is, what is missing and what is too much? I am thinking we can get everything on the list in two suit cases and two carry-on's.

 

 

General

Airline tickets (2)

Binoculars (1)

Bungee Cord (2)

Carnival cruise documents (2 sets)

Champagne (2)

Clothes pins (6) (to hang up wet swimsuits)

Contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards (2 copies)

Corkscrew (1)

Digital Camera (2)

Disposable rain ponchos (4)

Extra AA batteries for the cameras and night lights (24)

Hangers (15)

Highlighters (4)

Insulated large coffee mugs (2)

Kindle Fire (1)

Laptop (1)

LL. Bean travel bags (2) (to hold souvenirs we buy in port)

Memory Cards for the Camera’s (8)

Mr. and Mrs. T’s Bloody Mary Mix (24 cans)

Night-light (2)

Passports (2)

Pens (4)

Phone (1)

Playing Cards and other SMALL games (2 or 3)

Post-its (1)

Power strips (2)

Purex 3-in-1 laundry detergent strips (3)

Reusable water bottles (6)

Rum runners (3) (empty – to be used to mix Bon Voyage rum with Baja Bob’s Daiquiri mix.)

Travel books on Alaska with maps (2)

Travel Clocks (2)

Walkie Talkies (2)

Wallet (2) (driver’s license, medical insurance cards, credit cards, cash…)

Watch (2)

Zip loc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags (15)

 

 

The Mrs.

Short sleeve shirts (3) (buy more as souvenirs and wear them if needed)

Under Armour long sleeve Cold Gear shirts (7)

Under Armour Cold Gear sweatshirt (1)

Under Armour Full Zip Cold Gear jacket (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear pants (2)

Jeans (2)

Shorts (1)

Formal dress (1) (that I can wear my fancy crocs with)

Nice dresses/Outfits to wear to dinner (2) (that I can wear my fancy crocs with)

Scottevest – Pink (1)

Scottevest/Jacket – Black (1)

Rain coat/pants (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear Gloves (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear Hat (1)

Scarf (1)

Waterproof hiking shoes (2)

Fancy crocs (1 or 2)

Swimsuits (2)

Long underwear sets (3)

Nightgowns (3)

Socks, including some wool hiking socks (10)

Underwear (10)

Bras (3)

LL Bean hanging travel toiletry bag (1)

 

 

a.

Shampoo

b.

Conditioner

c.

Toothpaste/Toothbrush

d.

Pads/Tampons

e.

Brush

f.

Hair bands and clips

g.

Sunscreen

h.

Bug Spray

i.

KY

j.

Make-up

k.

Medications

l.

Sunglasses

m.

Glasses

n.

Contacts

o.

Ear plugs

p.

Small first aid kit

q.

Hand sanitizer

r.

Blister spray

s.

Deodorant

t.

Razor

The Mr.

Short sleeve shirts (3) (buy more as souvenirs and wear them if needed)

Under Armour long sleeve Cold Gear shirts (7)

Under Armour Cold Gear sweatshirt (1)

Under Armour Full Zip Cold Gear jacket (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear pants (2)

Jeans (2)

Shorts (2)

Formal outfit (1) (button up shirt/tie/dress pants)

Nice outfits to wear to dinner (2) (polo shirt/dress pants)

Scottevest/Jacket – Black (1)

Rain coat/pants (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear Gloves (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear Hat (1)

Scarf (1)

Waterproof hiking shoes (2)

Dress shoes to go with the formal and nice dinner outfits (1)

Swim trunks (2)

Long underwear sets (3)

P.J’s (3)

Socks, including some wool hiking socks (10)

Underwear (10)

LL Bean hanging travel toiletry bag (1)

 

 

a.

Shampoo

b.

Conditioner

c.

Toothpaste/Toothbrush

d.

Brush

e.

Hair Gel

f.

Sunscreen

g.

Bug Spray

h.

Medications

i.

Sunglasses

j.

Glasses

k.

Contacts

l.

Ear plugs

m.

Deodorant

n.

Razor

[gerryl12]

I have been reading and searching about information on packing for a cruise to Alaska in July for a 7 day cruise, and I have come across a ton of information. People say to pack less than you think you will need, but at the same time they say to bring layers, layers, and layers. Using the information that I have gathered from Cruise Critic's forums, and my own ideas, I have created the following 3 lists. One is a general packing list for things for both my husband and I and the second two are a list for me and a list for him.

