When looking at a sit in Alaska in January- I googled temperatures… minus 54° has been known! Yikes and Gulp. So would HOs provide suitable outer clothing in these places as an extra ‘amenity’??
Most folks would probably have extra gear and have no problem lending it, but I imagine that anyone who wanted to visit Alaska in January would travel with their own appropriate gear as it would be seriously foolish not to do so.
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The problem is if you’re travelling with only carry on luggage and from a hot location….
I mean, if you want to go somewhere that requires bulkier clothing in the winter, you’ll need to check a bag. I don’t really think providing clothing falls under the hosts responsibilities. Winter in Alaska is no joke, you should be prepared for the environment you are going to.
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Charity shops or eBay are then your best friend @BonnyinBrighton 
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If i lived in Alaska and needed a sitter, I would willingly lend them outdoor gear, but it probably wouldn’t fit them. Whether I lived in Alaska or anywhere else, I would never choose a sitter who expected me to provide clothing for them
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I don’t believe a host should provide sitters with clothing. However, Alaska is such a special place and may require special gear. This is why a host might be a bit more generous and offer something warmer, especially if they know sitters are coming from the tropics and/or there is a shortage of sitters at their location.
As hosts living in very rainy areas may offer guest rubber boots to attract sitters
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I would expect climate and gear needs to be a big topic of conversation during a pre-confirmation video call - it should be possible to see what kind of things a host might have on hand for use, and they should be able to recommend what is needed.
Anyone travelling to such a location should be responsible for ensuring they have the right clothing, though. Even if it means checking a bag. If that’s not feasible for a sitter, it may not be the right sit for them.
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Assuming that you mean - 54°Celsius, I believe that is not the average temperature, but an exception.
Also, I’m assuming you would be interested in the southern areas of Alaska where it does not get near that cold. It pays to look into the exact area you are interested in, Alaska is huge!!
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When I visited Alaska as a tourist in late May (warm to hot) a fellow guest at the first hostel I was in told me that when I had a hide to let him know & he’d get it made up for me. He said animal skin is much more effective for warmth that man-made. I declined the offer.
I’m not thinking of regular clothing fleeces etc but outer weather gear like extreme coats and gloves and goggles etc
I’m looking at the sit in Gillingham Anchorage January…. and pondering what this would require if we were flying in from Perth Australia….
@BonnyinBrighton You are a very brave soul putting yourself in a situation of flying from high summer in Perth (40° when we were there at that time of year!) Into an arctic winter climate!! Aren’t you concered about massive weather shock?!! 
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@BonnyinBrighton, Book your sit, even if the host won’t be able to lend you some gear. There are plenty of winter gear rentals in Alaska, for example, Parka, snowpants, and boots. -40°F Extreme PKG 3 Piece Rental, priced from $40.00.
P.S. I remember seeing a documentary about extreme locations, and locals tend to have appropriate gear just for visitors and guests.
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I am at a loss where you saw that it gets so cold, I see that it tends to be -5-10°C…
the lowest temperature is normally at nighttime.
Perfectly fine winter temperatures. I honestly would be more worried about the very short daylight hours.
If you know the address before you go you could send it. Dress in layers. I have looked on Alaska travel tips before cause i wanted to visit and it does say many are ok with lending clothes, there also is a store that lends out winter gear for a price. Possible look at a goodwill while out there and you can always send the stuff back home.
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I think I would too but I also found the constant daylight challenging - the locals who I spoke to said they found it hard to rest (when I was awake due to jet lag I saw people mowing the lawn at 1am, painting the house at 2am etc) and were relieved when the days got shorter.
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Love the image of people painting their house at 2am. 
In January the days will be very short, I think there are only 5-6 hours of daylight.
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I’m not sure the host would or should provide clothing for a sitter. You could be enormous (not saying you are or being sizeist) or visa versa and their extra clothing wouldn’t fit. I think you’d have to take your own. You can use vacuum bags.
There are several outdoor clothing rental places in Anchorage. It’s not a huge town, maybe arrange to make one of those your first visit.
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Thank you- so yes we could perhaps arrange rental of gear ahead of time on arrival in Anchorage … I’m only exploring this idea at the moment to see of it’s even feasible…. we like a challenge but might be an adventure (too far!)