Packing For a 5 day trip
How to Pack for an Alaska Fishing Trip: A 5-Day Adventure in Gustavus, Alaska
Planning a 5-day guided fishing trip to Gustavus, Alaska, is gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime.
Nestled near Glacier Bay National Park, Gustavus is a small town with big fishing opportunities—think salmon, halibut, and maybe even some Dolly Varden if you’re lucky. But with Alaska’s unpredictable weather and the desire to bring home your catch, packing smart is key. You want to pack light to leave room in your luggage for those prized fish fillets, but you also need to be prepared for everything from chilly mornings to buggy afternoons.
Here’s a guide on how to pack for an Alaska fishing trip, with tips to keep your bags lean and your cooler full.
Why Packing Light Matters for Your Alaska Fishing Trip
When you’re headed to Gustavus for a fishing trip, you’re not just packing for a vacation—you’re packing for a mission. Alaska’s remote lodges and charters, like here at Eagle’s Nest Lodge in Gustavus, your travel methods often will have strict baggage limits, especially if you’re hopping on a float plane or small boat. Plus, you’ll want space in your luggage for the fish you’ll catch. Our guided trips in Gustavus include fish processing, providing airline-approved boxes for your haul-But those boxes take up space, so the lighter you pack, the more fish you can bring home without paying extra baggage fees!
Let’s break it down.
The Essentials: Clothing for Alaska’s Wild Weather
Alaska’s weather is as wild as its wildlife. In Gustavus, you might wake up to a chilly 40°F morning, fish under a warm 70°F sun, and then get hit with a drizzle by afternoon. The key to packing light is layering and choosing versatile, synthetic clothing that dries fast and keeps you comfortable. Here’s what to pack:
Base Layers (2 sets): Start with moisture-wicking long underwear, top and bottom. Polypropylene or merino wool is ideal because they keep you warm even if they get wet, unlike cotton, which can be a disaster in Alaska’s damp climate. Two sets are enough—one to wear, one to wash or swap. Brands like Smartwool or Under Armour work great.
Mid-Layers (1-2 pieces): Pack a fleece jacket or pullover for warmth. Fleece is lightweight, durable, and wicks moisture, making it perfect for fishing trips. A single fleece plus a lightweight synthetic long-sleeve shirt (preferably “bug-proof” to fend off mosquitoes) should cover you.
Outer Layer (1 set): Though we provide waterproof jackets, pants and boots for all of our fishing customers, A waterproof, breathable rain jacket and pants are non-negotiable for your other travels in Alaska. Alaska’s weather can change in minutes, and you’ll be glad for rain gear that doubles as a windbreaker. Look for something packable, like Gore-Tex, that won’t take up much space. Some anglers wear rain gear all day to protect their clothes, so invest in a quality set.
Head, Hands, and Feet: A lightweight beanie or cap with a hood (attached to your rain jacket or fleece) keeps your head warm. Pack one pair of fingerless fleece gloves for fishing—they keep you warm while letting you handle gear. For footwear, bring insulated rubber knee boots or sturdy hiking boots with wool socks (Wigwam Ice Socks are a local favorite).
Sunglasses and Hat: Polarized sunglasses are a must for cutting water glare and spotting fish. A wide-brimmed hat or cap protects against sun and rain. Pack one of each, and you’re set.
Pro Tip for Packing Light: Stick to a neutral color palette (grays, greens, blues) so everything matches, and you can mix and match layers. Roll your clothes tightly to save space, and use a single duffel bag—hard suitcases are a hassle on float planes.
Fishing Gear: Let Your Guide Handle the Heavy Lifting One of the perks of a guided fishing trip in Gustavus is that at Eagle’s Nest Lodge, we provide all the fishing gear for our chartered trips. This is a huge space-saver, so don’t pack your own unless you’re particular about your setup. If you’re fly fishing, a 6 or 7 wt rod with a fighting butt is versatile for salmon, but check with your guide first—they might have you covered.
Bring these small fishing essentials in a compact tackle bag: Needle-nose pliers or hemostats for unhooking fish. A small waterproof case for your phone or camera to snap photos of your catch. A few favorite flies (leeches, streamers, or egg patterns for August trips) if you want to personalize your experience. Pro Tip for Packing Light: Skip bulky tackle boxes. Use a small soft-sided pouch for your fishing extras, and rely on your guide’s gear to keep your luggage lean.
Other Must-Haves for Your Gustavus Adventure
Beyond clothing and fishing gear, a few key items will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable: Mosquito Repellent and Head Net: Gustavus can get buggy, especially in June and July. Pack a small bottle of DEET-based repellent (avoid 100% DEET, as it can damage gear) and a lightweight head net for extra protection.
Sunscreen: With up to 20 hours of daylight in summer, UV protection is critical, even on cloudy days. A small tube is enough.
Fishing License: You can buy this online before your trip or through your guide in Gustavus. It’s quick and easy, so don’t waste luggage space on paperwork.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and eco-friendly with a collapsible or lightweight bottle. You can refill it at the lodge or after airport security.
Small First Aid Kit: Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers cover minor mishaps. Keep it tiny to save space.
Eye Mask: Gustavus’s midnight sun can make sleeping tough. A lightweight eye mask is a game-changer for restful nights.
Pro Tip for Packing Light: Use zipper-top freezer bags or packing cubes to organize toiletries and small items. They’re also great for separating damp or dirty clothes on the way home, leaving more room for fish.
Packing for Fish: How to Bring Home Your Catch
The real prize of your Gustavus fishing trip is the fish you’ll bring home, and planning ahead ensures you maximize your haul. All of our guided trips in Gustavus include fish processing, with your catch filleted, vacuum-sealed, and packed in airline-approved boxes. For a 5-day trip, you might get 50-100 lbs of processed fish per person, depending on your package. Here’s how to make room: Bring a Collapsible Cooler: Instead of a hard-sided Yeti, pack a foldable soft cooler or duffel bag to use as your “suitcase” for fish. You can stuff it with clothes on the way to Gustavus and use it for fish on the return. Check Airline Baggage Policies: Most airlines allow fish boxes as checked luggage, but weight limits (usually 50 lbs per box) apply. Minimize Non-Essentials: Skip bulky items like extra shoes, books, or heavy toiletries. A single pair of versatile boots and travel-sized toiletries free up space for fish.
Pro Tip for Packing Light: Wear your bulkiest items (like your rain jacket and boots) on the plane to save luggage space. This leaves more room for fish boxes on the way back.
Sample Packing List for a 5-Day Gustavus Fishing Trip
Here’s a quick checklist to keep you organized:
2 sets of synthetic long underwear (top and bottom)
1 fleece jacket,
1 long-sleeve synthetic shirt
1 set waterproof rain gear (jacket and pants)
1 beanie or cap,
1 pair fingerless gloves
1 pair insulated boots or waders (if not provided)
2-3 pairs wool socks
Polarized sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat
Small tackle bag (pliers, flies, waterproof phone case)
Mosquito repellent, head net, sunscreen
Fishing license (or buy on arrival)
Collapsible water bottle, small first aid kit, eye mask
Collapsible cooler or duffel for fish
A Pack Smart, Fish Hard Packing plan for a 5-day guided fishing trip to Gustavus, Alaska, is all about balance—staying prepared for the elements while leaving room for your catch. By focusing on lightweight, versatile clothing, relying on your guide’s gear, and using a collapsible cooler, you can travel light and still bring home a bounty of salmon or halibut. Gustavus’s world-class fishing and stunning scenery await, so pack smart, fish hard, and enjoy every moment of your Alaskan adventure.
