Living in Alaska isn’t some cake-walk unless you live in the city, but even then it can get pretty rough. So prepare yourself for life in Alaska with this list of essentials. I’m sure there are many other things that can make your life easier in the Last Frontier, but this list is a great place to start; so read on and stock up!
- Camera
Sophie | Flickr Trust me, if you live in Alaska you will be extremely upset if you don’t have a camera with you most of the time. The sights you see will have you reaching for your camera over and over again.
- A Furry Friend
Nikolay Todorov | Flickr I can’t deny that the winters are cold and long, so having a friendly companion will help you get through the rough times and help you get out more.
- Ice Scraper
Danny Kim | Flickr Don’t skimp, buy a really good one because you’re going to be scraping every morning for a good chunk of the year.
- Generator
m01229 | Flickr If you live outside of a major town you’ll have to be able to survive when something goes wrong. It’s always good to have a generator and a wood stove… maybe a few board games too.
- Guns
Scott Arg | Flickr You might not be a gun fanatic, but it would be wise to own a firearm in Alaska. If you live out of town, you may end up relying on a hunting rifle. If you hike and adventure a lot, you never know when you might need a weapon for self-defence!
- Duct Tape
Brian Ambrozy | Flickr Because when everything goes wrong… duct tape.
- Blue Tarp
judy-and_ed | Flickr Duct tape and tarps are the bread and butter of living in Alaska. Make sure you have them both.
- Camping Gear
Ross Harmes | Flickr Chances are you’ll be getting out a lot, especially in the summer, and camping gear is a must for any Alaskan.
- Good Shoes
Peter Stevens | Flickr I don’t mean comfortable shoes, I mean shoes that will save you from slipping on the ice and bruising your tail feathers. If you can’t rely on your shoes to have your back then you’re in for a rough winter.
- A Sense of Adventure
Janet Ramsden | Flickr Alaska is a state of adventure and exploration. If you don’t have a wild side or the urge to get out and get your hands dirty you may not enjoy living here as much as you think.
- REI Membership
Amanda Bennett | Flickr Okay, okay, maybe you don’t need it to survive, but at the end of the day it’s nice to buy all the stuff you need (year after year) and get money back!
- Gloves, Hats, and Socks
Michael Carson | Flickr Alaska isn’t Hawaii… what I mean to say is, go buy some warm accessories. You’ll need them!
- Down Jackets
MandelMedia | Flickr Buy a few, you can thank me later.
- A Big Bumper
Powhusku | Flickr It’s nice to have a little extra protection when you’re out on the roads, especially with all the snow and ice we get in Alaska. You never know when a moose might cross your path or when another car can’t stop in time.
- Four-Wheel Drive
opelblog | Flickr It’s an absolute must. Oh, and get an oil pan heater while you’re at it!
- Sunscreen
Noodles and Beef | Flickr Sure it’s cold, but it’s also really sunny. Clear as a bell, cold as hell! Keep those rosy cheeks from getting fried my friends.
- Bear Spray
James Brooks | Flickr A great way to protect yourself from bears is bear spray. Buy it, carry it, and use it if you must!
- Bug Spray
Drunken Noodle | Flickr The rumors are true, mosquitos are bad up here so come prepared.
What else do you need to survive in Alaska? Let me know!
Sophie | Flickr
Trust me, if you live in Alaska you will be extremely upset if you don’t have a camera with you most of the time. The sights you see will have you reaching for your camera over and over again.
Nikolay Todorov | Flickr
I can’t deny that the winters are cold and long, so having a friendly companion will help you get through the rough times and help you get out more.
Danny Kim | Flickr
Don’t skimp, buy a really good one because you’re going to be scraping every morning for a good chunk of the year.
m01229 | Flickr
If you live outside of a major town you’ll have to be able to survive when something goes wrong. It’s always good to have a generator and a wood stove… maybe a few board games too.
Scott Arg | Flickr
You might not be a gun fanatic, but it would be wise to own a firearm in Alaska. If you live out of town, you may end up relying on a hunting rifle. If you hike and adventure a lot, you never know when you might need a weapon for self-defence!
Brian Ambrozy | Flickr
Because when everything goes wrong… duct tape.
judy-and_ed | Flickr
Duct tape and tarps are the bread and butter of living in Alaska. Make sure you have them both.
Ross Harmes | Flickr
Chances are you’ll be getting out a lot, especially in the summer, and camping gear is a must for any Alaskan.
Peter Stevens | Flickr
I don’t mean comfortable shoes, I mean shoes that will save you from slipping on the ice and bruising your tail feathers. If you can’t rely on your shoes to have your back then you’re in for a rough winter.
Janet Ramsden | Flickr
Alaska is a state of adventure and exploration. If you don’t have a wild side or the urge to get out and get your hands dirty you may not enjoy living here as much as you think.
Amanda Bennett | Flickr
Okay, okay, maybe you don’t need it to survive, but at the end of the day it’s nice to buy all the stuff you need (year after year) and get money back!
Michael Carson | Flickr
Alaska isn’t Hawaii… what I mean to say is, go buy some warm accessories. You’ll need them!
MandelMedia | Flickr
Buy a few, you can thank me later.
Powhusku | Flickr
It’s nice to have a little extra protection when you’re out on the roads, especially with all the snow and ice we get in Alaska. You never know when a moose might cross your path or when another car can’t stop in time.
opelblog | Flickr
It’s an absolute must. Oh, and get an oil pan heater while you’re at it!
Noodles and Beef | Flickr
Sure it’s cold, but it’s also really sunny. Clear as a bell, cold as hell! Keep those rosy cheeks from getting fried my friends.
James Brooks | Flickr
A great way to protect yourself from bears is bear spray. Buy it, carry it, and use it if you must!
Drunken Noodle | Flickr
The rumors are true, mosquitos are bad up here so come prepared.
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