How do people pack minimally for Alaska?

[RKKUNK]

It was hard to decide what to pack. For us deciding what shoes to take so that we didn't have too many was tough. We went with the tennis shoes we wore on the plane, lightweight hiking boots that we waterproofed, and dress shoes. You can wear jeans to dinner on casual nights, many people did. I just took some nice black slacks that I wore with different nice tops for the formal, semi-formal nights and to Palo. My DH and DS just took one pair of kahkis that they wore with different polos and button down shirts with a tie for those nights. Alaska seemed to be more casual than the other cruises we have been on. We also took clothes to wear for layers, t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, lightweight water proof jacket, thermals, knit caps, and gloves. We were there in 2013 when Alaska was having a heat wave so we really didn't need a lot of the more winter type clothes, except for when we went up to the glacier to do the dog-sledding. Just remember, you can always do laundry of send your clothes off to be washed. Have fun!!

 

[bookgirl]

I planned on layers.

A pair of jeans
9 tshirts
1 nice shirt
one pair of shorts
one pair of capris
one hoody sweatshirt
one fleece vest
one unlined water proof jacket
One classic LBD plus a half length knit sweater that can be worn over it
Everyday underthings+ one set specific for the dress + one set of thermals
13 pairs of socks
one set gloves/hat/scarf
one set of rain pants
two pairs of comfortable sneakers
one pair of dress flats
one pair of flipflops


I was on a 7 day cruise + 2 nights in Seattle. I handled every situation with those items.

You have to be willing to wear things more than once, and you have to restrict your color palate.

I was in shorts tshirt and flip flops on two days, 2 travel days in capris and one day (glacier) in 4 layers (thermals, clothes, two pieces of layered outerwear) and all the rest were various mixtures of 1-3 layers.

I never used the rain pants.

 

[Ljbadfan]

I laught when I read what people back for Alaska. I have gone in July and August, both times I packed 2 blue jeans, 4 polo shirts, dress pant and shirt for palo, socks and underwear, and 2 pairs of shoes which is tennis shoes, and dress shoe for palo.. The only coat I bring is a wind breaker. My wife says my body temp runs hot. I'm used to the cold. Last cruise we went in July and it was 80 degrees out and there was people wear gloves and long coats because they were cold, which they were from Florida. It's always easy to spot the people from the warmer states.

 

[bookgirl]

I went in September. Warm in Seattle but cold a d damp once we hit Alaska. Time of year matters.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

It's always easy to spot the people from the warmer states.

Whaddya mean by that?

 

[Jay Kat]

We totally over packed and we thought we were doing pretty well. We had a few long sleeved shirts, a couple of pair of jeans each, sweat shirt, fleece jacket and heavier coat. Also taking up room kind of needlessly was slacks/shirt for my husband and slacks and a couple of nicer tops for dinner dress for me. We never wore the heavier coat at all. As we ALL say, just take fewer things and layer. And, btw, laundry was super easy, so don't be afraid to do a load.

 

[Ljbadfan]

Yep saw a lot of those long coats and gloves. Pack what you wear normally not what you think you might wear..

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Yep saw a lot of those long coats and gloves. Pack what you wear normally not what you think you might wear..

If you're talking to me, I wear that coat "normally". Yes, in southern CA - to the football games.

 

[Ljbadfan]

Is wasn't talking bout you. I'm talking bout all the people I saw dressed like that

 

[tvguy]

Done Alaska twice, carried on our jackets. Fewer shorts packed, so we actually had less packed than on Caribbean cruises.

 

[taysalyn]

My husband and I just got back from the June 1st sailing and I struggled on what to bring as well. But we are a little different because we don't dress up for the formal or semi-formals and we don't have children. We got by with one checked bag and one carry on. 8 shirts, 2 pants, 1 capris, pair of sneakers, and a pair of flipflop sandals. 2 long sleeve shirts, 2 collared shirts, 2 tshirts, 1 khaki pants, 1 grey slacks, pair of sneakers and a pair of sandals for DH. He brought a windbreaker jacket and I brought a hoodie. The only thing I would have changed would have been a waterproof jacket instead of the hoodie as it was cotton and wasn't very good at deflecting the rain. Also, DO NOT FORGET YOUR CAMERA BATTERY AND CHARGER. I learned my lesson the hard way. $80 bucks later in Skagway half way through our trip. At least I had my phone camera.

And hand warmers. I bought a bunch at Target in the $1 bins and they came in handy bigtime!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Is wasn't talking bout you. I'm talking bout all the people I saw dressed like that

Sorry, I wasn't trying to sound defensive. I just wasn't clear who your comment was directed toward. I wore my jacket every day of our trip except one. The bus driver said he didn't recognize me on that day.

 

[KatieMill]

Great replies everyone! definitely helps me get my list together of what to pack!

 

[sharksfinatic17]

Clearly I failed at this....just weighed my suitcase - 49.2 lbs. Oh well, I won't be giving anyone any advice on this topic.

 

[3fish]

That's funny!

 

[xlxo]

Check with the airline to see what their policy is for 2nd bag vs overweight. It seems like it is always cheaper to bring a second bag (or another 1st if you don't already have one per person) than pay the overweight fee.

Well worth to bring one of those luggage scales. Pack right up to your limit. Those scales greatly reduce the stress and pays for itself the first time you don't need to pay for the excess fees.