What to Pack for Inside Passage. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Layering for Comfort

Layering clothing supports adaptability to changing weather. Consider these:

Essential Layers

Base Layer: Moisture-wicking fabrics like merino wool or synthetics (Amazon). Avoid cotton.
Mid Layer: Fleece jackets or down vests (Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece Jacket).
Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof rain jacket and pants (Columbia Watertight II Jacket, Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Pants).

Accessories & Socks

Further clothing considerations:

Accessories

Warm Hat & Gloves: A beanie or wool hat offers warmth. Waterproof or wool gloves supply warmth and protection.
Socks: Pack wool or synthetic Hiking socks. They support blister prevention and moisture management.
Cultural Dress: Casual and comfortable clothing characterizes the norm. Some cruise lines might have formal nights.

Footwear Recommendations

Waterproof Shoes

Waterproof walking shoes or Sneakers hold utility for general wear in port towns.

Urban and casual use.

Hiking Boots

Waterproof hiking boots become necessary for trails or active excursions, such as Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoes.

Trails and active excursions.

Deck Shoes

Comfortable non-slip shoes serve well for onboard ship.

Onboard ship comfort.

Essential Documents

Travel Documentation

Organized and secure documents simplify your travel experience. Remember to carry:

Passport & Visa Documentation: Valid passport, U.S. Visa or ESTA approval. Maintain physical and digital copies.
Travel Insurance Policy: Physical and digital copies of your policy. This facilitates information access.
International Driving Permit: Necessary only if car rental is planned and your home country's license is not in English.
Vaccination & Health Records: Consult your doctor. Documentation for prescription medications is advisable.

Reservations: Printouts and digital copies of cruise tickets, flights, hotels, and excursions. This furnishes backups for technology issues.
Emergency Contacts: A list for family, friends, doctor, and insurance company. Share this list with a trusted person at home.
IDs for Discounts: Check if any attractions or tours offer discounts for student, senior, or press IDs.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Charging and connectivity merit planning:

Connectivity Essentials

Power Adapter & Voltage: Standard North American outlets (Type A/B, 120V). International travelers will need a Universal Travel Adapter.
Mobile Phone: Check with your carrier for international roaming. Onboard Wi-Fi is generally slower. Free Wi-Fi exists in most port towns. Consider Airalo for eSIM options.
VPN Services: For secure browsing on public Wi-Fi, consider services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Camera & Charging

Capturing memories is central to the experience:

Photography Gear

Camera Equipment: A DSLR or Mirrorless camera with a Telephoto lens for wildlife, a Wide-angle lens for landscapes. Extra batteries are advisable. B&H Photo stocks a variety of camera gear.
Waterproof Camera: A Waterproof camera (GoPro) serves well for water-based excursions.
Binoculars: Often prove valuable for spotting wildlife and appreciating scenic views.

Data Backup & Apps

Portable Chargers

Portable chargers like the Anker PowerCore 20100 serve to keep devices charged.

Recommended Apps

Cruise line apps, weather apps, Google Maps (offline maps support), wildlife identification apps.

Backup Solutions

Cloud storage or an External hard drive serve for backing up photos and videos.

Health & Wellness Items

Medical Preparedness

A practical health kit, suited for Alaskan travel, is worth packing:

First Aid & Prescriptions

First Aid Kit: Standard items include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, Anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines.
Prescription Medications: Carry all in original containers. A doctor's note is advisable for controlled substances or larger quantities.
Over-the-Counter: Remedies for colds, flu, allergies, and antacids are worth bringing.

Prevention & Hygiene

Proactive measures for wellness:

Health & Comfort

Motion Sickness Remedies: If prone to seasickness, remedies are advisable. Motion sickness occurs more frequently than altitude sickness in the Inside Passage.
Insect Repellent & Sun Protection: High SPF Sunscreen, Lip balm with SPF, sunglasses. For robust insect protection, use Sawyer Products Permethrin Insect Repellent for clothing and a DEET or Picaridin-based repellent for skin.
Personal Hygiene: Travel-sized toiletries. Selection in remote towns could be limited or pricier. Water purification is generally not needed as tap water is potable.

Altitude vs. Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness Measures

Over-the-counter medications like Bonine.
Prescription patches (e.g., Transderm Scop) from your doctor.
Natural remedies like ginger.

Altitude Sickness Note

Most Inside Passage areas are at sea level.
Altitude sickness is generally not a concern unless venturing into high-altitude inland regions.
Tap water in towns and on cruise ships is potable, no extra purification usually needed.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Waterproof Hiking boots are generally required. Hiking poles for stability and a Waterproof daypack for essentials offer assistance.

Durable, waterproof footwear.
Layered clothing to adapt to weather.
Navigation tools and maps.
Bear spray for wilderness (purchase locally).

Water Activities

For kayaking or canoeing, a Waterproof bag for electronics and quick-drying clothing provides utility. Fishing charters often furnish appropriate gear; an Alaskan fishing license will be necessary.

Waterproof bags for electronics.
Quick-drying clothing.
Sunscreen and hat.
Alaskan fishing license for fishing.

Rent vs. Bring

For most travelers, renting specialized gear like fishing rods or kayaks locally through tour operators proves more practical than bringing them. This conserves space and reduces inconvenience.

Rent specialty gear to save space.
Bear spray: purchase locally, cannot be carried on planes.
Dispose of bear spray responsibly before flying home.
Tour operators often supply necessary equipment.

Rent vs. Buy Gear

Advantages of Renting

Less baggage to transport.
Access to well-maintained, destination-appropriate equipment.
No need for cleaning or storage post-trip.
Supports local businesses.

Considerations for Buying

Higher initial cost.
Logistics of transporting bulky or heavy items.
Storage after the trip.
May not be suitable for diverse future trips.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Small items boost comfort and security during your travels:

Travel Essentials

Comfort Items: A Travel neck pillow, an Eye mask, and Earplugs support rest during journeys.
Security Items: TSA-approved luggage locks contribute to peace of mind. A Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet safeguards valuables.
Reusable Items: A Reusable water bottle curbs plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag proves useful for purchases in port.
Small Extras: A small waterproof notebook and pen hold utility. A Headlamp or small flashlight offers assistance, especially in shoulder or low season.

Specialized Items

Items best acquired from home due to limited local availability or cost:

Items to Pack from Home

High-quality rain gear for consistent wet weather.
Specific Hiking footwear for comfortable trail exploration.
Prescription medications to avoid local searches or potential stock issues.
Bear spray for wilderness (purchase locally, cannot fly with it).

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For purchases in port.

Solid Toiletries

Minimizes liquid waste.

Power Bank

Reduces reliance on outlets.

Destination-Specific Items

Wildlife Viewing

Binoculars for spotting distant wildlife.
Camera with a telephoto lens for wildlife photography.
Wildlife identification guide or app.

Cold Weather & Glaciers

Warm hat, gloves, and scarves for chilly days, especially near glaciers.
Thermal underwear or base layers.
Lip balm and moisturizer for dry air.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes to maximize space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes for better organization within your luggage.

Place heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase and lighter items on top. Keep a small bag handy for dirty laundry.

What to Pack for Inside Passage