We all know Alaska has a winter wonderland away from city pollution and constant car honks. Most of us might want to move here for a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle. Alaska, the last frontier, is the northernmost state of the USA. Due to its geographical location, it is freezing on the outer side and warmer on the interior side. It has days and nights for 6 months each, making winters dark and summers very bright.
There is wilderness calling your heart, and then there are mountains you would like to climb, rivers where you would like to go rafting, and glaciers you would like to cool. The idyllic beauty of the 49th State of the US pulls your heart, as you would like to stay here permanently.
However, the lifestyle of any new place is different from the one you are living in. The same is the case with Alaska. Therefore, I suggest everyone understand the climatic, weather, and regulatory system before moving to Alaska. Not only this, you should also know the items essential to carry with you. So, in this article, I’m going to tell you about the necessary things you must pack.
Nowadays, many people are not only traveling to but are also considering living in Alaska because of the manifold reasons, including-
- Breath-taking beauty it holds,
- Adventurous lifestyle,
- Northern lights,
- Good air quality,
- No state income tax,
- And of course, free money! You must have heard Alaska residents get a Permanent Fund Dividend which is around $1,100.
It must be exhilarating to move to Alaska. Before moving to Alaska, you must do a significant shopping task. So, are you ready to pack your bags?
1. Heavy Winter Coats
It’s going to be cold out there. Winter temperatures in Alaska range from 0°F to -30°F (-18°C to -35°C) and Summer temperatures range from 40°F to 60°F (4°C – 15°C). You have to dress up for comfort and the weather. So, I advise you to always wear a synthetic or wool base layer that fits your body. Several layers of clothing are the best options if you want to trap heat in your body. People here most commonly wear long underwear bottoms or fleece pants.
I recommend you buy huge furry coats to look like an Alaskan and, of course, to save yourself from the harsh climate. The coats are one of the most important things to buy before moving to Alaska.
However, what generally happens here is that people do not end up shivering with chattering teethes, but in some cases, they feel warm and start perspiring with layers of clothing. Heavy winter coats are a good buy so buy them cautiously.
2. Eye Mask
In summer, the Sun will be out for most of the time. You will only get a few hours of darkness. Buy an eye mask to get quality sleep for longer, or you can also buy dark-colored curtains. the best option according to me is to have an Alaska bear mask. It’s always comfortably designed and apt to fit into your face. The fabric is soft and does not create much pressure on your eyelashes as it slides below instead of getting caught.
3. Hiking Kit
There are many hiking trails in Alaska, including, the Kenai River trail, Winner Creek, Mount Baldy, and others. Is it worth living in Alaska if you don’t explore it through adventuresome excursions? Nah!
Why not get yourself hiking pants, a bag pack, a compass, trekking poles, good boots, and a water bottle to enjoy the adventure? Believe me, Alaska is a beautiful getaway if you are going for a backpacking trip. These rugged terrains can be covered if you are wearing adaptable boots. High-ankle waterproof boots with sticky rubber and plenty of support are the need of the hour.
Then longer hikes will expose you to the vagaries of Nature and so you can strain your ankle and fall into an icy river. All you need to do is carry your first aid kit and use it whenever you require it.
4. Mosquito repellents
The marshy lands, frequent precipitation, and temperature of Alaska create a suitable environment for breeding mosquitoes. The state bird of Alaska is the ‘willow ptarmigan,’ but as a joke, mosquitoes are called the state bird of Alaska! So you must buy mosquito repellents, preferably DEET (although not eco-friendly), and repellent bands to avoid irritation.
Alaska trekkers and residents recommend applying DEET directly to cover areas like the neck, hair, face, and hands. You also need to spray your clothes vigorously with them. Remember, mosquitos in the Alaska region can give you itchy and irritated skin and, likely, you will not be suffering from severe illnesses. Precautions must be taken before you start working.
5. A Four-Wheeler
One more important thing that I must tell you is that the markets are not at walking distance, and the roads are not walker-friendly. There are many places that you can reach only by driving. Buy a four-wheeler. If it’s a truck, SUV, or ATV, it’s even better.
- Make sure you empty the fuel before sending your car to ship, as most moving companies do not allow it.
- Also, you have to hone your driving skills in hilly areas to avoid severe circumstances.
- Off-road vehicles can now be driven on the road as the laws governing vehicles have changed in Alaska.
- Now four-wheelers, snow machines, and all-terrain vehicles can be driven at a speed of 45km /hour or less.
- You should know the official rule that anybody riding on the road needs to be registered, licensed, and insured in the state.
- The vehicles should also have mufflers, brakes, and working lights.
6. A Bear Spray
Do you know how many bears are there in Alaska? The number is quite unbelievable. Yeah, it’s around 30,000. They may come across your path a few times. Make sure you have bear spray to tackle any attack. It’s advisable to learn a few safety tricks as well. You can escape uninjured in Alaska if you use bear spray in close-range encounters. This has happened in ninety-eight percent of cases over the last twenty years. No bear spray has ever killed a bear so bear spray also helps in bear conservation.
7. Duct Tape
Did you know that Wasilla, the sixth-largest city in Alaska, was named the Duct Tape Capital of the World? 5,469 residents of Wasilla purchased more than 325 miles of duct tape in 2002 to lead the nation, according to Duck(R) brand duct tape. Alaskans obsess over duct tape. Any problem? One solution! Duct Tape! It’s quite useful as well. Anything broken can be fixed with duct tape.
Duct tape is a cultural symbol in a country that mixes miles of untamed wilderness with bizarre humor and kitsch.
8. Ice Scraper
There will be a lot of ice! And I’m sure you are also aware of it. An ice scraper would be a savior in such circumstances. Buy it to avoid future panic attacks. Shops in Alaska always sell the right kind of ice scrapper that fits your budget and need. You may be the kind of customer who prefers form to function but there is always the right kind of ice scrapper to fit your balance.
9. Fishing License
Unlike most of the states, Alaska has water all around it. In the north, it has the Arctic Ocean. To the South, it has the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Alaska. To the west, there is the Bering Sea. Hence, there is great potential for fishing. It is a major commercial activity in Alaska. Some people fish to earn extra money. You can order an online fishing license.
Resident seniors and resident disabled veterans are offered special licenses that accommodate the special needs of our disabled anglers and hunters. There are free and low-cost licenses, exemptions from a set of regulations that allow access to only a certain level to authorize somebody else to fish or harvest on the person’s behalf.
10. Essential Clothing Items
The best tip to survive the winters of Alaska is to wear layers of clothes. So, I’ll suggest you to have all these-
- A couple of pairs of wool socks,
- A warm hat,
- gloves, mittens,
- thermal underwear,
- woolen scarf,
- warm trousers,
- sweaters,
- and so on to save yourself from the climate. Do not forget boots. In a frigid climate, rainy weather, and sturdy treks, boots will be your best friends in Alaska.
Before moving to Alaska, there are many other things to buy but don’t spend all your money on them. Remember, Alaska is one of the most expensive states in The United States of America.
The cost of living is high in Alaska in comparison to even the larger cities of the U.S.A. Education, healthcare, grocery items, transportation, etc., are quite costly. So, with all these things, you also need a lot of money to survive in the 49th state of the U.S.A!
Last Updated on by Pragya Chakrapani
