Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

Alaska Travel

The Alaska Summer Bucket List

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Are you wondering what to do during summertime in Alaska? Lucky for you, the options are endless and so is the daylight! Below, you’ll find the perfect Alaska Summer Bucket List to get your fun packed summer plans started.

For the sake of keeping it simple, I’m just calling June, July, and August “summer” here. As I said in my winter bucket list, there are an endless amount of things to do during each season in Alaska. You might want to do them all this year, but pacing yourself and spreading them out over time is best. Or, if you’re just visiting Alaska, it’s good to pick a few activities and spread them out over your stay in our beautiful state. On that note, lets grab that sunblock and bug spray and get to enjoying the midnight sun!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Kayaking and Canoeing

One of the most fun things that we’ve started doing recently is kayaking. I wish I would have started long ago, but better now than never! There are many places to rent kayaks or canoes if your visiting, or purchase one yourself if you’re local; they’re well worth getting!

Kayaking in Alaska along the Moose River
Moseying along the Kenai Peninsula’s Moose River.

Zip Lining

There are zip lining adventures in many parts of Alaska. Glacier View, Denali, Juneau, and Seward are just a few of the spots you can visit for these high flying Alaskan experiences.

Flightseeing Tour

Speaking of high flying adventures, flightseeing tours are popular all across Alaska. You can take flights to see Denali, glaciers, wildlife, and more. They will likely be one of the more expensive tours available to you, and very weather dependent, but from what I’ve seen they look pretty impressive. I have yet to check this off my bucket list, but it sure looks exciting!

Events and Festivals

Summer in Alaska is always jam packed with activities, including festivals, fairs, and more! Some of them you may want to check out are Gold Rush Days in Valdez, the Kenny Lake Fair, Bear Paw Festival in Eagle River, Palmer’s Colony Days and the Alaska State Fair, Progress Days in Soldotna, and the Little Norway Festival in Petersburg. Looking for more local events? Sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter!

Glacier and Wildlife Cruises

There are so many perks to living in Alaska, one being that whenever visitors come you get to tour them around and play tourist a bit. This is the reason I’ve been on probably a dozen glacier and wildlife cruises. I never get tired of them because the things you get to see are so miraculous and amazing! Puffins, orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, otters, porpoise, seals, mountains, glaciers and more; oh my! While there is no guarantee you’ll see all these animals, you are guaranteed to have the experience of a lifetime.

Waterfalls

Time to go chase those waterfalls! My favorite place to view them is Keystone Canyon right outside of Valdez, but there are many other places to see them as well, such as Thunderbird Falls outside of Anchorage. There is a great list of waterfall and how to access them here.

A beautiful waterfall seen on a jet ski tour out of Whittier.

Rafting

While were on the subject of water, why not do some rafting?! Take a guided ride along the rapids for a one of a kind Alaskan experience.

Whale Watching

If you’re lucky, you can see a variety of whales all summer long in the waters of Alaska. Orcas, humpbacks, and grays make their summer home in Alaska’s waters, and can best be viewed on a glacier and wildlife cruise. You can also see belugas, one of the best ways of seeing them being in the waters of the Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway.

Explore Old Mines

It’s well known that back in the day people rushed up to Alaska in search of gold. Mining is still popular around Alaska, but there are also many mines that have long been out of commission that you can explore. Some of the more visited mines are Kennicott Copper Mine near McCarthy and Gold Dredge 8 in Fairbanks. Take a visit and learn a bit about Alaska’s mining history.

The Alaska Railroad

All aboard! Taking a scenic trip on the famous Alaska Railroad is one of my top Alaska summer buck list items. There are many packages and tours you can do with this experience, including touring some of Alaska’s National Parks.

Visit Our National Parks

Speaking of National Parks, why not visit some of the eight National Parks around Alaska. There are a few you can visit on the road system, or expand your adventure with fly out trips to the more remote parks.

