Ready for your Alaskan adventure? You’ve packed the essentials, right? No? Well, don’t panic. I’ve got your back with this packing list. Trust me, you’ll want every single one of these items, and you can grab them from Amazon (yep, I’m an Amazon Associate, so when you click through, I get a tiny little kickback for helping you out, at no extra cost to you). It’s like we’re on this adventure together!

First off, let’s talk shoes. You don’t want to show up in those bright white tourist shoes. Seriously. The locals will know you’re a tourist faster than you can say “mosquito.” Get yourself a solid pair of hiking boots. I wear and recommend Merrill hiking boots. They’re comfortable, durable, and won’t scream “I’m lost, where’s the gift shop?” Plus, they’ll keep your feet warm and dry while you’re tromping around on glaciers or dodging puddles after a summer rain. Try these for men and these for women. They are waterproof and have a little ankle support for uneven trails and sidewalks.

Which, speaking of rain, you really need a good rain jacket. Alaskan weather is more unpredictable than your dog when you’re trying to take a nap. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s a torrential downpour. You’ll want a solid rain jacket shell—something light, breathable, but sturdy enough to withstand the elements. You’ll thank me when the sky decides to dump all its water on you during that epic glacier hike. Or, quite simply, evenings are cool in Alaska and nice rain jacket shell is easy to keep with you, looks nice, and keeps the cool air off your arms. Columbia has some great options in mens and womens.

Next up, let’s talk about those pesky things that fly around and try to drink your blood: bugs. Yes, Alaska has mosquitoes. Yes, they’re the size of small birds. Get some good bug spray, and by good, I mean the stuff with deet. I’ve tried the lemon scent and all the other concoctions, but all I will say, if the bugs are bad you want a repellent with deet. You might think, “Oh, I’ll be fine,” but then, oh, no—you’ll find yourself surrounded by the buzzing army of allmosquitoes in Alaska. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Now, because you’re in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, you’ll want a decent pair of binoculars to check out the wildlife. Personally, I like the compact versions, like what it linked, compared to the bulky  optics that are difficult to pack and carry with you on a day trip. Whether you’re trying to spot an eagle flying overhead or that moose grazing near the trailhead, a good set of binoculars is key. Bonus points if you can spot whales from a distance while staying cozy with a cup of coffee, but that’s a whole different level of Alaskan experience.

Oh, and before I forget, you’ll want to be able to handle you phone while it’s charging, whether you use a plugin in the back of the car while your partners uses the one in the front or when you’re in the hotel room and trying to plug your phone in behind the chair and send messages to family. The solution? Extra long USB cords. You’re going to need them. Trust me.

You’ll probably want your phone charged so you can pull up my Audio Tour Alaska app. (What, you didn’t think I wouldn’t sneak that in here?) Whether you’re out hiking, sightseeing, or just wandering through Alaska, my app has you covered with all the local knowledge you didn’t know you needed. Consider it your personal tour guide in your pocket, minus the questionable accent.

Oh, and one last thing—don’t forget a solid backpack. This isn’t just any old backpack, mind you. This is your “I’m ready for an Alaskan adventure and I’ve got my life in here” backpack. You’ll want something sturdy, water-resistant, and big enough to carry your layers, snacks, water bottle, bug spray, and maybe a little extra something from that roadside gift shop you definitely stopped at (hey, I get it). Make sure it has comfortable straps, too—because you’ll be hauling it around while you’re hiking, and the last thing you want is to end up with straps digging into your shoulders after two hours on the trail. Find something that fits your needs, and you’ll have a trusty companion for your Alaskan journey. Plus, it’ll give you a legitimate excuse to buy more snacks… you know, for emergencies.

Finally, pack layers. Seriously. Layers are your friend. You’ll go from sweating on a hike to freezing while waiting for the wildlife to show up in under 30 minutes. Pack accordingly, and you won’t regret it.

So there you have it. Your essential Alaskan packing list. Click through these links, grab your gear, and get ready to experience Alaska like a pro (or at least like you’re not a first-timer who packed a fanny pack and a camera around their neck). Happy adventuring!