What to Pack

 

LAYERS is the name of the game in Alaska!!  The daily temperature will range from the low 30’s to the mid 50’s.  We could be doing work on the jobsite inside and out, so you’ll want to make sure to wear lots of layers.  Additionally, we will be visiting at least one glacier, so some warm weather wear is encouraged!

 

Packing for the worksite

• Worksite clothing will get dirty!!  Bring clothing that you don’t mind getting messy with paint, dirt, cement, etc.  Also, you don’t need a fresh outfit each day on the jobsite.  Team members often wear the same pants or shirts multiple times.
• Sturdy closed-toed shoes are required for the worksite.  Tennis shoes or sneakers are fine, but some people opt for boots for additional protection.
• All tools and safety equipment will be supplied at the worksite, so you do not need to bring any of your own worksite items.  However, the “community” items are one size fits all, so I like to bring my own work gloves and safety glasses so I know they’ll be comfortable and in good condition.
• A travel water bottle will come in handy to stay hydrated on the job site.  Water will be accessible on site to refill bottles.
• A backpack or day pack comes in handy to keep all your stuff together on the jobsite.
• Rain gear, a poncho, hat, rain boots, or other protective gear for rainy days
• Hand wipes or hand sanitizer
• Don't forget to pack you Habitat T Shirt from your orientation packet!!

 

Packing for non-work activities

• Alaskans are practical and casual.  You do not need fancy or dress up clothes for any of our activities including dinners.
• Comfortable shoes for walking, hiking, biking and other activities in our off time.
• Casual clothing, lots of layers
• Warm outdoor gear for glacier visits – coat, hat, gloves, scarf
• Bathing suit and towel – there may be an opportunity for a polar plunge in a glacial lake!!

 

Other Items that may come in handy

• Any regular medications you need
• Motion sickness medication, possibly for glacial boat tour
• Camera with memory card & charger
• Binoculars for seeing wildlife or scenery
• Travel light for reading or other nighttime activities while your roommates are sleeping
• Alarm clock
• Shower shoes/bathrobe
• Reading materials/journal
• Money for souvenirs
• Ear plugs or headphones in case your roommates snore!
• Lotion, chap stick, or other personal items for hydration - Alaska is arid just like a desert, and dry skin is common

 

What not to pack

• Jewelry or other valuable or expensive items (while every effort will be made for the security of our belongings, both the church and jobsite have regular visitors and no guarantees can be made regarding the security of your items)
• Tools (there are plenty on the jobsite, and TSA won’t generally let you carry them on your flight)
• Dress up clothes – Alaska is very casual
• You will NOT need to bring any sleeping items – there will be an air mattress, sleeping bag, sheets, and pillows at the church when we arrive