Packing Guide for a Vacation to Alaska's Inside Passage

Now that you’ve booked the trip of your dreams to see Alaska’s Inside Passage, the next step is to make sure you pack everything you need for an amazing adventure. Trips to Alaska are not like other vacations—even in the middle of summer you can encounter some pretty wild weather—so you want to make sure you are prepared for whatever comes up. Here is your complete packing guide to get the most out of your fishing and sightseeing trip to this incredible destination.

1: Proper Clothing

The first step in packing for your Alaska vacation is to have the right clothing. It’s important to understand that Alaskan weather is not like in other parts of the U.S., especially during the summer months. The average temperatures in and around the Inside Passage only reach a high of the low 60s, even in the hottest months of July and August. Earlier in the spring/summer or later in summer/fall you may only see high temperatures in the upper 40s or lower 50s.

That doesn’t mean it never gets warm, though. Since they are average temperatures, that means some days in July will be above the mid-60s and some days might still only be in the 40s. So when you pack, make sure you’re ready for a range of weather. Bring short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and a warm jacket. A waterproof jacket or windbreaker is also essential, especially if you’re headed out on the water.

Make sure to include a base layer to keep warm and wick water and sweat away from your body if the temperatures fluctuate. A scarf, knit cap, and gloves are a good idea in case it gets cold. We also recommend packing a hat with a brim for days out on the water, along with some warm wool socks and waterproof rain boots.

Lastly, don’t forget to pack some leisure clothing to lounge around after you get home from a day of adventures out on the water or hiking and sightseeing. A comfy sweatshirt and some lounge pants should be perfect.

2: Fishing Gear & Fishing License

If you’re planning to go fishing in Alaska, one of the most important things you need is the right gear. You could try to pack everything in your suitcase and bring it along on the plane, but that will be a lot of stuff that you have to transport thousands of miles. A better option is simply to book a trip with a place like Pybus Point Lodge. We offer daily fishing charters with all the latest fishing equipment, including rods, tackle, and bait. You won’t have to worry about bringing anything along, just yourself and some warm clothes.

We’ll also take care of the fishing license for you and everyone in your party. This ensures that you can catch the maximum amount of fish every day, and avoid getting in trouble if you don’t have the right license to catch the fish you want.

3: Other Equipment & Essentials

In addition to the clothing listed above, here are some of the non-clothing essential that you want to make sure and have in your suitcase.

• Sunglasses – the sun definitely comes out in Alaska, and when it does you will want some polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes. We highly recommend bringing your favorite comfortable pair that you can wear out on the water while fishing, and on day hikes and other adventures as well.
• Camera – it’s up to you whether you want to bring just your cell phone camera, or you want to bring your expensive camera with specialized lenses to capture all the majesty of the Alaskan wilderness. We’ll take you everywhere you need to go to capture the photos, but it’s up to you to get them on camera.
• Waterproof bags – this is the perfect way to pack all your essentials without worrying about water damage. You can take these bags fishing, kayaking, hiking, and more without stressing that your passport, wallet, and phone will get ruined.
• Sunscreen and bug spray – don’t forget these two essentials in your bag to protect your skin from the sun’s rays or the annoying insect bites. Even if you’re wearing long sleeves and long pants the whole trip, you may still need them for your face and hands.
• Phone chargers – charge up your phone for another day of adventure, and make sure you always have enough charge to capture that perfect picture or post on social media to let everyone know how much fun you’re having.
• Sleep mask and earplugs – the middle of summer in Alaska means that there aren’t many hours of true darkness at night (which is also a very cool things to experience). However, if you need some help staying asleep when the sun is still shining after 10 pm or before 4 am so you’ll have plenty of energy for your next fishing trip, a sleep mask will help.

Take all the hassle out of planning an Alaskan fishing trip by booking with Pybus Point Lodge today.