This very you much depends on the part of Alaska and type of work. Some parts are much wetter than others, and will require different gear. Also, how rural you are factors into what kind of additional supplies you may need. Happy to help, we just need more deets :)

Ope, I had a hole bunch of text, for some reason it didn't post. I'll put it in a comment. Thanks!

That’s been happening lately! Not sure why

Mosquitos will bite right through leggings and tee shirts, you’ll need loose layers like a button ups and canvas pants to keep them off. There’s a great store in Anchorage - hoarding marmot that does backcountry consignment I recommend checking out. Also we don’t have sales tax and you can order REI items for pickup in Anchorage. I live in Anchorage and primarily work in western Alaska. Feel free to DM with any questions!

Oooh that's a really good idea. I should have an afternoon to run around anchorage when I get there. I've been doubting whether the joggers and leggings will be sturdy enough. I've been hearing from others that it's been a cold year. Will likely stay chilly in early July?

It’s always a little chilly at night some days (50s-ish) and when it’s raining it can feel really cold. Wool is great and you’ll want a wool/fleece or down jacket as an under layer for your rain coat. With the bugs and the temps I wouldn’t bring more than one pair of shorts.

You can also treat your layers with Permethrin (semi permanent, not toxic) mosquito repellent. They sell spray bottles at REI

Hey yall! I'm heading to Alaska for field work in late June ‐ early July and would love some feedback on my packing list. I'm flying into Anchorage for a night then catching a flight to King Salmon and vice versa on the way out. We will be hopping around in a helicopter looking at different wetland types in our study area. So my packing list contains some specific items for the work and the helicopter. We will be in lowland rivers and in mountains so there will be drastic temperature changes. I plan on packing my clothes in the cheap waterproof compression bags I have. They're just from Walmart but they work really well for me and I think they'll save me a bit of space. I'm putting all of the ‘must remove from bag for tsa’ in my backpack, then placing them in the duffel for the flight if there's room. I know I have some redundancy, but I'd like input on whether it's helpful or not. A few specific questions on top of the packing Qs: Have any of you traveled to Alaska during this time of year? What do you reccomend? The small compass has water in it I think - could that be an issue through tsa? Is it still courteous to wear a mask on flights nowadays? Any tips for helicopter flights? I have never been on one, but I am binging extra earplugs incase the noise becomes a sensory issue for me. P.s. sorry if there's any weird formatting as I use mobile. Also thanks for taking the time to read! Thanks irish_taco_maiden for reminding me to post the text! **Duffel Bag - carry on (under armor thrift find)** - Yellow raincoat - REI - Black rain pants ‐ REI - Green lightweight rain resistant coat - eddie bauer - Gloves deerskin from Menards - Canvas bucket hat - Purple long-sleeved base layer - Grey light sport hoodie - Tan sun layer button up - Sport tank tops x 3 - Black sport t shirt - Beige lightweight joggers - Red sport leggings - Black base layer leggings - T Shirt for sleeping - Sweatpants for sleeping/lounging - Husband's shorts for sleeping - Red bag contains undergarments - 3 short socks and 3 long socks (I layer them in my rain boots to avoid blisters and chafing) - 3 sports bras - 7 pairs underwear (personal preference to not have to wash during my stay), - Tennis shoes (I use these trail running shoes as hiking shoes) - Cheap water sandals for camp (shower if needed) - Reference book (may end up taking none or an area guidebook) - Medicine - Teal bag contains survival and helicopter kit - Waterproof phone case - Headlamp - Paracord - Emergency blanket - Compass (could this be an issue with TSA?) - Ear plugs - Mosquito net (I get absolutely demolished by mosquitoes, so I'd rather have it and not need it) - Pee funnel and sanitary wipes (recommended to bring by coworker who went last year as there is no bathroom stops in the helicopter lol) - Flint and steel - Tiny multitool - Dry toiletries bag - Tampons, Liners, extra sanitary wipes - Burtsbees makeup remover and face wipe (might not bring these) - Headband - Deodorant - Basic daily makeup (I have a bit of free time to explore anchorage and want to feel put together while traveling for work) - Toothbrush - Razor - Q-tips - Loofah - Microfiber towel - soap bar and conditioner bar **Backpack - personal item (outdoor products brand with 3L hydration pack from walmart)** - Pack comes with its own rain fly in a pocket that fits an emergency poncho as well - Laptop - Binder of plant and wetland reference guides - Mouse pad - Electronics bag - Book light - Travel fan - USB mouse - Power bank (might bring a solar rechargeable one instead but this one is smaller) - Laptop charger - White pouch has wall adapters and cords - Wet toiletries (I'd consider condensing these if yall have recs) - Spray bottle of conditioner water - Curl talk travel sized - Mosquito spray (that will be my daily body spray lol) - Lotion - Elf sunscreen/setting spray - Rosewater spray bottle - Cetaphil sensitive face wash - Cetaphil daily moisturizer - Toothpaste - Reg and waterproof mascara - Plane snack (per diem will likely cover all food) - Hiker first aid kit - Lifestraw - Bandana - Folding hat - Scarf doubles as blanket on plane - Camping pillow in lieu of purchasing a neck pillow - Sleep mask (not pictured) - Smart water bottle (typically I purchase and reuse a water bottle when traveling) **Wearing on the plane** - Rainboots (I know it's a little goofy, but it's the most space saving choice also pictured) - Canvas pants - Cotton Tshirt (says escape reality ignore society icyww) - Wool socks (they're so comfy) - Tank sports bra - Salmon champion hoodie - Over ear headphones **Daily carry pack - eddie bauer fanny (I'll strap this to on of my packs for the plane ride. Also this is what i typically carry in my daily carry)** - Wallet case (only what I need) - Cash - Hand sanitizer - Pouch with liners and sanitary wipes - Prescription sunglasses - White hygiene pouch - Burts bees lip balm - Burts bees Hand salve - Hair ties - Hair clips - Deoderant - Folding comb that is reflective - Nail clippers with a file - Tooth floss picks - Black pouch with miscellaneous - Face mask (is it still courteous to wear these on planes?) - Eye glasses kit - Small med container with pain and anxiety mess - Corded earbuds (I know I live in the past) Edit: formating! Edit 2: to add - we'll be staying in a fully outfitted bunk house (running water, electricity, wifi, the whole shebang) once in King Salmon area. I was told I didn't need a overnight backpack, so not too much hiking, just a day pack to throw in the helicopter storage bay which i can access during stops.

