How should we dress!

Will be in Alaska in early June. How cold and how much snow will there be at that time? Will we need heavy boots? I don%26#39;t want to have to pack things that we won%26#39;t need. Thanks Sue

How should we dress!

The key to dressing for any Alaska trip is layers. If you are doing some hiking, you might want some boots, but I wouldn%26#39;t pack snow boots - just my normal hiking boots.

The thing about Alaska is that you can go from a chilly morning to a hot afternoon, all in one day. So you need to have layers that you can add/remove as needed. Also depends what climate you are acclimated to before you come here. June is usually sunny and you%26#39;ll only find snow at higher elevations at that time.

For example, most of us would wear a t-shirt, then maybe a long sleeve shirt and then maybe a fleece jacket for a colder day . . . and if you are colder, then add polypro underwear and maybe even gloves/hat - especially if you are camping. You will also want rain gear with you - just in case. You will see some of us in shorts in June, so . . . dress for your comfort. Remember, Alaska is not a fashion show - no one cares what you wear up here - we dress for function over fashion. :)

How should we dress!

Thanks coalminer! These are words I wanted to hear! Although I expect to be on the cold side (Phoenix, HOT, HOT, HOT in the summer), I am ready to just layer! Now, about the mosquitos and that net hat get-up. We will be camping at Brooks and Denali in July. Do we need that, or will something else do? I don%26#39;t want to be a blood donor or lunch!

Well, I personally don%26#39;t own a head net, but I also don%26#39;t camp at Wonder Lake. I would get one - they will drive you nuts if you don%26#39;t and buy good bug dope when you get here - very important. Some years are worse than others - you won%26#39;t know until you arrive, so just be prepared and you%26#39;ll have an enjoyable trip. :)

I will be there in June and have planned a variety of layers: silk longjohns and tops, underarmor bottoms and tops, long sleeve tees or turtlenecks, fleece hoodie, fleece vest, wool sweater, fleece pants, gortex rain jacket and pants, bb cap, and fleece bb cap, gloves, wool socks, two pair shoes, two pair jeans. I promise this is getting in one carry one suitcase, even if I have to wear all the layers on the plane.

I second the messages about bringing rain gear and waterproof or quick-dry clothing. On the days when it rained on our trip, it poured. With our rain gear we were able to get out and do our planned activities. Our one mistake....we didn%26#39;t bring waterproof gloves. There%26#39;s nothing worse than wet fleece gloves when it%26#39;s cold and raining.

Thanks everybody. Will bring less outerwear than I expected. Need to get some rain gear though. I hate going on vacation without the proper clothing. Glad to hear that I don%26#39;t have to be a ';fashion plate';. Sue

Thought I should add that it really depends on the activities you%26#39;ll be doing as well as where you are - this is a big state . . . so it can be very different weather wise in different parts of the state. I might want that fleece jacket and gloves on a boat tour in Seward, but it also might be 85 in Fairbanks in June, so a tank top and shorts might be the best thing. Be a good scout and be prepared. :)