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What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

We'd argue that Caribbean cruises are rather easy to prepare for, but Alaskan cruises can present quite the challenge. With weather and daylight hours that vary wildly by season and region, packing for the Last Frontier requires a little more forethought. Here, 13 items—from packable rain boots and tech-compatible gloves, to heavy duty daypacks and the latest GoPro—that you'll want to consider.

A Brooklyn-based writer and editor, Chelsea's work has appeared in Matador Network, The Huffington Post, the TripAdvisor blog, and more. When not planning her next trip, you'll usually find her drinking way too much iced coffee (always iced—she’s from New England) or bingeing a Netflix original series.

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1

The North Face 'Resolve Plus' Waterproof Jacket

This jacket's DryVent® fabric is both waterproof and breathable—major pluses when you consider that Alaska sees a lot more rain than the lower 48. FYI: summer is the drizzliest season with more than a 50 percent chance of rain on any given August day.

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2

Patagonia Cable Beanie

Catching a gust of glacier-chilled wind is no joke—precisely why you'll want to pack a beanie or two. This cable-knit wool option comes with fleece lining for max warmth.

RELATED: 13 Seriously Stylish Fall Scarves

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3

GoPro HERO6

GoPro's HERO6 just dropped in late September, but we've already heard plenty of good things. The essential adventure camera sends 4K, 60 FPS footage to your phone where the GoPro app automatically edits it into a QuikStory—a custom video replete with music and effects.

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4

Danner Cascade Hiking Boot

These 70s-style Danner boots may have graced the silver screen with Reese Witherspoon in Wild, but Hollywood notoriety aside, the stylish footwear is perfect for every facet of Alaskan travel. Their trendy, retro look means you can hit the town in Anchorage, while their waterproof, breathable leather design also makes them ideal for any/all outdoor activities.

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5

H&M Rib-Knit Sweater

In Alaska, the summer, spring, and fall seasons see temps in the 50s-70s. With such a range, your key to success is dressing in layers. Sure—your cruise quarters will be climate controlled, but out on the deck, it's a whole other story. Generally, you'll want a light layer, insulating layer, and waterproof outer layer.

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6

Patagonia Black Hole Backpack

This heavy-duty pack—with a weatherproof and water resistant exterior—is the perfect outdoor companion.

RELATED: 14 Travel Backpacks for Every Kind of Adventure

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7

JOYCA & Co. Wool Crew Socks

These breathable, moisture-wicking socks are a smart buy for anyone spending a lot of time outdoors. They also happen to come in an array of fun patterns.

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8

Leica D-Lux

No Leica model comes cheap, but the compact (and comprehensive) D-Lux delivers incredibly sharp images and 4K video worthy of its price tag. If you're ready to invest in a pro-quality camera and don't want to deal with the bulkiness of a DSLR, Leicas are more than worth looking into.

RELATED: 6 Best DSLR Cameras Under $1000

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9

Swatch Once Again

Alaska may have long, dark winters, but summer brings record-breaking daylight hours. With nearly 22-twilight-hours in Fairbanks, 19.5 in Anchorage, and 18.2 in Juneau during the sunny season, it can be easy to lose track of the time. That's where Swatch's classic Once Again watch comes in clutch.

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10

Hunter 'Tour' Packable Rain Boot

We all love Hunter's iconic, OG rubber wellies, but did you know they make a travel-friendly version? With ultra flexible rollaway rubber, the 'Tour' Packable boot can be stowed away in canvas drawstring bag.

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11

Canada Goose Kensington Down Parka

It's not beyond us that purchasing a Canada Goose is a real investment. But the iconic parka has a rugged water-resistant shell, duck down insulation that guarantees core warmth (rated for temps as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit), fleece-lined pockets, and high quality craftsmanship that promises years of extreme weather protection.

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12

CC Rib Knit Tech Gloves

Chilly mornings and unseasonably low temps can roll through no matter the date of your Alaskan trip. This tech-compatible pair of gloves keeps you warm and in touch without sparing stylish design.

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13

Wingspan Optics Compact Binoculars

Alaskan excursions promise quite a few mind-boggling sights, from mammoth glaciers and mist-shrouded mountain summits, to vast tundras and epic wildlife sightings. To guarantee you get a good look at all the bald eagles/moose/puffins/killer whales you can, you'll want to have a pair of binoculars at the ready. This Amazon-approved pair is compact, lightweight, and powerful.

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