What to Pack

Guests are responsible for bringing adequate gear. This packing list will help to ensure you have everything you need for your trip. Plan your travel wardrobe around informal and comfortable clothing. Even at mealtimes, dress is casual. The weather in Alaska is quite variable; bring clothing that can be layered. For example, wear a light shirt with a wool sweater or fleece and a windbreaker or jacket. Of special note, be sure you bring a high quality rain suit so that even if it rains, you can stay comfortable outdoors and have a great experience. Items made of wool or synthetic fabric remain comfortable and warm even when wet. Cotton is not recommended for any Alaska outdoor activity as the fabric does not easily dry and once wet has no insulation.

Now, all this talk about weather is not meant to "dampen" your enthusiasm about visiting Alaska. Unlike most people's preconception of the Alaskan summer, the season is usually quite mild with temperatures in the fifties and sixties. We liken the Alaska summer to spring or fall in other parts of the country. The most reliable advice: be prepared for any type of weather! We carry the attitude of "enjoying whatever comes our way" and have found that when our gear and spirits are well suited, the weather is always perfect.

PLEASE NOTE: This packing list is designed for a trip nine to eleven days in length. You will need most items on this list. We've also provided an "Optional Items" section for additional items that we find useful in Alaska's backcountry. Please consult your Trip Itinerary and pack according to your trip's needs. Also note that there are no laundry facilities available at any of the accommodations during your trip.

LUGGAGE: Due to the small-scale, remote nature of many of our lodges and the unique transportation we ask that you bring duffel bags as luggage. However, if your trusty roller bag is best for you, bring that along. Keep in mind that our vehicles and boats have limited luggage compartments and for your convenience, our staff hand carry luggage to your accommodations. Therefore, we truly appreciate bags that are manageably sized. We recommend one large soft sided bag. Duffels are not mandatory, but we have found they are the most manageable and do store nicely in vehicles.

HIKING BOOTS OR SHOES: Comfortable, lightweight and water repellent. Many companies make lightweight hiking boots that are moderately priced. Make sure these are well broken in prior to your trip. If you prefer strenuous hiking, you may want to invest in rugged hiking boots. We suggest a coat of waterproofing compound on your boots before arriving in Alaska.

DAY PACK: This will come in handy for day hiking and vehicle travel. This is not a frame pack, but a smaller "day pack" variety with two shoulder straps that you carry on your back. Large enough to hold rain gear, an extra sweater, water bottle, lunch, binoculars and anything else you would take on a day hike.

RAIN GEAR: During hikes, the rafting trip and the day on the Kenai Fjords, a good quality rain suit (both top and bottom) is a must to keep you warm and dry. It should be made of coated nylon, with factory-sealed seams. The expensive GORE-TEX variety is not really necessary; however, you may opt for this if you think you may have use for it again. Heavy rubberized rain gear will keep you dry, but it is bulky and weighty to carry. For rafting, we provide heavier rain gear that you may borrow for the day. Please do not bring a plastic or vinyl rain suit or poncho; these tend to tear easily and quickly become useless while hiking and rafting.

PANTS: Two to three, with one pair a quick-drying, synthetic pant. Include a pair of shorts, just in case! We recommend "convertible" pants, which zip-off into shorts for a "two-in-one" travel wardrobe mainstay.

SHIRTS: Two to three, mostly long-sleeved. A long-sleeved, light colored, tightly woven shirt is helpful for bug and sun protection. Bring at least one, preferably two, synthetic fabric, non-cotton hiking shirts - one long-sleeved and one short-sleeved.

WARM JACKET/SWEATER/VEST: Synthetic fleece or wool jacket or sweater make great layers for warmth. A fleece or wool vest helps take off the early morning or late night chill. Several lodges sell fleece vests and pullovers in case you forget to pack yours!

WOOL OR SYNTHETIC FLEECE HAT: You won't be sorry you brought this!

WOOL GLOVES: To keep your fingers warm while hiking, boating or photographing outside.

BRIMMED HAT: For sun protection. Some who don't enjoy a hooded jacket prefer a rain hat.

SOCKS: Four pairs of wool or synthetic socks for hiking, plus adequate lightweight socks to meet your personal needs.

LONG UNDERWEAR: Do not bring cotton long underwear, as cotton will make you colder if wet because it fails to insulate. Two sets of polypropylene, capilene or thermax tops and bottoms are recommended. Synthetic fabrics are designed to keep you warm even when wet, wicking moisture away from the skin.

UNDERWEAR: Enough for your personal needs.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: Make sure you bring an adequate supply for the trip. Do not count on having your prescription refilled during the trip.

ONE-QUART WATER BOTTLE OR HYDRATION PACK: Clean, potable water will be available each day of your trip, and guests are responsible for bringing personal water bottles and containers. We suggest one or two one-quart water bottles per person. Potable water is available for free refills at all locations.

SMALL FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP: Needed from late July through September.

INSECT REPELLENT: Creams and pumps are more environmentally friendly than aerosols. Mosquito head nets are inexpensive, effective deterrents as well.  

FIELD GUIDES: For local flora and fauna. Also available in most lodge gift shops. See the Recommended Reading section for our suggestions.

SWIMSUIT: For a sauna at Kenai Riverside Lodge or Kenai Backcountry Lodge, or a quick dip in Skilak Lake!

SPORT SANDALS: Comfortable for saunas, lake dips and vehicle travel.

TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK: Battery operated.

BINOCULARS: Highly recommended and some guests feel that these are mandatory!

CAMERA/FILM/BATTERIES: Don't forget your instruction manual and extra batteries for your camera. Some types of camera batteries can be difficult to find in Alaska.

HIKING POLES: Wooden hiking sticks are available at most lodges. If you prefer to bring your own hiking poles, please bring ones that pack easily (telescoping).

NECK GAITER: Fleece is best. Great for protecting your neck from the breeze off the water.

BOOT GAITERS: The Packcloth variety made by Outdoor Research work well. Gaiters offer protection for your legs and pants from water, insects and brush while hiking on the tundra.

LIGHT ROBE AND/OR SLIP-ON SHOES: For your stay at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. For those staying in Yukon-style cabin tents or log cabins without private bathroom, a shared bathhouse is available for your use. Anything comfortable and packable works; these items can make your evenings just a little more relaxing.

SEA SICKNESS BANDS: Some guests prefer these bands over medication and report they work well even for severe cases.

MAY WE RECOMMEND:

Depending on where you live, finding a few of the above items can be challenging. We have a few recommendations for obtaining gear and clothing items for outdoor travel, to Alaska and beyond.