SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

Dressing in Alaska...general considerations:

The weather is likely to change quite a bit during each day...it might start off 50 degrees, rainy and end up 80 degrees, sunny (or there might be a week straight of one or the other).
Clothing...Alaska is very casual. You will need work clothes and casual clothing for other activities (clothing to hike/kayak in and jeans/sweats for hanging out in the evening). You will not need a dress or tie, although you may want to bring something ever-so-slightly nicer for church (e.g. clean khakis and shirt). Think layers, both for the job site and for the cultural activities. T-shirts, long sleeved t-shirts, sweatshirts, fleece jacket, waterproof parka. The Kenai Fjords tour can get downright cold. In the past, some teams have worn parkas, hats and gloves.

However, with this said, try to travel as light as possible because you may want to leave room in your luggage to bring back gifts or souvenirs! We will hit a laundromat and wash clothes a few times during the trip. Luggage space in the vans for the weekend excursions is limited. You may want to bring a smaller duffel bag to pack in. There will be a storage area available for what we leave behind during the weekend trips. If you choose to bring expensive gear or electronics, you may want to look into getting travel insurance. Habitat cannot be responsible for articles that are lost or stolen!

Specifics for the job site:

Sturdy close-toed shoes are required (tennis shoes are ok)
Old clothing that can get dirty/stained.
A hat or bandana ( you will be wearing a hard hat on the job site but you might want to wear something under it)?
Water bottle
Day pack or small bag to contain all of your personal belongings (i.e. layers of clothing you peel off, camera, water bottle, etc).
Raincoat or poncho that can get dirty/stained
You do not need to bring tools or protective equipment unless you want to. HFH Anchorage has tools, tool belts, hard hats, eyewear, gloves, etc. However, the gloves and safety glasses are one size fits all so you might want to bring your own gloves.

Other items:

We will stop by the Alaska Club to shower after working before going to the church so another reason for the day pack or small bag?
Clothes for sleeping/moving around the church at night (remember, we're sharing sleeping areas/space)
Comfortable hiking footwear is recommended. Some hikes can be a bit steep...so good tread is important. Tennis shoes not recommended for hiking!
Sun protection...sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
Insect repellant...there will be some mosquitos on the hikes but not on the job site
Toiletries...(You may want to bring your own pain medication and stomach medication)!
Camera and lots of memory
Lightweight towel (something that dries quickly) to take on weekends and to use at the church). Towels and toiletries are provided at the Alaska Club.
Sleeping bag or bedding of your choice (HFHA has 13 sleeping bags to loan and pillows) you will need to furnish a pillow case. It is my recommendation to buy your sleeping gear in Anchorage, that way you will have more room for clothing and you can donate the sleeping gear when you leave!
Seasick remedies you may need for Kenai Fjords!

Optional:

A favorite poem or other piece of text to share for spiritual focus
Addresses of the folks who donated/supported your trip
Favorite music for the van rides
Binoculars
Shower shoes
Personal snacks if there's something you can't do without!