Jet Skiing

Hop on for an exciting and unique way to experience Alaska! Explore glaciers, waterfalls, and the beauty of Alaska while cruising on a jet ski. My husband and his friends did this for a bachelor party and had a great experience.

Tour the waters of the 49th State with Glacier Jet Ski Adventures.

Check Out Local Farmer’s Markets

Alaska is known for growing some extraordinarily large veggies. You may not guess that with such a short growing season that many things would grow, but that wonderful midnight sun puts growing season into overdrive! Check out local veggies, jams, jellies, and other delicious treats at local farmer’s markets, and if you’re local check into starting a garden of your own!

Fishing

Whether it’s lake fishing, drift boat fishing, casting on the river, or trolling in the ocean, fishing is a very popular summer activity in Alaska. Rainbow trout, varieties of salmon, halibut, and rockfish are just a few of the fish you may come across during summers in Alaska.

Drift the rivers for some great salmon fishing.

Camping

One of my favorite Alaska summer bucket list activities, camping! Tent it, RV, fifth wheel, whatever way you do it, camping is one of the best ways to experience Alaska. View our camping checklist here!

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

To view a vast amount of Alaskan wildlife in one location, check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It’s well worth adding to your list!

Make the trip to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see a variety of Alaskan animals.

Hiking

There are a plethora of hiking trails all around Alaska. This is a great way to get some fresh air, see lesser known and visited places, and some spectacular views. Just be bear aware if you plan on hiking!

Wildflowers

There are so many wildflowers that pop up everywhere around our beautiful state. Take some time to “smell the roses” and check out the local flora and fauna. They make for great photos and photo backdrops as well!

The beauty of fireweed in bloom is unmatched.

See, I told you there were so many amazing things to do during summer in Alaska, and this is only part of them! If you have specific questions about Alaska travel or life in Alaska please sign up for Everyday Alaska emails here, and feel free to send me an email with any questions. Also, join the Everyday Alaska Travel Facebook group for travel tips, advice, and answers to your specific travel questions. Happy travels, friends!

What to Pack for a Summer Vacation in Alaska

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Alaska gets millions of visitors a year, and most of those visitors come during the summer. I’m guessing many of those people, including you, are wondering what to pack for summer vacation in Alaska. Check out the packing list below to find out!

What should I wear in Alaska during the summer?

Whether you’re coming to Alaska on your dream vacation, visiting relatives, or coming up for a summer job, one of the main things you’ll need to figure out is what to wear. A lot of this will depend on what activities you’ll be doing, what area of the state you’ll be visiting, and what temperatures you are acclimated to. But, there are a few main things everyone should pack that you’ll see on the checklist below.

Layers

No matter what area you plan on visiting, you’ll need layers. The weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly, even in the summer. You can make some general guesses about weather depending on what area you’re going to (Fairbanks will get hotter than most of Alaska during summer, Southeast Alaska will likely have rain, etc), but layering up will get you through a variety of weather changes. Along with jeans, t-shirts, and everyday clothes, I’d suggest bringing the following items.

  • Rain jacket-Purchase a rain jacket that is waterproof, not just water resistant, to throw on over your clothes when the rain starts pouring. This will be helpful for the wind as well, especially if you’re on a glacier and wildlife cruise.
  • Sweatshirt-A hooded sweatshirt or pullover is a great layer to go on top of a t-shirt or other everyday clothes. The Midnight Sun does keep it warm out for much of the day when it’s sunny, but when the sun goes down the temperature really drops.
  • Shorts-Yes, you can wear shorts in Alaska! It does get hot enough to wear short. Depending on the temperature you’re used to, it might be worth your while to pack some summery clothes like shorts and tank tops to stay cool on your vacation. Just check the packing tips below, and this post about mosquitos, before you venture out with your shorts on.
Summer glacier and wildlife cruise in Seward, Alaska.
A wind/rainproof jacket will come in handy, especially on glacier and wildlife cruises.

Accessories

There are a few smaller things you’ll need to add to your Alaska summer vacation packing list.