 

My question is, what is missing and what is too much? I am thinking we can get everything on the list in two suit cases and two carry-on's.

 

 

General

Airline tickets (2)

Binoculars (1)

Bungee Cord (2)

Carnival cruise documents (2 sets)

Champagne (2)

Clothes pins (6) (to hang up wet swimsuits)

Contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards (2 copies)

Corkscrew (1)

Digital Camera (2)

Disposable rain ponchos (4) 2 at most

Extra AA batteries for the cameras and night lights (24)use rechargeable

Hangers (15)

Highlighters (4) 1 at most

Insulated large coffee mugs (2)

Kindle Fire (1)

Laptop (1)

LL. Bean travel bags (2) (to hold souvenirs we buy in port)

Memory Cards for the Camera’s (8)

Mr. and Mrs. T’s Bloody Mary Mix (24 cans)

Night-light (2) 1 at most

Passports (2)

Pens (4) 2 at most

Phone (1)

Playing Cards and other SMALL games (2 or 3)

Post-its (1)

Power strips (2) 1 at most

Purex 3-in-1 laundry detergent strips (3)

Reusable water bottles (6) 1 each

Rum runners (3) (empty – to be used to mix Bon Voyage rum with Baja Bob’s Daiquiri mix.)

Travel books on Alaska with maps (2) you have a computer

Travel Clocks (2) 1 at most

Walkie Talkies (2)

Wallet (2) (driver’s license, medical insurance cards, credit cards, cash…)

Watch (2)

Zip loc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags (15) Maybe 2 zip lock

 

 

The Mrs.

Short sleeve shirts (3) (buy more as souvenirs and wear them if needed)

Under Armour long sleeve Cold Gear shirts (7) 1 at most

Under Armour Cold Gear sweatshirt (1)

Under Armour Full Zip Cold Gear jacket (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear pants (2) 1 at most

Jeans (2)

Shorts (1)

Formal dress (1) (that I can wear my fancy crocs with)

Nice dresses/Outfits to wear to dinner (2) (that I can wear my fancy crocs with)

Scottevest – Pink (1)

Scottevest/Jacket – Black (1)

Rain coat/pants (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear Gloves (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear Hat (1)

Scarf (1)

Waterproof hiking shoes (2) 1 at most

Fancy crocs (1 or 2)

Swimsuits (2) 1 at most

Long underwear sets (3) 1 at most

Nightgowns (3)

Socks, including some wool hiking socks (10)

Underwear (10)

Bras (3)

LL Bean hanging travel toiletry bag (1)

 

 

a.

Shampoo

b.

Conditioner

c.

Toothpaste/Toothbrush

d.

Pads/Tampons

e.

Brush

f.

Hair bands and clips

g.

Sunscreen

h.

Bug Spray

i.

KY

j.

Make-up

k.

Medications

l.

Sunglasses

m.

Glasses

n.

Contacts

o.

Ear plugs

p.

Small first aid kit

q.

Hand sanitizer

r.

Blister spray

s.

Deodorant

t.

Razor

The Mr.

Short sleeve shirts (3) (buy more as souvenirs and wear them if needed)

Under Armour long sleeve Cold Gear shirts (7) 1 at most

Under Armour Cold Gear sweatshirt (1)

Under Armour Full Zip Cold Gear jacket (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear pants (2) 1 at most

Jeans (2)

Shorts (2)

Formal outfit (1) (button up shirt/tie/dress pants)

Nice outfits to wear to dinner (2) (polo shirt/dress pants)

Scottevest/Jacket – Black (1)

Rain coat/pants (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear Gloves (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear Hat (1)

Scarf (1)

Waterproof hiking shoes (2) 1 at most

Dress shoes to go with the formal and nice dinner outfits (1)

Swim trunks (2) 1 at most

Long underwear sets (3) 1 at most

P.J’s (3)

Socks, including some wool hiking socks (10)

Underwear (10)

LL Bean hanging travel toiletry bag (1)

 

 

a.

Shampoo

b.

Conditioner

c.

Toothpaste/Toothbrush

d.

Brush

e.

Hair Gel

f.

Sunscreen

g.

Bug Spray

h.

Medications

i.

Sunglasses

j.

Glasses

k.

Contacts

l.

Ear plugs

m.

Deodorant

n.

Razor

 

You asked so.... I would ditch everything in red and take just over half of what is left.

