What to Pack

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 is to be prepared for any type of weather! We 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 10 days in length. You will need every item on this list, but 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: Because duffel bags pack best in our vehicles, we ask that you bring duffel bags as luggage. However, if your trusty roller bag is best for you, bring that along instead. Note that our vehicles have limited luggage compartments, so of utmost importance is bringing bags that are manageably sized. We recommend two medium sized bags (24"x 12"x 12"), or one large bag (30"x 14"x 14"). Duffels are not mandatory, but tuck away nicely in our vehicles.

LUGGAGE NOTE: When you are in Alaska we will provide you with a separate bag for repacking when you visit either the Kenai Backcountry Lodge and/or the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge. Our guides will drop off a packing list and duffel bag for you at your Anchorage hotel the night before your trip begins. Please be sure to fill out your Guest Information Form to let us know where you are staying and be sure to check for these items at the front desk upon arrival. Guests on the Alaska Explorer Safari and the Kenai & Denali Southbound will receive these during the trip, not prior. These duffel bags are yours to keep as a memento from your Alaskan journey.

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, especially if all leather. If you prefer strenuous hiking, you may want to invest in rugged hiking boots. You should put a coat of waterproofing compound on your boots before arriving in Alaska.

DAY PACK: This will come in handy for day hiking and van travel. This is not a frame pack, but a smaller daypack variety with two shoulder straps that you carry on your back. Large enough to hold rain gear, 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 the Kenai Fjords tour, 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 do 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; one pair made of quick-drying, synthetic material. Include a pair of shorts, just in case!

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 non-cotton hiking shirt, preferably two, one long and one short-sleeved.

WARM JACKET/SWEATER/VEST: Synthetic fleece or wool jacket and a sweater make great layers for warmth. A fleece or wool vest helps take the early morning or late night chill off.

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: 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. Do not bring cotton long underwear; if it becomes wet because it fails to insulate.

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: One-quart water bottle or hydration pack for each person. Strenuous hikers may want to bring two water bottles per person.

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 available for your use at Kantishna Roadhouse, Kenai Backcountry Lodge and on the Explorer Safari.

Optional Items

SUNGLASSES & SUNSCREEN: We are optimists, and sunshine in Alaska can be strong at times.

FIELD GUIDES: For local flora and fauna. Also available in our Kenai Riverside Lodge gift shop. See the Recommended Reading section for our recommendations.

SWIMSUIT: For a sauna, or a quick dip in the lake!

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

TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK: Battery operated.

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

CAMERA/FILM/BATTERIES: Don't forget 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 Cordura 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, where the bathhouse is separate from your cabin. Anything comfortable and packable works, these items will make your evenings in the main lodge or your Yukon cabin-tent just a little more relaxing.

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.