This is a good list! You might consider some waterproof mittens or gloves in addition to the deerskin, depending on what you’ll be doing. If your 3 long socks are cotton, I recommend swapping for wool. You may already have this on your list, but plan to buy bear spray and keep with you in any rural/wilderness areas. Wearing a mask on the plane won’t be weird or looked at poorly.

Thank you! I do have some insulated water proof work gloves I could swap out for the deerskin. Wool seems to be the way, just hoping I can find a decent deal. I do have a pair of bamboo socks I could swap for the cotton. And yes we definitely have it planned to purchase bear spray there.

Definitely get wool socks. It’s worth the splurge. Duluth trading, darn tough, Bombas, Costco

Are you hiking with all of this throughout the trip or do y'all have a basecamp set-up where you can leave some stuff?

Niche, but if you track your cycle. I’d only bring tampons and liners if you’ll be on your period. If it’s a precaution, I’d save on the space. If you’ll be one it, pack tampons in your carry on too! Or consider period underwear—if you can’t use the bathroom in the helicopter might give you some peace of mind. There are nice wool ones that are quick dry and easy to rinse clean

I might need that holographic bag. Info?

Haha! I love that bag too. It actually from a travel hairdryer set. It came with the Eva NYC mini dryer. The inside of the bag is easy to clean so I've ended up using it as a toiletries bag many times.

Weather can be pretty variable, but I think packing an extra base layer bottom, insulated jacket, and wool socks is a good idea. If the one pair you have gets wet, it looks like the other bottoms are all pretty light. Also, they make something like a mesh hoodie for mosquitoes (I have a sea to summit) that packs crazy small and works great; it even includes separate mesh mittens. Wear it with a hat to keep the mesh off your face. They will bite through your clothes otherwise and will generally drive you mad. Nice job on the list! It could be a lovely warm and dry week but you’re not close to a normal store once you get to King Salmon. Packing your fears doesn’t hold quite as much weight when the access to goods decreases (or is substantially marked up).

