What To Wear For Alaska Winter Trip – Ultimate Packing List

We wore 4 layers and based on temperatures around we removed the layers. Like, if you are inside a building (eq, Hotel) which is usually heated you may need to take off few layers to feel comfortable and try avoid sweating (sweating is also not good when you will be going out in freezing temperatures)

Here are the details about different layers you would need to wear in Alaska winters.

Base Layer – This is basically thermals and we bought the woolen ones. You can choose either synthetic or woolen for the base layer. After a lot of researching, we picked this Merino Wool Thermals from SmartWool. Here’s what we bought  – 

(1) Base layer top – Woman

(2) Base Layer Bottom – Woman

(3) Base layer top – Men

(4) Base layer bottom – Men 

Mid Fleece Layer – This layer can be anything with fleece 

(1) Women’s Fleece Layer Top

(2) Women’s Bottom – If you are wearing Jeans as outer layer this one can be used as a mid bottom layer. 

 (5) Men’s Fleece Layer Top  

Outer Layer 

 (1) You can wear jeans as bottom outer layer. However, if you are planning for any outdoor activities, you can checkout these fleece lined snow pants to protect yourself from the icy cold temperatures

 Women’s Bottoms and Men’s Bottoms.

(2) Pair a jacket with a parka as the outer top layer

– Packable Jackets   – Women  and Men 

– Parka – provides protection from windy conditions and  especially important during night time (when you are out in the wild for northern lights) –Women and Men

Other option insulated one piece suit – Women & Men .

Accessories

Beanies – This is to protect your head from harsh winters – Women & Men (and avoids headache due to cold!)

Headband – This is helpful for windy days & nights – Women & Men

Balaclava – I think this is best to keep you warm for any outdoor activities in cold weather including Northern light viewing in extreme temperatures.

Gloves – For any outdoor activities, we found ski gloves are best to survive the cold and chills in Alaska. For others – Buy something with wool or fleece like these.

Mittens – We found the woolen mittens are best to keep us warm. Also, this is the best to operate your phones as they can be pulled up over your fingers and can be folded back. You can pair this with liner gloves inside which are thin so that no part of your hands are exposed.

Socks – Wear 2 to 3 layers of socks , starting with the Liner socks which are thin and then Insulated or Woolen socks over it. 

(Suggestion : Opt for knee length insulated/woolen socks for better protection ! )

Shoes – We bought this shoes to survive the cold winters in Alaska – Women & Men (Not the exact but we used similar kinds)

Warmers – This is an amazing thing to survive extreme cold weather. When you feel cold even after so many layers you have worn, this is something you will need to survive specially during nighttime. (1) Hand Warmer (2) Foot Warmer (3) Body Warmer. Do read the instructions and warnings before using them.

Walk Traction for hiking in case you are planning one. 

Bring your favorite swimsuit for taking a dip in the Hot Springs.

TIP : Always wear the layers just before you plan to leave the hotel since the temperature is warmer inside and you may not feel comfortable wearing the winter clothes for a longer time. Start with Socks -> Thermals -> Mid layers -> Shoes -> Outer later (Jacket or Parka). 

Note – These are the items we bought, however not from the same website we linked – you may check the item in a different website or store for a discounted price. 

Few of the items are not cheap. We live in New Jersey and for us it is like an investment. For those who are looking for a single time use may not find it as a best option. You can check Amazon for cheaper options and would suggest to buy after reading the reviews.