Alaska Northern Lights Packing List
4 nights · -10 to 20°F / -23 to -7°C · you'll be standing still outside after 10 p.m., and cold drains batteries fast, so keep spares in an inside pocket
clothes
- warm winter coat or parka rated well below 0°F
- merino or thermal base layers, top and bottom
- fleece mid-layer
- insulated snow pants for standing still
- thick wool socks, plus a spare pair
- warm hat that covers your ears
- neck gaiter to cover your face and neck
for the aurora nights
- insulated boots rated for well below 0°F, with room for thick socks
- thin liner gloves under big mittens
- hand warmers and toe warmers
- slip-on ice cleats for icy parking lots
- headlamp with a red light mode
- insulated bottle for a hot drink
- tripod if you want photos
toiletries + meds
- rich moisturizer for dry winter air
- lip balm
- hand cream
- pain reliever
- saline nasal spray for dry indoor heat
- throat lozenges
- blister pads for new boots
the stuff you always forget
- phone charging cable
- slim power bank, kept inside your coat
- extra camera batteries
- sunglasses for bright snow glare by day
- ID for flights
- tour pickup details saved offline
- zip bag to seal your camera in before going back inside, so it doesn't fog