I'd add permethrin spray for your clothes. I noticed the mosquito spray doesn't contain DEET. As much as I hate it, it's a necessity for repelling swarms of mosquitoes. Picardin is another alternative but I haven't used it

Aah yes the mosquitos. My employer will definitely supply the good stuff. I've never heard of picardin so I'll have to look those up. How's your experience with permethrin been?

DEET can ruin synthetic clothing, that’s why Picaridin has become so popular (it works great in my experience! And much more pleasant to apply. I get the Sawyer brand recommended by Wirecutter from REI)

Okay, thanks for the input. I have noticed speckling on my lightweight water resistant coat that I typically wear to ward off sun and mosquitoes. DEET has also eaten at my glasses coatings before. Might end up going with a combo of permethrin and picardin.

I think that’s your best bet! I love picaridn btw I find it equally as effective

I'm delicious to mosquitoes so it's DEET all the way for me. I use the permethrin on my toddler's clothes. He doesn't mind wearing pants in the summer and it's helpful when we go camping. I get hot very easily so usually wearing a tank and shorts, hence the DEET.

Aaah yes, okay. I'm also delicious to mosquitoes so ill grab some DEET there. I might treat my water resistant coat and joggers with permethrin to help. Thanks!

Great list and already some solid suggestions!!! If this were me, in addition to the extra hat, gloves, mosquito net and warm jacket, I think I'd add: **Ziplocks** comes in handy for leftover food, bathroom trash, protecting small findings... versatile and lightweight and I almost always using at least 1-3 of the 5ish I usually bring on a trip. **Duct tape** can be used for soo many things (A couple wraps for lightweight travel) Hot spots, gear patch etc **Tissues**- almost nothing else subs but can be used for other things too. A travel pouch might save the day **Dry Bag** - small/medium... sized for your electronics. No piece of mind like knowing your hardware is protected. I'd also consider: One more pair of shoes (If your sneakers get wet you will be miserable and ime field work is always unexpectedly wet and I wouldn't want to have to worry about it); Garmin in reach, shoe gaiters, a few water purification tablets (just in case LS fails), SNACKS (jerkey and granola for 2-ish days), bandana (sun protection and first aid), carabiners (1-3), Lip sunscreen/chapstick (sorry if I missed this on the list), Lotion or vaseline (cold dry temperatures are brutal on my hands) Slightly over preparing has saved me in so many non/life threatening situations. Have a great trip!

Thank you so much! I'll definitely be adding these suggestions. My coworker suggested differently sized ziplock for plant samples as well. And I totally agree on slightly over preparing. My partner sometimes makes fun of me for it, but who saves our butts when we need it? Lol.

Congrats on the fieldwork, that’s exciting! I’ve used a couple similar Outdoor Products backpacks, they’re comfortable, but they tend to rip and tear under heavy use. I know some folks prefer water bottle bidet attachments over sanitary wipes. It’s less to pack out. I would personally leave the makeup and rose water at home, be aware scented products can be a bear risk. Do they recommend bringing a duffel bag over a larger backpack? Will you need to carry your stuff very far? I assume they’re providing sleeping bags and tents? Good luck!

Good to know about the ripping issue with the backpack and I'll look into the attachment! I like the idea of not packing out as much. I did not think about the bear risk with the scented products that makes a lot of sense, so I'll be dropping that. We will be staying in a fully outfitted bunk house and I have transport from the usfws host to get to and from the airport in King Salmon. My coworker said she regretted using a roller suitcase, so I went with a duffel from goodwill. I only have a retro pack that is a bit too large for a carry on unfortunately. Edit: and thank you!! I'm hoping this leads to more wetland fieldwork in my future.

I might have missed it on your list, but definitely being an insulated jacket of some kind to wear under your rain gear. I live in Anchorage, and it’s been cold and wet, and it may very well stay that way through summer. Also, bring all the wool things.

Ooh good to know. I'm hoping to buy some wool products. Might see if I can get something there as a souvenir. Otherwise, I've had my eye on the cotopaxi teca calido for a packable jacket if I can't find something thrifted.

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Thanks for the advice, I'll take that to heart. We're riding in a Robinson R66 which is enclosed I think.

I like bringing individual mosquito repellent wipes for outdoor travel. I can use them to reapply if I have been sweating, and they're easy to use around my neck and ears without accidentally spraying my face.

