The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather:
Temperatures during the summer months in Alaska are generally pleasant during the day (60 - 80°F), but can drop into the 40s and 50s at night. Mid-late August departures may encounter daytime temperatures in the 50 - 60° range, with nighttime temperatures in the high 30s. Although sunshine may be abundant, at least some rainfall is a possibility during any month, and you must be prepared for weather extremes that vary greatly from day to night, and from region to region as you travel through the state. Because Alaska's weather can be chilly even in summer, please bring additional warm clothing if you tend to get cold easily.
Provided Gear:
Tents
Cookware
Stoves and fuel
Maps
Water filter
Group First-aid kit
Recommended Gear:
Official Papers Photo identification
Airline tickets
Luggage
Duffel bag, medium/large-sized
Daypack for water bottle,
raingear, camera, etc.
Daypack rain cover - or plastic bag
Luggage tags & luggage locks
Camping Gear Sleeping bag, lightweight, compressible,
rated to 30°F (or 20° if you are a
cold sleeper)
Sleeping pad
Eating Utensils
Outerwear Rain jacket and pants: lightweight,
breathable, waterproof (see "Things
to Consider" below)
Clothing Lightweight, easily washable items
for evening wear, or when traveling
Midweight fleece jacket or synthetic
sweater
T-shirts
Long sleeve shirts
Hiking pants, quick-dry
Hiking shorts, quick-dry
Midweight thermal underwear top/bottom
Hiking socks and liners (6 pair)
Underwear
Clothing Accessories Sun hat
Wool or fleece hat
Wool or fleece gloves
Footwear Hiking boots - lightweight with ankle
support, waterproof and broken-in
Sandals or sneakers for evenings
Travel Accessories Headlamp or small flashlight with
spare batteries/bulb
Two water bottles (one-quart size)
or hydration pack
Sunglasses and retainer strap
Sunblock and lip balm
Insect repellent
Personal first-aid kit (small)
Toiletry kit and small towel
Baby wipes
Ziploc bags to separate wet
items from dry
Watch with alarm or travel clock
Optional Accessories Camera, film and spare batteries
Mosquito headnet
Reading and writing materials
Bandana
Earplugs
Compact binoculars (very useful)
Hiking stick or trekking poles
Knee supports
Motion sickness remedies
Spare contact lenses or glasses
Travel pillow
Things to Consider:
• Please remember to always pack essential items such as appropriate identification, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Make sure boots are broken-in and bring moleskin or similar for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters (the liner sock should be silk or synthetic).
• Good raingear is essential! Bring pants and a jacket with an attached hood. Most waterproof/breathable outerwear layers come with DWR (durable water repellent) treatments on their outer surfaces. With regular exposure to the elements, DWR treatments can wear off. You can renew your DWR by washing according to the care instructions and ironing using a warm steam setting. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a permanent DWR treatment. After extended wear and/or many washings, the original repellent finish will be depleted and you'll need to use a spray-on or wash-in water repellency treatment to treat the outer surface of the fabric. Keep in mind that even waterproof, breathable raingear made of fabrics such as Gore-Tex will soak through in an all-day rain. Plan your layers accordingly to keep yourself warm.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Use Ziploc bags or stuff sacks to keep wet clothes separate from dry clothes. Bring a pack cover to keep your daypack dry if it rains.
• If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens wearers should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses as a backup.