 

3 PJ's Laundry??? same for sox, underwear etc.

 

Just my point of view. Of course if it doesn't fit in my carry-on and small pack it doesn't go.

 

Happy cruising

[Keith1010]

You may have done this already but if not be sure to ask for feedback on the Alaska Ports Of Call Board.

 

Keith

[cb at sea]

That's a LOT of "general" stuff....you can probably go 1 week without most of that!

[CruisinEars]

I agree with Gerryl12. Way too much. Unless you will be hiking on the glacier, it will probably be in the 60's-70's in port. I went in August a couple of years ago and I just took some chino's/jeans, t-shirts (long sleeve and short), sweatshirts, and a waterproof light weight jacket. You can then mix/match add/peel as needed. I also took my nice dresses for the evening but many ladies also wear capris or just chinos or slacks. Alaska is a more casual itinerary so you will see lots of jeans and sweaters/sweatshirts onboard.

[ducklite]

I agree with everyone else--you're going on a one week trip on a cruise ship, not an expedition to Everest.

 

I second the rechargeable batteries, and leave the hangers behind. There will be some in your room, you can ask for more, and most of what your bringing can be folded in a drawer anyhow.

 

I WOULD bring the gloves though, they take up no packing space and anytime I need a hat or scarf, I also generally need gloves.

[Alaskanb]

I am just back from the UK where I field -tested my layers in climate similar to what we will expect in Alaska. I agree with CruisinEars --keep it very simple. I was fine in athletic shoes, short or 3/4 sleeve t-shirts, jeans, cardigan or fleece jacket, and rain jacket. The best list I have seen is at Ketchikan Experience.

The only time I expect to wear my silk under-layers is on the Glacier cruise days. If you have waterproof breathable jacket and pants and light layers underneath you will be fine. I am taking 1 pair each of waterproof light hiking boots and athletic shoes plus sandals. I am all for being prepared and if things are light weight (and you already own them) go for it. Try a trial packing of your suitcase and go from there.

[dustyroad]

i have been too alaska inside passage 5 times and i would never take as much stuff as you have listed. formal night is a little more casual in alaska if you want it too be. it is amazing how you can wear the same pants more than once and a sweater or sweatshirt will cover up your tops anyway for the ship or port days. ditch the hiking boots/thick hicking socks and just wear your tennis shoes with good socks that have been waterproofed. i never used my silk underwear once after i bought them. the heavy jacket can be left at home also. shampoo, lotion, body wash, razors and things are provied in the cabin. i never haul that stuff around in my bag either. and you will be surprised how heavy the batteries are going too be. go too target and pick up the 2 1/2 gallon ziplock bags too seperate your undies in the bag and put the dirty ones in. each ship has a library with games provided too play. disposable rain ponchos can be bought in any port for about a buck. everyone over packs for the first cruise too alaska. you will find out that you are taking way too much when you never take the things out of the bag and wish you had left them home. i take a carry-on for the whole week and that is it. a bag too bring home souveniers can be picked up really cheap in the ports too and it will have the name of one of the ports on it for a rememorance of your trip. and do yourself a favor, dont get caught up in the push too pick up the free junk at the jewlery shops. they give you a hard sale before they hand you a piece of worthless stuff and you miss out on seeing and enjoying the port. too me it is a waste of time too rush around and collect this stuff. just my opinion only on this. have a great time.

[aohkay]

7 days...not 7 weeks, right?

 

I'm sorry, I couldn't even finish reading the list.

 

I would leave at least 50% of the stuff at home.

[dustyroad]

7 days...not 7 weeks, right?

 

I'm sorry, I couldn't even finish reading the list.

 

I would leave at least 50% of the stuff at home.

 

they will live and learn :D

[donaldsc]

We were in Alaska for 3 months last summer and we took way less than you are taking.

 

DON

[Alaskanb]

Just curious --what are you planning to do on land?

