Practical information for Your Alaska Tour:

The key to staying comfortable in Alaska’s ever-changing weather conditions is to dress in layers of synthetic or wool. Cotton, such as the typical tshirt or denim jeans is not appropriate for outdoor activities in Alaska. On any given summer day the weather can go from sunny and warm to raining, and back, repeatedly.  Synthetic layers like capilene, or wool, will keep you warm even when wet. A smart layering system includes a thin baselayer, a middle thickness fleece and a waterproof outer layer.
The zip off trekking pants are a good option as well. Warm days in Alaska can feel much hotter than the thermometer would indicate so it is a nice feature to be able to convert long pants into shorts and back again. An outer layer rain trouser is also essential for hikes in rain or moving through brush wet with dew.
Socks should also be a wool or synthetic fabric. Consider layering a thin sock with a thick outer sock to cushion your feet on longer hikes and prevent blisters. Shoes should be first of all comfortable. Some trails are walkable in light shoes but there is always a possibility of rain or mud so hiking boots, with ankle support and preferably rugged material, like leather, are the best choice.  Walks in the arctic are mostly overland, without trails, where a sturdy pair of shoes is important and the use of gaiters will keep pebbles and twigs out of your shoes. A second pair of shoes for camp and drives are really good to have. In all gear choices look for “water proof”, not “water resistant”.  In Alaska, water resistant usually means you will end up very wet.
Hats with bills are great for shielding against the sun which is directly overhead in our northern summer. Sunglasses are essential to mitigate glare off water and snow.
Excursions to glaciers and around the water will be cooler than you might think so a winter type hat, gloves and neck gaiters or scarves will keep you warm and comfortable.
We will provide all camp gear for meals and cooking but if you have a reusable mug it’s great to have along to enjoy a coffee on our drives . A refillable wide mouthed water bottle is essential to stay hydrated on hikes and outdoor activities.  The Alaskan interior is quite arid and you will need to drink plenty of water to stay fit and happy. The good news is there is plenty of delicious clean water everywhere.
We will also provide you with a tent and sleeping mat . You should bring your own sleeping bag, a rating to 32 F should be sufficient as night time temperatures dont generally go below freezing in the summer. If you dont have a bag or dont want to bring your own we can provide you with a new one for a modest charge which you can either keep after the trip or we will donate it to a local Anchorage charity afterward.
A headlamp is helpful to have, particularly if you like to read at night in the tent. By mid August there is actually some darkness again at night as well.
You should come equipped with a day pack big enough to fit those extra layers, your water, snacks and whatever else you wish to carry on the hikes. The day pack is also helpful to stay organized in the van. Your other luggage will be transported by trailer that we will usually not want to access while driving. For activities like kayaking or rafting we will team with partner outfitters who will issue you gear specific to that activity, ie drysuits and booties for white water rafting. Drybags and kayak gear for kayaking.
Binoculars are great to have. Consider an extra battery for your camera. We can charge batteries in the van as we drive but of course this is limited and you dont want to miss your shot because of a dead battery or full memory card. 2000 photos in a week is often common for the avid photographer. Remember any medications you need. Anchorage is a modern city with outdoor shops, pharmacies and very large grocery stores so if you arrive before the trip departs you can buy any of the items mentioned here.
We will always make a grocery store stop first morning for any last minute items you might need.