Gear & Equipment

Camping on the Seven Pass.

Gear & Equipment is your go-to resource for all things needed to thrive in Alaska’s backcountry.

From backpacks, sleeping bags, and rain gear to layering systems and specialized tools, we cover the essentials for comfort, safety, and performance. These posts consolidate our expert advice and firsthand experience with wilderness gear, making it easier for you to choose what works best for your trip.

Whether you’re a first-time adventurer or a seasoned traveler, this category helps you make informed gear decisions before you hit the trail. Consider it your wilderness gear guide. All in one place.

Do You Need Rain Pants for Alaska Backpacking? (Yes, Here’s Why)

Alaska storms can last days. Guides explain why rain pants are essential for backpacking trips and which brands actually hold up in Alaska’s wet climate.

Winter photography, cold weather, asking Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

Cold Weather Photography Clothing

Clothing for Cold Weather Photography outings: clothing for photographing the subpolar and arctic Alaska winter conditions; loft, loose and lots.

Brown bear chasing salmon Katmai National Park Alaska.

Must Have Gear & Other Gems

Hey Folks A quick little starter blog for 2024. Enjoy. Must have gear I can’t think of a single trip we run in Alaska that I wouldn’t pack a beanie for. Not one. Favorite trip we do? Whichever one is sunny. My Least Favorite weather element? Wind. And it’s not close. I, mean, NOT EVEN […]

Mt. Logan in Canada from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

Correct Layering for Alaska Backpacking Trips

Discover the truth about layering for Alaska backpacking trips. Most hikers bring too many thin layers instead of one quality insulating piece. Learn why a single warm down jacket beats multiple lightweight layers, and get expert advice on staying comfortable in Alaska’s challenging backcountry conditions.

Mt Wrangell and Copper Glacier backpacking trip, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Alaska.

Requests and Asking for gear information

How to ask gear questions for a backpacking or outdoor adventure.

Rachel backpacking Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska.

How big does my backpack need to be?

Wondering what size backpack you need for Alaska backpacking? The answer depends on your gear system. Most hikers need at least 65L for trips longer than 5 days. Learn how to assess your gear volume and choose the right pack size for extended backcountry adventures.

Hiking in rain gear Malaspina Glacier, Alaska.

Gear Review – Rain Gear

A short article about backpacking gain gear and particularly the efficacy of waterproof breathable rain jackets. In short, they don’t perform well over time. None of them.

Arrigetch Peaks backpacking trip A steep descent of the Arrigetch Peaks, Gates of the Arctic National Park.

Backpacking and Trekking Poles

Alaska backpacking demands trekking poles. After years guiding trips across boulder fields, glacier moraines, and steep brushy terrain, I’ve learned that poles aren’t optional here. We traverse miles of talus, cross snowfields, and sidehill through terrain with little to no trail. That pole on your uphill side becomes critical for balance with a heavy pack. Poles also double as tent supports for cooking shelters and ultralight tents. I prefer cork handles and often use just one pole, though that’s personal preference. For Alaska’s challenging terrain, trekking poles make the difference between struggling and enjoying the trek.

hiking Southern Traverse Route, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park backpacking trip, Alaska.

Hiking poles and Alaska backpacking

Hey Folks, So one question I’m frequently asked about pertains to hiking poles, or trekking poles, and how important or useful they are for backpacking here in Alaska. In short, I’d suggest they’re more than useful, almost mandatory. Of course, few things in the mountains are ever so objective; the mountains are a subjective place, […]

Camper sleeping sub-zero temperatures, Alaska winter, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

Sleeping warm winter camping in Alaska

Winter camping in Alaska demands the right sleeping system. Temperatures drop to -30°F or colder. A quality sleeping bag rated 20 degrees below predicted temps, an insulated sleeping pad, and proper layering make the difference between a miserable night and sleeping soundly on snow.

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