This list is merely a suggestion for what to bring, as everyone’s idea of packing for a trip varies widely. This list is used for all of our summer itineraries (with items specific to camping trips marked with an asterisk), so adjust accordingly. Amounts of each article of clothing also vary depending on the length of trip. Most folks find that they bring far more than they ever need or use. Do keep in mind that dress in Alaska ranges from the very casual to the extremely so – in other words, wearing the same thing for a few days in a row is not a social faux pas up here but is in fact the norm. Nothing fancy is required; there is no place that we go that would refuse service --even if you were wearing merely your long underwear!

Please keep in mind that we have very limited luggage space in the vehicles, and that you are your very own personal bell hop and valet for the trip (you can tip accordingly). Laundry facilities are available at least every 5 days (depending upon the itinerary). Layering and its flexibility is the key to being comfortable in Alaska’s fickle summer weather, where temperatures may range from the 30’s to mid 80’s (sometimes even in the same day!)

Clothing:

• Turtlenecks or medium weight long sleeved shirts
• Wool/wool-blend or fleece sweater/pullover
• Short sleeved t-shirts
• Jeans or comfortable pants
• Shorts
• Sleeping clothes
• Bathrobe (bathrooms are often "down the hall or path"…)
• Medium weight polarfleece or pile jacket
• 2 piece rainsuit with hood (breathable Gore-tex or waterproof nylon material)
  *High quality rain gear is essential for camping trips, as a great deal of time is spent outdoors, rain or shine! Discount house disposable rain suits are NOT acceptable.
   
• Light to medium weight long underwear, top and bottom (silk or polypropelene preferred).
• Wool/wool blend socks
• * Lightweight wool or polar fleece gloves & hat
• * Wide-brimmed sun hat for canoe trips
• Bathing suit (in case we encounter a hot tub or for a dip in the Yukon…)
• * Hiking boots – light to medium weight; water resistant or waterproofed preferably
• Comfortable shoes (sneakers…) to wear when not hiking, or for those trips with less hiking involved (i.e. All Alaska Circuit Tour, Kenai Explorer Tour)

• binoculars
• camera & film
• video camera and batteries
• ear plugs (if you’re sharing a room…)
• eye shades (it could be light all night!)
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• insect repellent (preferably with Deet)
• travel alarm clock
• water bottle
• day pack (book bag style backpack) for day hiking and walk to McCarthy
• flashlight (for trips after August 1st)
• trip journal/diary
• personal toiletries
• * hand towel/small bath towel
• * sleeping bag - rated to 30 degrees or less (– ask us if you would like to rent one)
• *small camp pillow
  *Pertains specifically to camping trips

Luggage requirements:

Soft sided suitcases or duffle bags are definitely preferable over traditional hard-sided luggage. Baggage is strictly limited to one reasonable medium-sized piece and 50 lbs (remember who gets to carry it . . .), not including day pack (best to have handy with you in the van or on hikes). Sleeping bags can be packed separately if necessary. Extra items can usually be stored in Anchorage while on the trip. 

PLEASE NOTE: All trips that go to McCarthy, require carrying one night’s gear from the van to the Lodge, across two forks of the Kennicott River (there are bridges!) - a distance of about half a mile - as the road ends at the river. A daypack is best for this situation. For those trips that include camping, gear will occasionally have to be carried a short ways, from the van or canoe to campsite, usually no more than 50 yards.

Camping:

For all trips that include camping, we provide tents (3-person tents for two people), Therm-a-Rest© inflatable mattress pads, tarps, all cooking and eating equipment and food for group meals.  Sleeping bags may be rented from us, if you so choose.   Please request well in advance.

River Trips: 

For the trips that canoe the Yukon River, we will issue a set of dry bags prior to departing Anchorage, that will serve as your "luggage" during the trip. Luggage space is quite limited in the vehicle, and extremely so in the canoes, so please pack accordingly – what won’t fit in the allotted dry bags won’t be able to go. For all trips, please be mindful of other tour guests and the limited space, and pack prudently. Thanks for understanding!

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