[Assateague Island Princes]

Yowza!:eek: Thats a lot of stuff for 7 days! Really, cut it by 50% or even 75% - layering is the key. It won't be freezing cold if you dress appropriately - start with a short sleeved tee, then maybe a longsleeved tee and a hoodie and strip the layers off as necessary. Waterproof jecket with a hood is a must, and waterproof shoes or sneakers sprayed with waterproofing spray will work just fine. As far as the fancy duds for the MDR, that is up to you. We found that we don't go to the MDR on our AK cruises - we take full advantage of HAL's wonderful Lido or get room service. We're so exhausted after exciting and interesting activities in port that the last thing we want to do is dress up to eat a three hour dinner in the MDR. Nope, give me a nice meal in the Lido, while never taking my eyes off the water as I scan for whales or the amazing AK scenery, then its back out on deck with bincoulars glued to my eyes. Before long, I'm nodding off and getting some shut eye to be up bright and early the next AM to do it all over again! Less is definitely more for Alaska! Take advantage of your ship's laundry services - thats what we do. For our two 14 day AK cruises, we each only packed one week's worth of clothes, and took advantage of HAL's Unlimited Laundry package ($45/cabin for 7 day cruises and $99/cabin for 14 day cruises). Best bargain on the ship!

 

Go, enjoy and don't sweat the small stuff. Who cares if you wear the same top or pants a couple of nights? Trust me, no one will notice! Have a great time in the Great Land - it is truly spectacular! Four times now and planning my 5th!:D

[Wayfairers]

I agree with Gerryl12. Way too much. Unless you will be hiking on the glacier, it will probably be in the 60's-70's in port. I went in August a couple of years ago and I just took some chino's/jeans, t-shirts (long sleeve and short), sweatshirts, and a waterproof light weight jacket. You can then mix/match add/peel as needed. I also took my nice dresses for the evening but many ladies also wear capris or just chinos or slacks. Alaska is a more casual itinerary so you will see lots of jeans and sweaters/sweatshirts onboard.

 

I hiked/climbed on the Mendenhall glacier and wore my t-shirt, hoodie sweatshirt, jeans, wool socks and the coat and boots the company taking me hiking/climbing supplied.

 

I agree - pants/jeans, t-shirts and 2 sweatshirts so you don't get sick of the same one, and a waterproof light weight jacket works for everyday wear.

 

I wouldn't take the games, but I always take cards - they are small and really help if your flight gets delayed.

 

Check to make sure you really need to bring the detergent strips - some ships provide the detergent.

 

All ships provide shampoo/conditioner so unless you are picky I wouldn't take that.

 

I would definitely take the coffee mugs - easier than using the small cups on board and handy for the wine/beer/liquor that you consume but don't purchase on board ;)

 

The best advice anyone ever gave me for packing is to step through each day's plans from the moment you get out of bed to the moment you fall asleep and make sure you have everything you really need. Don't carry the what ifs - if that scenario really happens you can buy whatever you need.

[SadieN]

Limit yourself to one 25" suitcase and one totebag/backpack per person.

Get a luggage scale.

 

Check weather.com about a week before your cruise.

 

We have cruised Alaska twice. In 2007 we wore TShirts and shorts. In 2008 it was cool, rainy and in the 40's. I wore a long sleeve Tshirt, sweater/hoodie, my winter raincoat and sneakers. I'm in Los Angeles so my winter is like your fall coat.;)

 

The nice thing about Alaska is that you can mail souvenirs home without any customs worries.:)

[Alaskanb]

Limit yourself to one 25" suitcase and one totebag/backpack per person.

Get a luggage scale.

 

A luggage scale is a must any more. Look at the baggage rules for your airlines to see if it is worthwhile checking in an extra bag on the way back or mailing items home.

[chipmaster]

You are bringing a lot :eek:

 

Too much redundancy IMHO, you can bet by with one of everything

 

I have been reading and searching about information on packing for a cruise to Alaska in July for a 7 day cruise, and I have come across a ton of information. People say to pack less than you think you will need, but at the same time they say to bring layers, layers, and layers. Using the information that I have gathered from Cruise Critic's forums, and my own ideas, I have created the following 3 lists. One is a general packing list for things for both my husband and I and the second two are a list for me and a list for him.

 

My question is, what is missing and what is too much? I am thinking we can get everything on the list in two suit cases and two carry-on's.

 

 

General

Airline tickets (2)

Binoculars (1) Unless one is really going to wildlife watch for yours skip

Bungee Cord (2) Not required

Carnival cruise documents (2 sets)

Champagne (2) Not required

Clothes pins (6) (to hang up wet swimsuits) Not required

Contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards (2 copies)

Corkscrew (1) Not required

Digital Camera (2)

Disposable rain ponchos (4) Not required

Extra AA batteries for the cameras and night lights (24)

Hangers (15) Not required

Highlighters (4) Not required

Insulated large coffee mugs (2)

Kindle Fire (1)

Laptop (1)

LL. Bean travel bags (2) (to hold souvenirs we buy in port)

Memory Cards for the Camera’s (8)

Mr. and Mrs. T’s Bloody Mary Mix (24 cans) Not required

Night-light (2) Not required, it gets dark at 11pm and bright at 5am or something

Passports (2)

Pens (4) Not required

Phone (1)

Playing Cards and other SMALL games (2 or 3) Not required

Post-its (1) Not required

Power strips (2) Not required

Purex 3-in-1 laundry detergent strips (3)

Reusable water bottles (6) You really need 6?

