What to bring / Pack
Packing for Alaska can be a challenge, with travel in small aircraft an important part of many trips to remote areas of the state as well as the weather what and how much to pack becomes a concern. Here you will find some suggestions of items to bring on your Alaskan adventure.
Clothing ~ with temperatures that average from the 30's to 50's at night and 40 to 70 during the day, a layered approach to clothing works best in Alaska. If you will be fishing in breathable waders your pants should be lightweight warm synthetic material that wicks moisture away from the skin. Warm synthetic pants should be worn under lightweight waders. Most guests wear chamois or wool shirts over thermal underwear with a sweater or jacket over that if necessary. Remember you can always remove layers should you get too warm. While many guests seem able to get by wearing jeans around camp we strongly recommend that at least one pair of pants made from some synthetic material be packed for your trip.
Thermal underwear: Two pairs of good quality poly pro or capeline underwear are recommended as these wick moisture from the skin and are warm even when damp. Both pairs should be heavy expedition weight for trips in late August and September. Besides your waders, bring some type of waterproof shoe such as knee boots or the LL Bean Maine hunting shoe to wear around camp. Once again, please leave the cotton jeans and shirts at home or save them for use as travel clothing. Invest in some windproof fleece pants and a jacket they are worth the extra cost and can prevent you from becoming cold.
Dry Bag ~ Invest in one or two good quality dry bags to hold your clothing and sleeping bag for your trip.
Rain Gear ~ Quality strong sturdy raingear jackets and pants are essential on any trip to Alaska. A heavy rubberized canvas top and chest waders offer the driest combo of all. Bring the best you can afford, sure you might not need it but then if you do you will not regret having not skimped on this one item.
Waders ~ Chest waders with wading shoes. Note: that starting January 1, 2012 - Felt sole wading boots are not allowed in Alaska waters! The breathable waders with fleece or thermal underwear underneath are the most popular choice of most anglers. Please no stream cleats or studs as they damage our boats.
Sleeping Bag ~ A quality sleeping bag rated down to at least 20 degrees is recommended for most trips, a bag rated to 5 degrees or a bag liner might be a good idea for any September trips. The insulation should be a synthetic that dries rapidly should the bag get wet. Suggested items to bring Stuff Sacks for your sleeping bag and synthetic clothing
Jacket -
Windproof if best (Light to medium weight, not to bulky)Thermal socks
2 - 3 pair wool socksBaseball cap Wool or synthetic stocking cap
Heavy wool sweater Chamois or wool shirts
Wool neoprene gloves
Extra set of clothing Waterproof camp boots
Head net Towel & washcloth Toiletries
Prescription medications
Camera, lots of memory cards and extra batteries
Small flashlight
Knife
Pliers
Hook file
Insect repellant (100 % Deet)
Scissors or clippers
Rod Case - Rods should be in a rod tube
"Polarized" Sunglasses (a must)
Prescription glasses
Corkies or other eyeglass retainers
snacks (we provide 3 meals a day and some snacks - You may want to bring your own favorites)
Water bottle - Nalgene or similar (these are important)
Alcohol and Other beverages - Bring 3 1/2 times what you think you will need. After 20+ years of doing trips like this, this amount just seems to be the quantity that actually works out for most people. Note you may incur an additional charge to transport your beverages to the river if you exceed weight limits. Do not quit smoking on your trip! Please try to keep your gear to 45 pounds or less. Pack in waterproof dry bags. made specifically for river trips. Two small bags are better then one large bag. Remember leave the cotton clothing at home
or at the air taxi during your trip!