  • Hats-You’ll definitely want to bring a baseball hat with you to shade your eyes from the sun. And, on the opposite end, if you tend to run cold or are from a very warm climate, bring a beanie to wear if you plan on being on or near glaciers as it will be ice, ice cold!
  • Sunglasses-The Midnight Sun is no joke, so bring a good pair of shades with you!
  • Eye Mask-This is something I wouldn’t normally think about since you get somewhat used to the 24/7 summer sun living here. But, bringing an eye mask to get some shut eye, and following these tips, will help you get a restful nights sleep on your vacation.
Always pack a hat when packing for summer in Alaska.
Hats are a must-have in the summer sun.

Footwear

What footwear you bring will obviously depend on what activities you plan on doing, but there’s a good chance you’ll be putting on some miles during your trip no matter what adventures you have.

  • Sneakers-Bringing along the shoes you would normally wear to go for a walk is a good plan. Make sure they’re broken in so you don’t get sore feet while you’re out and about.
  • Camp Shoes/Flip Flops/Crocs-If you’re going to spend time camping or just want some comfy shoes to lounge around in at the end of the day, I’d suggest bringing some camp shoes. You’ll want flip flops if you need to use campground showers, and Crocs are my daily go-tos for comfort.
  • Hiking Boots-If you’ll be stepping off the beaten path (and chances are you will be), I recommend bringing some hiking boots that you’ve already broken in. Make sure you have good ankle support and that they fit you comfortably.
A beach on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.
Crocs come in handy when walking on the beaches.

What additional items should I add to my Alaska packing list?

There are a few other necessities that you’ll want to have on your trip to Alaska. Some of these you can just buy here, but others you may want to pack with.

  • Bug Spray-Avoid the constant fight with Alaska’s state bird, the mosquito, and purchase some bug spray. Following these tips will help you as well.
  • Bug Net-Are they attractive? Nope. Do they work amazingly well? Yes! This one works great and will be the best few dollars you’ve ever spent!
  • Sunscreen-Even on the colder summer days it’s always good to use sunscreen (and don’t forget to reapply!). If you plan on being on the water fishing or on a glacier and wildlife cruise it’s especially important to wear sunscreen due to the reflection from the water. The last thing you want to do is ruin your vacation with a sunburn! (Plus, no one will believe you really got a sunburn in Alaska!)
  • Water Bottle-Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Bring a bottle and fill it up whenever you have the opportunity. Check out this American Made bottle here!
  • Wet Ones-Wondering why you’ll need to carry wipes around with you? Check out my post on “Things You Shouldn’t Do When Visiting Alaska” to find out!
  • Binoculars-There are so many thing to see in Alaska, and you’ll likely get to see a variety of them up close. But, for those ones that are just too far away or to see wildlife at a safe distance, I highly recommend bringing binoculars.
  • Charger-Bring a portable charger/power bank to charge your phone, camera, or other devices when your away from outlets or your vehicle.

Do I need to pack any speciality gear for my trip to Alaska?

Nope, you shouldn’t have to! But, just to be sure, I’d check with any guide services you might have booked with incase you need to bring some extra adventure gear with you. If you’ve booked a fishing charter, glacier jet ski cruise, four wheeling tour, or other activity, chances are they will provide the gear you need for your excursion. To be on the safe side, though, I’d confirm with the company beforehand just to make sure.

I hope this list has helped you figure out what to pack for a summer vacation in Alaska, and has you more excited than ever to prepare for your trip! If you have any question about Alaska feel free to ask them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Heading to the Kenai River to fish.
Check to see if you need to bring waders/wading shoes for any fishing trips you have booked.

14 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Visiting Alaska

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I bet you’re a little curious about the title of this article. What would you not want to do when visiting Alaska? Don’t you want to do everything? Well, not quite. There are some things that you shouldn’t do when visiting Alaska, and I’ll tell you about them below.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Don’t Tell Anyone Where You’re Going

I had this towards the middle of the post but decided to move it to the top because this is super important. Tell at least a couple people where you’ll be going when you’re exploring Alaska and when you expect to be back. If you have a medical emergency, accident, or get lost or weathered in, it’s a tremendous advantage for rescue teams to have a solid point to start searching at.