Rum runners (3) (empty – to be used to mix Bon Voyage rum with Baja Bob’s Daiquiri mix.) Not required

Travel books on Alaska with maps (2) Not required

Travel Clocks (2) Not required

Walkie Talkies (2) Not required

Wallet (2) (driver’s license, medical insurance cards, credit cards, cash…)

Watch (2)

Zip loc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags (15)

 

 

The Mrs.

Short sleeve shirts (3) (buy more as souvenirs and wear them if needed)

Under Armour long sleeve Cold Gear shirts (7) Maybe one or two

Under Armour Cold Gear sweatshirt (1)

Under Armour Full Zip Cold Gear jacket (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear pants (2)

Jeans (2)

Shorts (1)

Formal dress (1) (that I can wear my fancy crocs with)

Nice dresses/Outfits to wear to dinner (2) (that I can wear my fancy crocs with)

Scottevest – Pink (1)

Scottevest/Jacket – Black (1)

Rain coat/pants (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear Gloves (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear Hat (1)

Scarf (1)

Waterproof hiking shoes (2)

Fancy crocs (1 or 2)

Swimsuits (2) ONE

Long underwear sets (3) Maybe two

Nightgowns (3)

Socks, including some wool hiking socks (10) How many days you going? Maybe 3 pairs

Underwear (10) How many days you going??

Bras (3)

LL Bean hanging travel toiletry bag (1)

 

a.

Shampoo

b.

Conditioner

c.

Toothpaste/Toothbrush

d.

Pads/Tampons

e.

Brush

f.

Hair bands and clips

g.

Sunscreen

h.

Bug Spray

i.

KY :D :D Aren't you forgetting something else too ;)

j.

Make-up

k.

Medications

l.

Sunglasses

m.

Glasses

n.

Contacts

o.

Ear plugs

p.

Small first aid kit

q.

Hand sanitizer

r.

Blister spray

s.

Deodorant

t.

Razor

The Mr.

Short sleeve shirts (3) (buy more as souvenirs and wear them if needed)

Under Armour long sleeve Cold Gear shirts (7) Maybe one or two

Under Armour Cold Gear sweatshirt (1)

Under Armour Full Zip Cold Gear jacket (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear pants (2)

Jeans (2)

Shorts (2) One pair

Formal outfit (1) (button up shirt/tie/dress pants)

Nice outfits to wear to dinner (2) (polo shirt/dress pants)

Scottevest/Jacket – Black (1)

Rain coat/pants (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear Gloves (1)

Under Armour Cold Gear Hat (1)

Scarf (1)

Waterproof hiking shoes (2) ONE

Dress shoes to go with the formal and nice dinner outfits (1)

Swim trunks (2) ONE

Long underwear sets (3) TWO

P.J’s (3) One should be good

Socks, including some wool hiking socks (10) 2 or three pairs

Underwear (10) How many days you going?? :eek:

LL Bean hanging travel toiletry bag (1)

 

a.

Shampoo

b.

Conditioner

c.

Toothpaste/Toothbrush

d.

Brush

e.

Hair Gel

f.

Sunscreen

g.

Bug Spray

h.

Medications

i.

Sunglasses

j.

Glasses

k.

Contacts

l.

Ear plugs

m.

Deodorant

n.

Razor

[dzcruisers]

7 days...not 7 weeks, right?

 

I'm sorry, I couldn't even finish reading the list.

 

I would leave at least 50% of the stuff at home.

 

I started out trying to go over the list and just gave up. They must be new new cruisers. We were there once too. And I took all that stuff and more but that was before the bags were limited and had to be so carefully weighed. Our first cruise to Alaska it was 85 everyday! The next time, same time of year it was 40 something all the time and rainy! Like they say take half the stuff and twice the money!

