First layer:
 

• 1-2 pair liner socks (thin socks to wear under thicker ones, made of wool or synthetic "wicking" fibers like polypropylene or Capilene)
• Underwear (as many as you wish - nylon or other synthetics are preferable to cotton)
• 2 pair long underwear bottoms (synthetic fabric such as Lifa, polypropylene, Capilene or Thermax to wear under pants or shorts; 2 mid-weight (or 1mid-weight & 1 expedition weight if you chill easily, especially in early June or late August)
• 2 long-sleeve underwear shirts (polypropylene, Capilene, Lifa or similar synthetics; 1 midweight, 1 expedition weight)

Mid-layer:
 

• 1 pair shorts (quick-drying nylon ones are ideal)
• 1 pair wool or fleece pants (should be loose-fitting for a comfortable fit with long underwear underneath)
• 2 lightweight shirts (1 short-sleeve or loose-fitting, 1 long-sleeve for sun and bug protection - Supplex nylon, Coolmax, light-weight polypropylene or Capilene)
• 1 sweater
• 1 warm jacket (Not down! Medium to heavy weight fleece or synchilla)

Outer layer:
 

• 4-5 pair thick socks (synthetic or wool/synthetic blends dry more quickly than all-wool)
• 1 pair wind pants (or lightweight rain pants, large enough to wear over a base or insulating layer next to your skin; synthetic fabric such as nylon or Goretex)
• 1 windproof jacket (or lightweight rain jacket to wear over other layers; synthetic fabric like nylon or Goretex)
• 2 types of hats: ___ 1 warm wool or fleece ski-type hat that covers ears; also good for sleeping in on cool nights.
• 1 lighter hat for sun and/or rain (ball cap or wide-brimmed, non-cotton hat; bring one suitable for use in the rain if you prefer to wear a hat rather than use the hood on the rain jacket we provide)
• 1 pair waterproof gloves: for rainy or wet conditions - rubber gloves, hardware store or gardening variety; ideally these should fit over the gloves listed below. (Neoprene paddling gloves also work well.)
• 1-2 pair wool or fleece gloves for around camp at night or for under your rubber gloves on cool days.

Depending on the temperature and weather conditions, there may be times when you need only one or two layers of clothing instead of three layers.

For sleepwear, we suggest sleeping in your long underwear shirts and bottoms.

Please call our office with any questions regarding fabrics and the gear list. Adequate clothing is not only beneficial but also essential. Remember NO COTTON for any article of clothing expected to provide warmth.

FOOTWEAR
 

• Lightweight hiking boots. You will be issued rubber boots for rafting or canoeing, but for hikes and around camp you will want a pair of lightweight, water repellent hiking boots that do not take up a lot of room. Nike, Hi-Tec, Merrell and others make good trail boots. If you have weak ankles, make sure you have hi-top boots. Some guests also bring sports sandals for around camp.
• 1-2 pair insoles (felt or other cushioning material) to put inside rubber boots for comfort. Most Alaskans like to put insoles in their rubber boots to add some padding, improve the fit, and add warmth when wading in cold water. At night, take your insoles out to dry (from perspiration) - hang them up in the tent or slip them into your sleeping bag with you!

BAGGAGE
 

• Day pack: a day pack large enough to hold your sweater, rain gear, hat, gloves and camera. Used on hikes and accessible to you while rafting. See packing notes. Size: 2,300-3,000 cubic inches; approximately 16"x 6"x 24" or 18"x 7" x 24". We will issue each person one 4 cubic foot (1' x 4') dry bag. Bring your personal gear in something of similar dimensions such as two 1' x 2' duffles or a soft pack. Everything you bring must fit into the large dry bag we give you, except for your day pack and your sleeping pad.

MISCELLANEOUS
 

• Sleeping bag: synthetic only, good to +5 degrees F, compactible, backpacking-type. Not down! (Down loses its insulating qualities if it gets wet.) Should be packed in a compression sack. You may rent a bag from us.
• Sleeping pad: closed-cell foam or Therm-a-rest or other compactible, backpacking-type pad. You may rent a pad from us.
• Water bottle(s): 1 or 2 wide-mouth quart or liter size
• 1 pair sun glasses
• Bug repellent and head net: bug conditions vary greatly depending on weather, wind, and campsite; some people are also more attractive to bugs than others. Some folks bring a bug jacket made of fine mesh.
• Sun screen (high SPF) and lip balm containing sun screen
• Ziploc bags (heavy-duty, freezer-type are best) & garbage bags (heavy-duty, compactor bags are best). See packing notes
• Personal toiletries: bring biodegradable, unscented products if possible. Please keep your toiletry kit small. A toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste may be all you need "in the field." Your toiletries should fit into a single, quart-size Ziploc bag. Toiletry items will be kept in a small "community" bag or bear-proof can, NOT in your tent.
• Bandana and/or small towel or washcloth
• Instant hand warmers (the little packets that heat up when you shake them-great for cold hands & feet).

ADDITIONAL ITEMS
We suggest bringing a small flashlight, small pocket knife, camera with extra battery & film, binoculars, reading & writing materials. Foam ear plugs are useful for bush flights and snoring tent partners. Space is limited so bring those items you need but not the kitchen sink. (We've already brought that!)

Baggage Limits
All guests' baggage will be weighed. Due to charter plane limits and limited space, we will limit each guest to 35 lbs. of gear. All exceptions must be cleared through the office. (Gear provided by Alaska Discovery and your sleeping bag and pad are not part of this weight limit). Important Packing Notes

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 baggies. Your day pack will be used for storing your jacket, hat, camera, binoculars, etc. during the day. This will be the only baggage accessible on rafting days. Line the inside with a heavy duty garbage bag. Use baggies for protecting socks, underwear, toiletries, etc.

If you are bringing your own sleeping bag and pad, you will pack your sleeping bag with your clothing and other gear in the dry bag we provide. Your sleeping pad will be packed separately in a community dry bag, so make sure it is marked somehow with your name or other identifying marks. Your sleeping bag should be in a compression stuff sack and it is a good idea to line the sack with a heavy-duty garbage bag. Your guide will help you with packing questions at the pre-trip meeting.

If you need to rent a bag and pad from us, please circle "Yes" on your Expedition Application and add $35/set to your balance due if this amount is not already on your invoice.

Remember, space is limited in rafts so please stick to the luggage dimension limits listed in the "baggage" section. You should be able to leave any extra luggage at your lodging in Fairbanks.

Please note: Sometimes your airlines will lose your luggage and may not find it prior to our departure into the field! Since proper field gear is essential in the Alaska wilderness, we encourage you to bring one or two sets of warm clothes and any specialized medical supplies as carry-on luggage. We supply rain gear and rubber boots, so any rain gear, footwear and non-essentials can be packed with your baggage that is checked on the plane.