Likely, if you’re vacationing here, you probably haven’t been on the trail you plan to hike before, you may not anticipate bad weather coming in, and/or you’re not as prepared as you thought you were. It happens to all of us, but in a worst case scenario it can be deadly, and many places won’t have cell service for you to call for help. So, tell friends and family where you’ll be, how long you’ll be there, and buy or rent a device like the Garmin inReach to have incase of an emergency.

Fall colors on a side road in Alaska.
Let someone know when you’re taking the road less traveled.

Have Dead Batteries

I know there are outlets, charging stations, and all that jazz basically everywhere now, but have you tried to plug your phone/camera battery/etc into a mountain, berry bush, or ocean? I didn’t think so. Chances are, the batteries on your emergency device, phone, and camera will die at the worst time. Breaching whale? Dead camera. Bogged down in the fog on a trail? Dead inReach. FaceTiming mom on a day you can see Denali? Dead phone. Charging your electronics whenever possible and bringing a portable charger/power bank with you is very important. Honestly, it’s more of a safety issue than anything, but being able to capture miraculous moments on your Alaskan adventure is pretty awesome, too.

Plan a Short Trip

Chances are you’ve traveled a long distance to get to Alaska, so why not stay awhile and enjoy it! There are so many things to do and see. If at all possible, try stay at least a week. I know it’s not a cheap trip, but check out some money saving ideas here that might help you save money so you can stay longer and enjoy our beautiful state!

Forget to Bring Layers

Layers, layer, layers. You’ve probably read many posts by now regarding how to dress in Alaska. I’m guessing they’ve all mentioned needing layers? If so, they’re absolutely correct. No matter what season you visit Alaska, layers are always necessary. Weather is ever changing, and it’s always better to have more layers than too little. But, if you don’t want to pack so much or don’t own proper layers for your trip, you can always shop locally once you’re here at the start of your trip to be prepared.

Sometimes you need every layer!

Skip Sunscreen and Bug Spray

Boy, oh boy. Don’t make this mistake. Trust me. That Midnight Sun and even the bright sun in winter can burn you fast, especially if you’re out on the water or adventuring. Wear sunscreen, and don’t forget to reapply.

You’ll need sunscreen year round, but thankfully you don’t need bug spray for all seasons. But when you need it, you really need it. Mosquitos, no-see-ums, and horseflies are huge bummers during spring, summer, and fall. But, with some help from this handy dandy article I put together, they should be less of a problem for you.

Overplan

I know it’s hard not to do this when you’re going on a dream vacation, but don’t overplan. There are more activities and sights to see here than anyone could in a lifetime, so don’t expect to cram them all into a week’s vacation.

Get Cozy with the Wildlife

Don’t be that person. The wildlife is wild, no matter how adorable or pettable it looks. Don’t pet it, don’t feed it, don’t crowd it. But, if you do want some safe encounters with animals, check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Brown bears AWCC Alaska
Bears view from above on the viewing bridge at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Be Inflexible

As I’ve already mentioned, weather is an ever changing factor here. Chances are, some of your planned activities, tours, and excursions may be delayed or cancelled due to weather. It’s hard to not be disappointed, but try to pivot and find something else. Maybe you have a float plane or helicopter ride planned, but get fogged out? Why not try a train ride or maybe a glacier cruise? There’s always something amazing to do and see in Alaska, so don’t let the weather ruin your trip!

Miss Out on Local Food

Don’t hit up all the same chain restaurants you have at home while you’re here. We have so many great local places, and a variety of tasty foods here. You’d miss out if you didn’t try it! Check out this list of delicious Alaskan food to try on your vacation here, and the best resturants in Soldotna and Kenai!

