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.
One of the most common questions we get, every trip, every year, every month, is “What to pack?”
We provide all guests with a ton of info on packing. People often look for a shortcut and then want to “hope for the best”. “Will I be OK with … ” is usually really a question of “I don’t want to bring xyzzy”.
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 […]
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.
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.
Hey Folks This past August, we just did an EPIC traverse across the Malaspina Glacier. Our original plan had been to fly from Yakutat to the Samovar Hills, and hike south. Due to the insane amount of snow in the area last winter (Yakutat got 350-360 inches), we weren’t able to land at the strip […]
A backpacking gear list for Alaskan guide, Carl Donohue. Backpacking, hiking, trekking guide and nature photographer Carl Donohue of Expeditions Alaska, lists camping and hiking gear for a typical backpacking trip.
I switched from fleece to a Montbell Thermawrap synthetic jacket this season for backpacking. Lightweight, warm, windproof, and stuffable, it outperforms heavier fleece jackets. Great for 3-season use, quick-drying, and compact. Ideal for summer and fall hikes in Alaska, it’s become my go-to layering piece for backcountry adventures.
Ever wonder what Alaska guides rely on in the dead of winter? Here’s a quick rundown of the winter gear that kept me warm this season—from down booties to snowshoes and everything in between.
Don’t make these rain gear mistakes on your Alaska trip. Learn which jackets, pants, and boots actually keep you dry in the backcountry from a longtime Alaska guide.
