Packing for Alaska in Winter
Layer, layer, layer! Wearing layers is the best way to stay comfortable while spending hours transitioning between outside & inside during winter in Alaska. We will often go from a warm cabin to a cold then warm vehicle and then spend hours out in freezing temps. You‘ll want to avoid sweating while you are warm because it will make you colder when outdoors. So, being able to easily take off layers & then put them back on is important. I suggest a wool base layer, a fleece second layer (sometimes even a 3rd layer in the form of a vest or similar) and then a wind proof/water resistant outer layer. Avoid layers that are too tight because the air between them helps to keep us insulated and warm.
Whether you are using a camera or a phone, power is vital. The cold drains batteries quickly so I also recommend always having spare batteries or a battery pack/charging bank with you.
- Warm beanie that covers your ears
- Neck warmer/Buff (scarves are bulky and often don’t give adequate coverage)
- Warm Gloves that you can operate your cameras &/or phone with. I use a layering system with electric glove liners and bigger thick gloves over them
- Merino wool base layers
- Wool socks
- Fleece mid layers
- Wind proof outer layer. Puffy jacket/ski pants are highly recommended
- Chemical hand warmers. I keep these in my pockets to keep my phone & batteries warm as well as extra heat for my hands between shooting
- Winter boots. Boots should be rated for cold weather. Hiking boots are not recommended as they are not warm enough for the winter temps we experience
- Micro spikes/crampons
- Tripod. No matter what you are shooting with, a tripod will come in clutch for long exposure photos & more stabilized videos.
- Headlamp or flashlight. Please avoid anything with a red light function. (I’ll talk more about this on retreat)
- Small bag to use in the car for snacks, water bottle, chemical warmers, etc and to keep your warm gear handy and organized
- Charging bank and/or batteries
- Chemical warmers to keep batteries & phones warm while in pockets
- Battery pack/power bank
** Not mandatory but highly recommended bonus cold weather gear **
Electric/battery powered socks
Electric gloves or glove liners
Electric vest