Bluebird Café in Sterling, Alaska. Blueberry and lemon stuffed French toast.
Stuffed French toast with delicious blueberries and a bacon jam burger, yum!

Rush

Alaska isn’t the place to be in a hurry. In the summer, there are many visitors and places can get crowded and busy. You may have to wait to get seated and try some delicious deep fried halibut. There will likely be long checkout lines a gift shop registers. You may have to wait your turn for a bit to get that photo in front of a beautifully carved totem pole. It’s all totally worth the wait.

Pass Up Bathrooms, Fuel, or Food Stops

Depending on where you’re traveling to, rest stops, fuel, and snacks can be few and far between. Take advantage of them when you see them. Check out maps to plan your next stop, but don’t assume the stop is still open unless you’ve called to confirm as some places are seasonal or closed and information can be outdated.

Outhouse in remote Alaska.
A room with a view! You’ll probably use your fair share of outhouses on your Alaskan adventures.

Forget Toilet Paper, Wet Wipes, and Sanitizer

This kind of goes with the above tip. One thing you shouldn’t do when visiting Alaska is travel without toilet paper, wet wipes, and sanitizer. If you run into a situation where you passed up a bathroom pit stop and really regret it, you may have to use the great outdoors as your own personal restroom, or use an outhouse that might not have tp or anything to wash your hands with, so be prepared.

Use the Turnouts as Your Restroom

Okay, I know just said you’ll probably have to pee outside at some point if you’ll be roadtripping, but there is some roadside bathroom etiquette to abide by. 1. Make sure you’re out of view from the highway. Shockingly, not everyone does this. 2. You’ll probably have to do your thang at a turnout, but just step out of the area of traffic and foot traffic a bit. People stop there to take photos, let their dogs out, and stretch their legs. The last thing we want to see is anyone’s business. BUT, also be aware and on the lookout for wildlife before you step off the side of the pavement. Not trying to scare you, but wildlife is everywhere and it’s best to be safe. (Also, don’t lower your tushy into any devil’s club!) 3. Don’t toss your hand wipes and whatnot all over. It takes longer than you’d think for that to disintegrate and is just disgusting. Having little trash bags (or even doggie trash bags) with can be handy for that, and for vehicle trash as well.

A beautiful stop at the rest area in Turnagain Pass.

Trash Alaska

I’m sorry we don’t have enough trash cans in frequently visited places, and the ones we do have are always full. Trust me, I know it’s annoying. But, we’d all really appreciate it you’d use the above mentioned bags and take your trash with you until you find a public dumpster. Since you’re reading this, I’m guessing you must be a pretty awesome, considerate, and intelligent person, so I really don’t need to include this or the above rule anyway, but it’s not a bad reminder.

There you have it, a list of some easy peasy things you shouldn’t do when visiting Alaska. This list will help you enjoy your visit more, plan better, and hopefully have the Alaska vacation of your dreams! Happy traveling, friends!

Do you have questions about traveling to Alaska? Leave a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

The Best Ways to Enjoy Fall in Alaska

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Are you looking for the best things to do during fall in Alaska? Perfect, I’ve got the list for you! Whether you’re a local or coming to Alaska on vacation, these places and activities will fill your fall with happiness and adventure!

First things first. If you want to get the most out of any season in Alaska, you need to get outside. The beauty of Alaska is there is always something to do outdoors during any season. You just need the right gear for the season you’re out in. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy as well, which I’ll be sure to include!

I know that technically fall doesn’t start until the end of September. I’m not very precise with my seasons, though, so for the sake of this list we’re going to call all of September, October, and November “fall” because that’s basically when it’s occurring here. So, lets get on with our list, shall we!

Berry Picking

Ripe berries and bloomed out fireweed are signs that my favorite season is upon us! Many people spend their fall picking, foraging, and canning. This year berries weren’t as plentiful and seemed to be ripe earlier in the season, but normally you can pick a variety of berries throughout September. People often pick after the first frost as they say it makes the berries sweeten up.

