When I first got to Alaska I was told, “…Only fools and newcomers predict the weather in Alaska!” Pretty sage advice. While Alaska is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, it’s weather can be fickle and occasionally, relentless. With that in mind, let’s talk about the gear you should plan to have on hand for your two day trip in July/August…

Like most outdoor adventures, plan on dressing in layers. Lightweight long sleeve base layer shirt, covered by a heavier weight, long-sleeve shirt like a hooded tee. Next, I’d go with a lightweight puffy or fleece vest,  jacket, or hoodie, and lastly, a lightweight hooded rain jacket. Depending on if you normally run cold, you may want to bring an extra mid layer jacket. For your legs, again if you run cold, maybe a lightweight base layer if the weather starts out on the cold side. I definitely recommend long pants or leggings even if it’s warm. Better protection from the sun and bugs. I also recommend a pair of lightweight rain pants. For your head, really whatever type of hat you generally like if you have a hooded rain jacket. I mostly wear a ball cap and rely on hoods for warmth and rain protection. If your rain jacket doesn’t have a hood, I’d bring a rain hat like a Seattle Sombrero. If your head tends to get cold and you like beanies, throw one in…

For your feet, you can’t go wrong with Alaska’s unofficial State Boot, the Xtratuf 15” Legacy Boot. If you do go this route, make sure you are sized properly and have worn them a bit so you don’t get blisters. These, or similar calf length waterproof boots, give you more options in the field for muddy, boggy walks along streams and shorelines. If this type of boot isn’t something you would ever wear anyplace else, an ankle high light hiking boot will generally suffice. At Brooks Falls, the viewing platform is a 1.2 mile round trip from the main camp area. At the Proenneke Cabin, a one to two mile nature hike is available. I’d go with waterproof (Gore Tex lined) if possible. No flip flops or open toed shoes…

Don’t bring too much stuff. You don’t need a complete outfit for every day out in the bush. A pair of socks and underwear for every day is ok and a second pair of pants and shirt for the lodge in case you end up getting wet or dirty is certainly reasonable, but try to be a bit on the minimalist side…For your travel bags, again, think minimalist. A small daypack and a small duffle should be the most you would have to bring. If you are traveling together, try to consolidate. Maybe two daypacks and one small/duffle for a party of two.

If it’s a nice, warm, sunny day when we depart, you may each need the small daypack and small duffle to hold your extra layers. If it’s cold and rainy at departure, your bags may be fairly empty. That’s OK. I really like waterproof bags in Alaska because we are always near the water. Settng your bag down in damp grass or tundra shouldn’t get your stuff wet. Water resistant is fine, but if your daypack isn’t water resistant, I’d get one of those waterproof covers for it so you can actually carry it in the rain if necessary.

• Medications
• Medical devices
• Binoculars
• Camera gear
• Phones/notebooks
• Power banks/chargers
• Bug spray
• Sun screen for face and lips
• Bug net
• Bear spray (if desired)
• Water bottle
• Body Glide (if you are prone to blisters)
• Wine or beer or spirits, if desired
• Walking stick won’t be necessary unless you generally rely on them for light hiking.