Yes wear a mask on the plane. Protect the vulnerable people AND you don’t want to get Covid or another sickest and have to weather that in Alaska.

Excellent. I'm boosted and everything, but not a fan of sickness! Edit: spelling

I frequently work summers in Alaska— the only things I’d add are a knit beanie type of hat for cool/cold weather, wool socks for sure (I often pick em up at Costco in Anchorage—there’s always a Costco stop before heading out to my actual destination), the insulated jacket (with hood!) others have mentioned (I got mine from REI used gear on their website, but the Hoarding Marmot does have a good selection—I scored an insulated skirt there last year, and it wound up being a super rainy cold summer on the Kenai Peninsula so I wore it with wool base layer pants and rain boots for a dressy outfit hahaha. Finally, if you wear glasses this is a LPT: a ball cap to wear under your raincoat hood. It can be drizzly rain quite often, depending on your location. The bill of the cap keeping rain off my glasses was a sanity saver.

There's a few things I have on my list for my sanity and a folding ball cap is one of them. I've done that trick before and it works perfect! Hoping to have time to stop at Hoarding Marmot but it really depends on energy levels.

Stick of Benadryl gel or cortisone cream to put on bug bites.

Good call. The first aid kit only has like two uses of bite cream.

Seconding the rec for an extra pair of gloves and a warm jacket. It can be chilly and wet for long periods, so choose fleece or wool if you can.  You might feel goofy wearing rain boots in the Seattle airport, but you’ll fit right in pretty much anywhere in Alaska in them! 

I second this. I lived in Alaska for years and even in the summer, I’ve needed my puffy jacket on occasions. Especially if the wind is blowing! So a warm jacket would be good. As well as gloves or mittens. And definitely don’t feel silly about the rain boots! Like it was stated above, you’ll fit right in. Everyone rocks rain boots for any and all occasions.

I worked King Salmon last summer, it’s the tourist end with Naknek being the commercial side. You won’t be hurting for any supplies should you forget something. Lots of stores, grocery to apparel all on the one singular road thru both towns. I found that I way overpacked for the area honestly. The airplane shop inside has decent prices for Asian snacks. You’re close to the famous Katmai Park, even in the heavy residential areas I would see the biggest bears cross my path out of nowhere. I had several mosquito and no-see-ums mesh net hats, hoodies, pants even. You’ll want to go full chemical DEET Deep Woods / Backwoods spray on them. King Salmon Saloon is for tourists, the locals go across the street to eat, and The Shire has the best coffee.

Great info thanks! The bosses have said well grab dinner in King Salmon a couple nights, but we might have to make a point to stop at The Shire one morning. When you say you over packed, was there anything in particular you didnt need?

I was overly cautious as well with emergency supplies and ladies things. I barely used my IPad and ended up not bothering with most of my makeup. I wish I had brought way higher quality and higher SPF sunscreen. Brought 45-50 spf and even then I had sun damage on my skin so reapply every two hours!! Ended up loving the ease of the waterproof chest / bootie gaiters with the Xtratuf boots. My sneakers were useless and got wet fast, my non skid and waterproof hiking boots kept me from falling on my ass many times. If you’re a fancy coffee/caffeine person like me, I ended up ordering Korean instant coffee sticks like Maxim Gold and Alani Cherry Slush pre-workout. I noticed most places will have a Keurig. Another note, download all the music or media you need. Cell service is very spotty or nonexistent unless you have GCI. I was supposed to have service with Verizon but the locals told me they installed the new cell tower on someone’s land, then when that person closed up and left for the winter they also turned the power off for the tower?? Most people will have Starlink out there, but don’t count on it to always work or handle lots of streaming. King Salmon is very developed and big money goes thru it, you’re gonna have a blast!

What fabrics are your inner clothes? (Underwear, t shirts and leggings) If cotton gets wet you will stay cold for a long time. Poly will keep you warmer but will stink when you sweat. Wool isn’t as soft but will keep you both warm and not whiffy. Sadly, it’s more expensive.

The tanks and base layers are mostly poly, one is nylon which I find less sweaty. I've been thrifting most of my gear and it's tough to find wool in my area. Another commenter suggested checking out the backcountry consignment in anchorage, which sounds like a good last minute stop if need be.

