Packing for an autumnal Alaskan cruise is an exercise in the unpredictable. The secret, according to experts, is layering. Start with lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers; add insulating fleece or wool mid-layers; and finish with a sturdy waterproof jacket.

But once you’ve ransacked your local REI for the basics, it’s time to consider the myriad gear that can make or break your trip to the Last Frontier. From backpacks to binoculars, headphones to hiking boots, here’s what worked wonders during our seven-day Alaskan expedition aboard splendiferous Regent Seven Seas Explorer in September.

© Maison de Sabré

Luggage

Rugged, stylish and spacious enough to keep your muddy hiking boots far from your dinner jacket, Yeti’s wheeled, water-resistant 29-inch Crossroads duffel hits the trifecta. Since checked luggage may not reach your stateroom right away, fill Away’s Bigger Carry-On Flex with the toiletries, clothing and gear you’ll want for an afternoon exploring your ship.

Daily expeditions — which spanned whale watching to sea kayaking to flightseeing on Regent’s S.S. Explorer — may require a waterproof backpack to hold your camera, binoculars and valuables. Yeti’s robust Cayo 25L All-Weather Backpack is equal to the task. Bonus: The slim daypack also doubles as your TSA-approved personal item, easily sliding beneath an airline seat.  

© On

Footwear

Packing proper footwear can mean the difference between an enjoyable vacation and an unexpected medical evacuation. On’s Cloudrock Mid Waterproof mid-cut hiking boot prioritizes traction on slick, mountainous terrain without sacrificing comfort or ankle support. For flat trails or city tours, On’s Cloudhorizon 2 Waterproof trail shoe keeps feet warm, dry and comfortable on walks around downtown Juneau or during land-based adventures farther afield.

© Nocs Provisions

Gear

A rule of thumb is to use your binoculars on the boat and monocular on land. Nocs Provisions Field Issue 8×42 waterproof binoculars help you glimpse as much as possible from your seaside perch, from mammoth Hubbard Glacier to elusive wildlife like humpback whales or bald eagles. Alight the ship with Nocs Provisions Zero Tube 10×25 Waterproof Monocular, an ultra-compact, pocket-sized design with a powerful 10-times magnification for viewing distant shoreline wildlife and Glacier Bay’s majestic snow-capped mountain ridges.

© AquaVault

Keep track of your cords, portable chargers and earbuds with Maison de Sabré’s pebbled leather TechPouch, a right-sized catch-all with five compartments for small yet essential personal electronics. Protect your phone during rainy weather and maritime excursions with AquaVault’s Waterproof Floating Phone Case. A triple-seal system blocks water while letting you text and take photos, and an internal “air bladder” ensures your phone floats to the surface if dropped overboard.

© Soundless Tech

When you’re ready to wind down for the evening, pop in QuietOn’s noise cancelling sleep buds to block the ship’s engine noise and nocturnal vibrations. Bose QuietComfort Headphones are an equally serene daytime alternative, with a customizable Wind Block setting that mutes high-speed winds on open observation decks. Toggle to Aware Mode to catch the captain’s wildlife announcements so you don’t miss the killer whale pods passing portside.

© Alissa Rehan

Grooming

A polar journey is no reason not to keep up appearances. Bollide’s Silk-Lined baseball cap protects hair from harsh coastal elements. Its weather-resistant suede keeps you warm on zodiac boats or glacier tours, while its smooth silk lining minimizes friction on your strands, allowing you to transition from rugged explorer to “elegant casual” dinner companion with just a hairbrush.

Those who wish to freshen up should pack Dyson’s new travel-sized Supersonic hair dryer. It’s 32 percent smaller, 25 percent lighter and no less potent than Dyson’s full-sized version. The device’s intelligent heat control measures temperature 40 times per second to prevent heat damage while combating the frizz and static caused by Alaska’s autumnal humidity.

© Dyson, Inc.

Anyone who has spent time bracing the cold knows lips tend to dry out, but Natura Bissé’s Diamond Lip Booster rewrites that age-old narrative. Formulated with omega fatty acids, capsaicin and turmeric, the serum seals in deep hydration to prevent painful chapping and adds a subtle luminous shimmer you can wear straight from dog mushing to dinner. (Even after returning home to Florida, I never leave my house without it.)

 Transport these sundries in Afform’s Parallelle Medium Traveller fold-down toiletry bag. Its sturdy architecture opens flat while remaining upright to display the contents of its 16 pockets and four mesh pouches. This clever design not only saves cramped stateroom counter space but keeps you from spending valuable vacation time looking for your toothbrush or sunscreen. Perform your ablutions and head back out into the Land of the Midnight Sun.