Let’s say you’re the adventurous type but you like your hikes rigorous and cold. A walk in Central Park just doesn’t do the trick. A climb up Mordor with the Ring of Power is more your type. Well then, the Pacific Northwest or Alaska is probably where you’ll want to go.
Maybe you’ve checked out my best day-hikes around Anchorage or you’ve chosen an epic climb in Mt. Rainier National Park, but you don’t know what to bring. First I’d say, Frodo did it barefooted with a blanket on his back and some crackers in his pocket! Don’t worry.
Buuuuut, I get that you’re not a hobbit and this isn’t fictional and if you hike unprepared you could very well die (which would be bad for my conscience), so…without further ado, here’s what I bring each time I hike in the Pacific Northwest.
My Day Hike Packing List
Before purchasing any of this gear full-price, I would check out REI’s garage sale and Facebook marketplace in your area.
I think it goes without saying that you need a good pair of hiking shoes. If you like barefoot options, you can check out this guide on the best barefoot options for Alaska. I would recommend avoiding Gore-Tex boots, as your feet are almost guaranteed to get wet. So choose options that will dry quickly.
1. 30L Daypack
- Recommendation: A 30L day pack is a great size for a day hike. You could go to a 20L pack, which would work fine. The only issue I find is that with a rain jacket and a down jacket (two essentials when hiking in Alaska), a 20L pack is pretty stuffed.
- Suggested Pack: Personally, I love REI’s daypacks. They’re super affordable. Mine (which was a 40L) pack, lasted me for a good three years of extremely intensive use.
- Features to Look For: Make sure it has a rain cover (or bring a separate one), a hydration reservoir compartment (if you’re into that), and a waist belt. You could concievably go for a bag without a waste belt, but I think it’s a waste. Even if you don’t have a lot of weight in your pack, it makes it much more comfortable and secure.
My suggested daypack to buy:
- REI Traverse 32 – $159 MSRP but can be usually found for $80.
- The REI Flash 22 – Cheaper if you’re comfortable with a smaller pack
2. Packable Down Jacket
Even in summer, the wind can rip in the mountains and you can get cold very fast. I highly recommend bringing a down or synthetic jacket. It doesn’t need to be seriously warm, especially if you expect to keep moving. But if you like to take liesurely breaks, continue bringing a heavier jacket.
My suggested jacket to buy:
Since I assume you will be using a single jacket for your entire Alaska trip, I’m only recommending jackets that would work well for overnight trips as well. Personally, I would not buy a jacket that doesn’t have a hood on it.
- Rab Electron Pro Down Jacket – this is the jacket I use and it works great. It is expensive though as it MSRPs for about $340.
- 190g of 800 fill power down
- Weighs 18.5 oz
- If you want a budget jacket, but one that will still work very well, I’d go for the Magma 850 Down Hoodie by REI. It MSRPs for $250 but you can get it for $150. You sacrifice on longevity and weight here though. This jacket will not be as warm as the Rab above (just look at the fill count).
3. Rain Jacket
Rain is super common and you never know when it’s coming. Especially in the mountains, always bring a rain jacket. If you get wet up there, you can quickly become hypothermic, even in 50 degree weather.
I personally use the Mammut Nordwand Pro HS Hooded Jacket which is a beast (but goes for $850 MSRP). You don’t need something this serious though. If you did want to get something like this, just keep an eye out for sales on high end jackets. The brand doesn’t matter so much. I got this jacket for $400 on sale.
You could easily go for the Flash Stretch Rain Jacket by REI. It MSRPs for $169 but you can get it for under $90. Personally, I wouldn’t buy anything less than this jacket if I was planning on taking it to Alaska.
4. Additional Essentials
- Hat – A wool hat is definitely necessary if you’re heading up peaks.
- Sunglasses or a visor – don’t underestimate the Alaska sun. It can be brutal.
- Extra Water – bring at least 2 liters a person
- Grey Salt – the best electrolytes there are
- Snacks – head over to Fred Meyers to pick up some energy bars or nuts. Always bring a bit more food than you think you might need.
- Bear spray – definitely bring bear spray. You can usually get a free canister from tourists who have packed up to go home.
- A trail app – You can use either AllTrails or Gaia. I prefer Gaia.
- Mosquito repellant
- Sunscreen – if you’re into that kind of thing
- First aid kit – don’t need anything major here. I would bring some gauze and medical tape. Moleskin is a good idea too if you’re prone to get blisters.
No need for a compass or map. Your phone works as an emergency locator. Also, no need for a headlamp since the day light is so long.