[aohkay]

And I took all that stuff and more but that was before the bags were limited and had to be so carefully weighed. Our first cruise to Alaska it was 85 everyday! The next time, same time of year it was 40 something all the time and rainy! Like they say take half the stuff and twice the money!

 

Good point. ALL airlines are now very strict with weight and size limits. One could pay a great deal of extra fees for over weight baggage allowances etc.

[BigZfan]

O.K. I get it, WAY too much stuff. This is why I am thinking about it now and asking around on the "First Time Cruiser" board. I am looking for insight from others.

 

Normally we go somewhere warm where will will bring 7 tank tops and 2 pairs of shorts in a bag along most of the general items on the list and are able to travel with just a carry on. (minus the drinks -- because we can buy them where we are going at a Walmart when we get there.) Or we just go camping and fill up the car with whatever we need and we don't even have to worry about it.

 

However, after reading about Alaska and how people suggest layers, layers, and layers, I just feel overwhelmed. People say that rain gear is a must, and that they should bring two pairs of hiking shoes since who wants to wear wet shoes all week? Plus people should wear 3 to 4 layers so that you can take off or put on clothes throughout the day as the tempurature changes. This means, I'd need a bag to put the clothes in if I wanted to take them off.

 

We are planning on hiking on glaciers and forests, and rafting down rivers as well as taking a whale watching tour on the ocean in a small boat for 6 passangers. That is why I figured I'd need 7 'base layer' shirts, because frankly I'd be sweating and smelly when returning to the ship and would want to put on some clean clothes.

 

Then to top it off my husband and I are renewing our wedding vows on this trip so formal wear is a must.

 

But after reading that there is way too much stuff on our list, I will most definately look at it again and cut things down. I am thinking that a good goal would be to have each of us with a carry on and each of us with one mid-size suit-case, that is about 10 pounds under the airline max weight so we can bring back some items from Alaska.

 

Once again thank you for your insight and if you have anymore please do share it with me. I'd much rather make a mistake and a fool of myself on this forum then on my vacation.

[aohkay]

Once again thank you for your insight and if you have anymore please do share it with me.

 

Just relax and take a breath. You will have fun regardless of what you did or did not pack. I went on my Alaskan cruise BEFORE I even knew about Cruise Critic! :eek: I managed to live, LOL!

 

Have a great time!

[Happy ks]

We didn't purchase specific clothing for our Alaska cruise, just took regular clothing and added a waterproof jacket. I do remember wishing my jacket would have been long enough to cover my bum.

 

I don't agree that people need 2 pair of shoes in case one gets wet. We did this and it took up an enormous amount of luggage space/weight. Of course, we were traveling with our 2 (at the time teenage) kids whose feet are every bit as large as adults. Yes our shoes got wet, but we just dried them off with a towel, the insides weren't wet. Leave one pair of shoes at home, you will be glad you did. If you have to take the hiking boots, only take waterproof sneakers as the second pair, wear them on the plane.

 

Most lines have laundry facilities or laundry/dry cleaning service.

 

As far as layers go, I took tank tops, over that a long sleeved shirt and if it was raining, my rain jacket. Alaska has summer too. Their temps aren't always really cold. You really won't know until the time is upon you, it can be in the 50's and raining, it can be in the 80's or 90's in Alaska. I have pictures of us with our jackets tied around our waist. I was glad I did take a couple pair of shorts, we had temps in the high 70's in both Sitka and Vancouver.

 

Check with your hiking/rafting companies to find out if they provide the wet weather gear. You may be able to leave some of that heavy stuff at home, or better yet, don't purchase it to begin with.

[Alaskanb]

These are the layers I am planning for Alaska:

Short sleeve-t shirt or long-sleeve shirt

Light athletic jacket or fleece or vest

Breathable waterproof rain jacket with hood --this is what keeps me warm as well as dry

Jeans or khakis

Breathable socks

Waterproof boots or shoes

On Glacier watching days--add in silk cami and long johns, scarf, hat, gloves.

In the evening -- a few pants and light sweaters that can mix and match and be made smart looking with a necklace. Have not decided whether we will carry formal gear or not.

I would suggest a smallish backpack (I have one designed for women) to carry layers and binoculars, cameras etc with you on excursions.

One help for me was to look at photos of folks in the reviews on CC to see what they were wearing on the types of excursions we have planned to do. You may be in mosquito season so look at the CC boards to see how folks manage that.

I like this advice

http://www.experienceketchikan.com/what-to-pack.html