If you plan on berry picking be sure to identify the berries you’re picking correctly as some are poisonous. It’s best to go with an experienced berry picker, grab a berry identification guide like this one, and use the Seek app to confirm the berry type before picking. There are really a variety of things you can do with the berries, and it is a really enjoyable hobby.

Lingonberries ready for the picking.

The Alaska State Fair

The Alaska State Fair ends during the beginning of fall. If you find yourself in Alaska while the fair is going on, you should definitely make the trip. The Alaska State Fair takes place in Palmer, Alaska, and has a fantastic combination of foods, rides, games, Alaskan vendors and artists, a giant vegetable competition, livestock, concerts, shows, displays, and much more.

If you’d like to go to a fair or festival but won’t be making it to the Alaska State Fair, there are many other options. A quick search about events going on in the town you’ll be in should show you all the fall activities.

Fall Photography

I know the East Coast is the hot spot for beautiful autumn colors, but don’t count us northern places out! In my opinion, fall is the most beautiful time in Alaska. The mix of warm fall colors contrasting with the cold blue of glacial ice and the white caps on the shadowy mountains makes the views look surreal. It’s a photographers dream, and if you visit Alaska in fall you’ll get to view this scenery not only in photos but from behind the lens as well.

Fall in Alaska bringing out colors in the mountains.
The oranges, chocolates, and rusts of fall displayed on the mountains.

Garden Harvest

If you’re a local and have been dutifully tending to your garden all summer, now is the time you can reap the benefits of the rest of your work before winter comes. There’s nothing like that satisfying carrot pull after a long summer of growing, or picking potatoes for stew to start fall off right.

Scenic Drives

Fall drives in Alaska are my favorite. Of all the drives I’ve taken, the ones from Anchorage to Valdez and Anchorage to Denali are by far the best. Glaciers, mountains, lakes, tundra, rivers, and more span the sides of the highways, and give you breathtaking views that you won’t soon forget.

The Alaska Railroad

All aboard! Are you hoping to see Alaska’s fall colors without having to make the drive yourself? The Alaska Railroad might be the perfect option for you! Although I haven’t taken it yet, the railroad is definitely on my Alaska bucket list, and I hope to travel on it soon .

The Alaska Railroad chugging along near Cantwell, Alaska.

Hiking

Another great way to experience fall in Alaska is on your own two feet. There are an abundance of trails, many close to towns and cities, so you can easily find trails for any level of hiking experience. Fall weather brings cool hiking temps along with the views, so be sure to be prepared and layer up. Also, be bear aware! Don’t go if you don’t have proper bear protection that you know how to use, and follow the usual hiking safety rules (have first aid, let people know where you’re going, etc).

Fishing

There’s always good fishing in Alaska no matter what time of year. During fall you’ll be able to get silver salmon, rainbow trout, and more. If you want to fish but don’t want to invest in gear quite yet, or are just up visiting, check out the ”rod loaner program” with Alaska Department of Fish and Game. I’ve also heard that there are libraries that loan gear, too, but haven’t confirmed this yet, and there are businesses such as The Bait Shack that rent fishing gear, too.

Soaking in the views along the water.

Hunting

Fall in Alaska is when many residents look to fill their freezers with delicious, organic meat. The season is filled with packing (as I’m doing this weekend), scouting, hiking, processing game, and more. Many of the people who visit Alaska during this season have traveled to hunt, but other than that the tourist season begins to quiet down, so wherever you go is a bit less crowded than it is in the summer. This makes traveling around much easier, and you can get into places without a wait.

Preparing for Winter

This might sound like more of a chore than a fun activity, but really it’s both. Some of these things really are just chores, but others become hobbies. The things we need to do, such as filling our freezers, cleaning up gardens, storing away outdoor furniture, canning berries and vegetables, and more, just build excitement for the next beautiful season in Alaska.

Have I convinced you to visit Alaska in the fall yet? I hope so! Alaska is beautiful year-round, and especially so in fall. If you get the chance to visit our beautiful state and have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below!