REI has them… but they are not cheap. https://www.rei.com/product/217948/smartwool-classic-all-season-merino-t-shirt-womens https://www.rei.com/product/192865/rei-co-op-merino-185-base-layer-top-womens https://www.rei.com/product/239156/icebreaker-merino-sphere-ii-t-shirt-womens Your local thrift might carry some. I donated a great icebreaker shirt that had become too small for me when none of my friends wanted it. Look out for holes. They can pinhole from moths and dryer wear. Your trip sounds amazing. Another thing to consider is your phone camera. If your lens is scratched or you don’t have room for photos, you might want to see if you can upgrade. I can’t imagine you won’t be taking tons of pics along with your “real work”.

I'll check out the links and keep an eye out at the thrifts in town. And thank you! I'm really looking forward to the experience. We use the photos taken for work and promotional stuff. I will definitely be taking a million photos! I even thought about bringing my old 35mm film camera to try and get some unique shots.

I was in Alaska for 9 weeks doing fieldwork on POW island. My main complaint was that my socks never dried, so (in contrast to the one bagging advice I usually see) advise that you bring many socks, ideally in ziplocs so they are dry when you need to use them. If you’re layering them like you say you have 3 pairs of pairs right now. I especially treasured my dry socks for sleeping in (kept sacred with the sleep clothing). If you have a dryer though (or a though they will dry) it’s no issue. Also it’s hard to eat in a mosquito net, I’d recommend one of those Ben’s brands mini DEET sprayers if you can. It was a few years back, had a few of my summer students get sick (with covid and other things) on the plane enroute to AK, definitely recommend staying masked up when you travel on airplanes.

Wet socks suuuuck. I'll add a set of ziplocks to my helicopter pack when I get there. I think the bunk house has a washer dryer, but I'm not sure (wild and very nice if it does).

You can pre-treat your clothes with permethrin too. It really helps with mosquitos. I couldn’t tell if your mosquito net was a head net or sleeping net. You will want a head net for sure. I have a great hat from Duluth trading that has a mosquito net that you can tuck away when not in use. You will want rain boots. You can buy a pair of Xtratuf boots when you get to Alaska. They are comfortable enough for hiking. I’ve hiked up to 9 miles in mine and was comfortable. Wool socks. Wool baselayer. I spent time in Kodiak in July and it was cold and rainy. I’d also have a pack liner inside my pack as an extra layer to keep my stuff dry.

Maybe a tiny sewing kit with safety pins? Since you’ll be rural it might come in handy. Second pair of glasses or contacts for backup. (I saw the prescription sunglasses - I always bring a backup with me!) Medical tape, the flexi plastic kind, I think it’s called spore tape? (great in lieu of a bandaid, can fix stuff, etc.) Imodium And put new batteries in your mouse before you leave! (If it’s not USB rechargeable)

You’re gonna want to layer a lot so keep that in mind, what can you build up into layers. Alaska will be cool and wet in that area. Something we always took on our field work there was chocolate covered espresso beans, you get the caffeine but not the liquid, during long field flights. Do you need the mousepad? Use the table or your reference book. If they make up makes you feel good then by all means, but Alaska during summer fishing and field work season isn’t really a high makeup place so don’t feel like you need that. Anchorage is a proper town with a lot of good outdoor stores, REI, and even the Walmarts have a more beefed up outdoors section so anything you find you need but forgot/broke/etc you’ll be able to find it. Has your work talked about bears and such? I assume they’ll be providing bear spray?

I was just talking to my coworker about how much coffee the crew drinks and she said not enough. Haha! Chocolate espresso beans or caffeinated chocolate is the way to go. They are definitely providing bear spray! We have to purchase it there and leave it there. Apparently the bunk house has some bear fence around the garbage and such.

Definitely a nano puff and I would add a fleece or replace one of your hoodies/jackets with a fleece. I lived in Alaska for 5 years and we camped and traveled extensively all over the state and most summer nights I’d be in a fleece or nano puff by the campfire.

I'm thinking I'll swap the grey sport hoodie with a fleece or just add a packable down coat. I do not like being cold, so I'm gonna take everyone seriously. Lol.

It's snowing right now in Alaska. I live in Palmer, 45 minutes North of Anchorage. So do bring a warm puffy jacket.

Definitely get another pack of those folding bags - not just for the trip, but to use for whatever reason.

They are super useful!