[HappyVillager]

We spent this past summer in our small (23 foot) boat traveling 2000 miles on the inside passage. Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Leconte Glacier, Tracy Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Glacier Bay, Hoonah, Angoon, Kake, Point Baker, Pelican, Sitka, and many many tiny villages. We were there for late May, June, July and August and the weather was wonderful. But according to the locals, this was the BEST summer they can ever remember. Lucky Us! We didn't have much space to store things so packing correctly was critical. I agree with the other posters that layers is the only way to go. The average June in Ketchikan is rain, mist, rain.

Even though it was better weather than most summers, This FLORIDA girl was still cold. I clearly remember my birthday... July 26th ... it was a very bright sunny clear day.... my husband and I tried to sit in our chairs on the dock to read a book but that only lasted 10 minutes....even with turtlenecks, jackets, and hats, it was just too cold.

When you are walking around on the deck of the ship, it will be especially cold with the breeze...the water temperature averages 48 degrees so no matter what the weather is, when you are on or near the water, it will feel colder. This is what I took and it worked out well: ONE pair of shorts (and yes, I did need them), One short sleeve t-shirt, a couple of Columbia type long sleeve shirts, two turtle necks, a very warm hooded sweatshirt, a fleece jacket, and then a nylon shell to wear over it all if it rained.

My husband lived in Alaska and has done this trip by boat 4 times before this summer. If you want any more information, feel free to PM us and we'll get together.