Our Trip on the Alaska Marine Highway System

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Valdez Alaska Ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway
Heading out of Valdez on the Ferry

If you are thinking about using the Alaska Marine Highway System (aka the ferry) to travel around Alaska and would like a little more information about what the experience is like, you’ve come to the right place! After being on a few ferry rides myself, I feel like I can give a little insight to what your trip may be like, what is available on the ferry, and what you can expect on your ferry adventure.

[Read more…] about Our Trip on the Alaska Marine Highway System

Lifesaving Winter Vehicle Essentials

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Getting stuck in a blizzard or having your car break down in below-freezing temps is never fun, and its even worse when you’re not prepared for it. You’re cold, hungry, worried, tired, and nothing you have with you can solve any of those problems. All it takes, though, is a little preparation and this list of winter essentials to help you along.

A beautiful and chilly day for a drive.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

What You’ll Need

Shelter

You already have that since you’re in a vehicle, so no need to worry there!

Warmth

Clothing

You need to be warm and stay warm, which is a little hard when its freezing out, but much easier if you have the right clothes. Luckily, I’ve made a comprehensive list of the best winter gear and how to layer for winter, plus a list of my five favorite winter boots. These two lists will help you determine what you need to pack in your emergency bag, such as hats, warm socks, base layers, gloves, mittens, snow pants, and more.

Snowy road in Alaska with our winter vehicle essentials
A slightly snowy road trip through Alaska.

Now, I’m not saying you need to be wearing all of this while you’re on the road, but just use common sense (you’re smart people, so I really don’t need to worry about this), and don’t wear shorty shorts and heels out when its snowing. Also, make sure these items are easily accessible for if and when you need them.

Blankets

This wool blanket is easy to pack and keep in your vehicle. It’s great to have the wool to keep you warm and dry, and an added bonus is that it’s made in America! If a wool blanket isn’t what you want to go with, you can always keep emergency blankets with you on the road.

Hand Warmers

If you get cold and just can’t warm up, or if you just need to be a little warmer, HotHands are a lifesaver! It’s great to keep some of these in your vehicle, and even use them when camping or doing other outdoor activities.

Hunger and Thirst

There’s a good chance if your vehicle breaks down or if you’re stuck in a snow storm it might be awhile before you’re able to get some food. It’s good to have some protein bars or other filling snacks in your vehicle to keep your energy up and your hunger down. As for thirst, it’s important to have some water bottles with you whenever you travel. If you leave them in there all the time, they’ll be frozen when you need them, so it good to bring some fresh water with you in bottles like this when you leave for your trip.

Turnigan Pass Alaska early winter drive with our winter vehicle essentials
A beautiful day for an early winter drive.

Safety

Communication

Even if you don’t have service all the time where you’re driving, it’s important to keep your phone charged incase of an emergency. So, make sure you always have a car charger with you incase you are in an area where you can call for help. Check out the Garmin inReach, too, if you want a communication device that will work wherever you take it. I have a complete review of the inReach here.

Visability

It’s always good to keep a flashlight with you for an emergency, and this one is the best one to get. It’s rechargeable and the battery is very long lasting. Flares are good to have with as well for safety and visibility.

Ice scraping Alaska
Scraping the frost off.

First Aid

Whether it’s winter, summer, or anywhere in between, it’s essential to have a first aid kit with you. You can help yourself and others in an emergency with just a few supplies included in this kit.

Where do I keep all of this?!

For all of the winter gear that you won’t be wearing on your trip, I suggest packing them in these bags. They’ll condense all of your gear, and are a great space-saver, especially if you have a smaller vehicle.

For all your other items, and to store the bags in, totes work great. Make sure these are in a secure, easily accessible place. These items may move around in an accident, so be sure they are well placed so they don’t move much and you are able to reach them without getting out of the vehicle.

I hope this helps you be more prepared for your winter trips. For addition information and lists, check out Alaska.org. Safe travels, friends!

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