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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.
The most important thing to remember when packing your personal gear is that you must have clothes that keep you warm even if you get wet. We recommend clothes that are wool, fleece, polypropylene or Capilene (synthetics) - NOT COTTON! Once cotton gets wet it loses all of its insulating qualities, will never dry out and will not keep you warm. We suggest you use the layering principle of dressing, where you add or subtract layers as the weather changes.
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.
CLOTHING
· 2 complete (top to botton) set of war clothing (fleece is best)
· 1 set of long underwear (preferably medium to heavy fleece)
· 4-5 pair thick and liner socks
· 2 pair wool or fleece pants (for comfortable wear with long underwear underneath)
· 2 lightweight sweater (1 short-sleeve or loose-fitting, 1 long-sleeve for sun and bug protection)
· Warm jacket (Not down! Medium to heavy-weight fleece or synchilla or similar fabric)
· Rain gear (or lightweight rain pants, synthetic fabric such as nylon or Goretex)
· 2 hats (warm, and sun/rain hat)
· 1 pair waterproof paddling gloves
· 1-2 pair wool or fleece gloves
· Lightweight hiking boots, sandals
· Rubber boots
· 1-2 pair insoles (inside rubber boots for comfort)
BAGGAGE
· 1 small day pack or dry bag
· 1 duffel bag lined with a heavy-duty plastic bag
MISCELLANEOUS
· Sleeping bag comfortable to - 10 C.
· Sleeping pad, closed-cell foam or Therm-a-rest.
· 1 pair sun glasses
· Bug repellent
· Sun screen (high SPF) and lip balm containing sun screen
· Personal toiletries
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
We suggest bringing a small flashlight, small pocket knife, camera with extra battery & film, binoculars.
IMPORTANT PACKING NOTES
Small, compressible duffel or dry bags that can be squeezed into tight spaces work much better than larger bags when packing kayaks. Waterproof and/or plastic bags are the key to keeping clothing dry when it rains. Pack your gear in heavy, freezer-type, plastic Ziploc-type bags and pack these inside small duffels or rucksacks lined with the appropriate size plastic garbage bag. Your day pack/bag will be used for storing your jacket, hat, camera, binoculars, etc. during the day.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Please remember to always pack essential items such as appropriate identification, mony, eyewear, 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 waterproofed, 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. |
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