You’ll receive a Trip Departure Packet upon your reservation with a detailed Gear section and a comprehensive Gear Check List for you. Read it carefully and be sure you have the appropriate gear with you. We’ll do a gear review before your trip but you really should contact me with any questions you have you arrive in Alaska.
You’ll find tons of information on gear and related stuff on the blog. You’ll find some extensive commentary there about gear and backpacking and hiking trips, etc. Rain gear and keeping dry, down versus synthetic sleeping bags, and so forth. I update it reasonably often, so do check out the blog posts for information. Here is a link to The Gear Category on the blog.
Here’s what you need to get started.
Essential Gear
Shelter: Your Tent
Bring a sturdy backpacking tent. Lesser ‘car camping’ tents can fail miserably when you need them the most. If you don’t have a tent, or aren’t certain, please inquire with Expeditions Alaska. We’ll rent you a tent if you prefer.
Rain Gear
Good rain gear is non-negotiable in Alaska. I recommend a lightweight, gore-tex type shell. A poncho-style rain jacket or shawl is
Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag that will keep you warm down to 20deg (F) is what I suggest (or lower).
A 32deg (F) bag would be considered bare minimum for most Alaskan summer adventures and I do recommend it. Either synthetic fill bags or down bags are great – you just need to keep them dry. Read more about your sleeping bag here.
Stove & Fuel
Unless you’re booking a fully outfitted trip you’ll need to bring a reliable stove. Bring a reliable stove, preferably one that burns white gas, or Coleman fuel. MSR ‘Whisperlite‘ or similar stoves are great.
Remember that with current restrictions on air travel it is illegal to bring fuel onto commercial planes. I can provide fuel for you, available when you arrive in Alaska.
Another stove that’s very popular recently is the Jetboil.
Clothing
Recommended
My preference is for long sleeve shirts and full length brushed nylon pants. A mosquito headnet is also recommended for those times when the bugs get gnarly.
Do bring cotton pants, shirt, socks, etc. If you’re confused about this, contact me.
Trekking poles are worth their weight in gold. Don’t head for Alaska without them. Expeditions Alaskan provide these (free) if you like.
Footwear
Definitely bring sturdy, waterproof boots. Your lightweight day hikers may be fine around town but they are often not durable enough to withstand a multi-day alpine adventure. Alaska Hiking boots info.
Backpack & Accessories
A comfortable backpack is required.
Trekking poles are worth their weight in gold. Don’t head for Alaska without them. Expeditions Alaskan provide these (free) if you like.
A rain cover that fits your fully loaded pack is a must have!
Optional but handy
Another choice for is a small summit pack for dayhikes. I use the Marmot Kompressor. Not requisite but handy to have. Bring a system for carrying gear on a dayhike is very handy. Many backpacks have removable tops and these work great.
The Most Important Element
Know how to use your gear before you arrive.
For the people in the back … The single most important element of gear is your ability to use it.
Practice with your equipment before heading into the backcountry. Do not wait until you’re miles into the wilderness before you realize your stove doesn’t work or that you don’t know how to set up your tent. Being comfortable with your equipment and how to use it can be paramount to a safe and enjoyable trip.
Questions about Backpacking Gear?
Contact us before your trip. We’re happy to help you figure out what you need.
