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After 35 years in the travel industry, and a childhood spent in Alaska, I’ve learned that the right gear can make or break a trip. This is everything I actually pack, from the layers that keep me warm and dry on a wet Alaska spring day to the little comforts that make long flights bearable. Every item here is something I use myself.

Layers for Cold and Wet Weather

The system I rely on for Alaska, Iceland and Norway: warm base layers, waterproof outer layers and good boots.

• Baleaf Thermal Fleece Long Sleeve Tops: My go-to base layer. Warm, soft and thin enough to layer under everything.
• Baleaf Fleece Lined Leggings: Cozy fleece-lined leggings that work on their own or under rain pants.
• Merino Wool Hiking Socks: Warm even when damp, and they don’t get smelly on long trips.
• Helly Hansen Women’s Seven J Rain Jacket: Waterproof and windproof, and it kept me dry all through a rainy cruise day in Alaska.
• Columbia Women’s Storm Surge II Rain Pants: Waterproof and easy to pull on over leggings when the weather turns.
• ACUSHLA Merino Wool Neck Gaiter: A soft merino layer for wind and cold, and it packs down to nothing.
• Fleece Hooded Balaclava: For the truly cold days, when you want your face and ears covered.
• Evridwear Wool Convertible Fingerless Gloves: Flip-top mittens, so I can take photos without freezing my fingers.
• Rechargeable Hand Warmers (2 Pack): Reusable warmers that recharge by USB. No more disposable packets.
• XTRATUF Women’s Ankle Deck Boots: The unofficial boot of Alaska. Waterproof, comfortable and made for wet days.
• Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots: Supportive, waterproof hiking boots I trust on muddy, snowy trails.
• LVIOE Polarized Fit-Over Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses that fit right over my regular glasses.

Warm-Weather Walking

• mysoft Women’s Walking Sandals: Cushioned sandals I can actually walk miles in on warm-weather trips.

Luggage and Packing

• Hanke Top-Opening Aluminum Frame Carry-On: A trunk-style carry-on that opens from the top, so I’m not unzipping everything on the floor.
• BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes: They squeeze bulky layers down so everything fits in a carry-on.
• SUNEE Mesh Zipper Pouches: See-through pouches for cords, meds and all the little things.
• SANHECUN Waterproof Toiletry Bag: Waterproof and easy to wipe clean, with room for everything.
• Refillable Squeeze Travel Pouches: TSA-friendly, leakproof pouches for shampoo, conditioner and lotion.
• 4-in-1 Travel Dispenser Bottle: Four products in one bottle, which saves a lot of space in my liquids bag.
• Ourmed Life Compressed Towels: Tiny tablets that turn into a towel with a splash of water. Great for road trips.

Sleep and Comfort in Transit

• Cabeau Evolution X Travel Neck Pillow: Honestly the very best neck pillow I’ve used on long flights.
• 3D Contoured Sleep Mask: A contoured mask that blocks light without pressing on your eyes.
• Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs: Comfortable, reusable earplugs for planes, hotels and campgrounds.
• Babelio Pocket Mini White Noise Machine: A pocket-size white noise machine that helps me sleep anywhere.
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Noise canceling that makes long flights so much calmer.
• Kindle Paperwhite: A whole library in my bag, and the backlight is easy on the eyes.
• Shapermint Wireless Seamless Comfort Bra: Comfortable for long travel days, with no underwire digging in.

Tech and Power

• Anker Nano Travel Adapter: A compact international adapter with fast USB-C charging built in.
• Multi USB Charging Adapter Kit: One little kit with every connector tip I might need.
• FYY Electronics Travel Organizer: Keeps cords, chargers and batteries organized in one place.
• Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver: Lets me use my wireless headphones with airplane seat-back screens.
• EWA Mini Portable Bluetooth Speaker: A tiny speaker with surprisingly good sound for hotel rooms and campervans.
• Airalo eSIM: A digital SIM you can set up from home, so your phone has data the moment you land. No hunting for a SIM card at the airport. Check that your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible first.

Dual-Voltage Hair Tools

• 4-in-1 Dual Voltage Hair Dryer Brush: Dual voltage, so it works worldwide, and it dries and styles at once.
• Conair Foldable Travel Hair Dryer: A compact, foldable dryer for when the hotel doesn’t have a good one.
• L’Ange Le Duo Straightener and Curling Iron: One dual-voltage tool that straightens and curls, so I only pack one.
• FORENEE Hair Ties for Thick Hair: Gentle hair ties that hold all day without pulling.

Health and Hygiene

• Travel Lite Alcohol-Free Hand Wipes: Gentle wipes for trays, armrests and hands on the go.
• Wipe That Tush Flushable Wipes: Individually wrapped flushable wipes. Trust me, you’ll be glad you have them.
• MQ Motion Sickness Patches: A must for boat tours like the Kenai Fjords cruise.
• Afrin No Drip Extra Moisturizing Mist: Helps with stuffy ears and sinuses on flights. Ask your doctor first.
• Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask: My post-flight treat for dry, tired travel skin.
• Travelan: My travel-tummy insurance on trips where the food and water are new to me. Ask your doctor before using it.

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