What to Bring on an Alaska Trip

Rain Gear — Bib Pants + Jacket (essential)

Alaska is wet. Not occasionally — routinely. Even a sunny morning can turn into a driving sideways rain by noon. Brands that hold up: Grundens, Helly Hansen, and Xtratuf. Full bib pants are better than hip waders on a charter — you'll be warmer and the bibs protect your core.

Rubber Boots — Xtratuf Neoprene (mandatory)

Xtratuf neoprene boots are not optional — they're the unofficial uniform of Alaska's waterfront. Every deckhand, processor, and experienced angler wears them. Waterproof, grippy, warm, and built for wet decks. Get a pair before you go; they're available at most Alaska hardware and sporting goods stores too.

Warm Base Layers

Merino wool or quality synthetic mid-weight base layers — even August mornings are cold on the water at 6 AM. Cotton stays wet and cold; wool and synthetics dry fast and insulate when damp.

Hat and Sun Protection

UV rays on the water are intense even on overcast days — the cloud cover doesn't block UV the way it blocks heat. A sun-protective hat plus SPF 50+ sunscreen is not optional if you're out all day.

Polarized Sunglasses

Cuts glare off the water, helps you spot fish near the surface, and protects your eyes from hooks on a crowded boat. Wrap-around style for wind protection.

Sunscreen and Lip Balm (SPF 30+)

Apply before you board and reapply after you've been splashed. Lips burn fast on the water.

Seasickness Medication

Take Dramamine or Bonine the night before your trip AND the morning of. If you're prone to motion sickness, ask your doctor about a Scopolamine patch — it's more effective and available by prescription.

Cash for Tips

$50–$100 per person in cash, per day. Your mate worked hard. Bring it in small bills — not everyone has change for a $100.

Alaska Fishing License

Buy before you arrive at adfg.alaska.gov. Non-resident 1-day $15, 7-day $45, 14-day $75. If you're targeting king salmon, add the king stamp ($25). Print a copy or screenshot — cell service at the dock can be spotty.

Snacks and Lunch

Most full-day charters don't provide food. Pack a sandwich, energy bars, and a water bottle. Some captains provide coffee and drinks — confirm when booking.

Quality Rain Gear (heavy-duty)

Hunting rain gear needs to be more durable than fishing rain gear — you're moving through brush, kneeling on wet ground, and packing meat. Top brands: Sitka Gear, KUIU, and First Lite. Cheaper gear leaks and fails at the worst moments.

Pack System (large frame pack)

For backcountry hunts: a 5,000–7,000 cubic inch pack with a frame to carry meat out. Caribou and moose hunters need serious pack capacity. Alaska requires you to salvage all edible meat — that's a lot of weight to haul.

Quality Optics

10x42 binoculars minimum — 15x is better for glassing open terrain. Dall sheep and goat hunters need a quality spotting scope (60-80mm objective). Don't cheap out on glass; Alaska hunting is often about spotting animals at distance before they see you.

Layering System

Base layer (merino wool), mid-layer (fleece), insulation layer (synthetic puffy), and waterproof shell. Alaska weather shifts fast — the ability to add and shed layers without stopping hunt time is critical.

Waterproof Boots

Waterproof leather boots for mixed terrain and day hiking, or rubber boots for wet tundra and river crossings. Alaska hunting is wet. Wet feet end hunts. Plan accordingly.

Bear Spray (required)

In bear country — everywhere in coastal Alaska — bear spray is not optional. Carry it in an accessible hip holster at all times, not in your pack. You won't have time to dig for it if you need it.

Satellite Communicator (mandatory for remote)

A SPOT or Garmin inReach device is non-negotiable for any backcountry or fly-in hunt. Cell service doesn't exist in most Alaska hunting areas. An inReach lets you send messages, share GPS coordinates, and trigger an SOS if something goes wrong.

Knife and Game Bags

A quality fixed-blade knife for caping and butchering. Heavy-duty game bags (at least 4) to protect meat from dirt and insects during the pack-out.