For most first-time visitors, Alaska conjures up images of a frigid landscape covered in snow and shrouded in frost; however, Alaska can be quite mild during the summer months, with average highs in June and July hovering around the 65-68 degree mark.

Mild summer temperatures can also be accompanied by rain and fits of cold snaps, so packing for an Alaskan adventure can be challenging to say the least.

Trying to cover all the possibilities doesn't mean you need to pack your entire closet. We've put together a little packing list of essentials to help you get through a solid week of fishing and adventuring in our great state.

We jokingly tell our clients to prepare for weather between the 30s and 80s while fishing with us. It seems a little extreme, but it can feel pretty darn cold or pretty darn hot out there at times. You will find that most, if not all of the items we recommend are made from synthetic materials. Synthetic materials, unlike cotton, do not hold water, dry quickly and are designed to breathe. They say "Cotton Kills," and nowhere is this more true than in Alaska. 

In addition to weather considerations, it is also important to be aware that some parts of Alaska, even here in Cooper Landing, can be quite "buggy." Mosquitos and other biting insects are common and can get annoying. Long-sleeve "bug proof," synthetic t-shirts and pants are very versatile and essential to a comfortable experience in Alaska.

Here is our packing list for a comfortable vacation in alaska:

FISHING ATTIRE:

• WARM WOOL SOCKS - (Wigwam Ice Socks are our preference)

• SYNTHETIC LONG UNDERWEAR BOTTOMS

• SYNTHETIC LONG UNDERWEAR TOP

• LONG SLEEVE AND SHORT SLEEVE SYNTHETIC BUGPROOF T-SHIRTS

• SYNTHETIC SWEAT PANTS OR NON-ABRASIVE SYNTHETIC PANTS

• LONG SLEEVE THIN SYNTHETIC POLARTEC UNDER LAYER TOP

• SYNTHETIC JACKET

• WATERPROOF JACKET

• BILLED HAT

• POLARIZED SUNGLASSES

• SYNTHETIC OR WOOL GLOVES

CASUAL ATTIRE:

• COMFORTABLE SYNTHETIC HIKING SOCKS

• DURABLE WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS

• SYNTHETIC WATERPROOF OR WATER RESISTANT PANTS

• LONG SLEEVE AND SHORT SLEEVE SYNTHETIC BUGPROOF T-SHIRTS

• SYNTHETIC BUTTON DOWN SHIRTS

• LONG SLEEVE THIN SYNTHETIC POLARTEC UNDER LAYER TOP

• SYNTHETIC JACKET

• WATERPROOF JACKET

• BILLED HAT

• POLARIZED SUNGLASSES

Many of the items you'll pack for fishing can double as casual, every day attire. Though this is not an exhaustive packing list for a trip to Alaska, these are the most important components which will ensure you're warm and dry while comfortable and happy at the same time. 

Dressing in thin, synthetic layers also means that you will have light, packable items that won't see you dragging 2 or 3 bags to the airport with you. 

Hopefully this list is helpful as you plan your trip to Cooper Landing. We want your stay to be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Here's to great days in Alaska and tight lines on your fishing trip!