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! Light- to medium-weight, fleece or Synchilla, or synthetic fiber-filled)

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, 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. Boots will be stored in a "boot bag" so they don't need to fit in your issued dry bag.
• 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. Your day pack will be used on hikes and will be the only baggage 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 two 2.2 cubic feet (1' x 2') dry bags. Bring your personal gear in something of similar dimensions such as two 1' x 2' duffles or a soft pack (no suitcases please). Everything you bring must fit into these two dry bags, except for your day pack and hiking boots.

MISCELLANEOUS
 

• Identification: for border crossing; passport or birth certificate (for U.S. citizens a driver's license will do)
• Sleeping bag: synthetic only, good to +20 degrees F, compactible, backpacking-type. Not down! (Down loses its insulating qualities if it gets wet.) 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/or headnet: bug conditions vary greatly depending on weather, wind, and campsite; some people are also more attractive to bugs than others. Many Alaskans use head nets as a toxic-free alternative to repellents.
• 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
• Neckwarmer. Like a hat, an item that will help to keep the rest of your body warm.

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).

How Should I Pack?
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 these with your clothing and other gear in the dry bags we provide. However, it is still a good idea to pack your sleeping bag in a stuff sack lined 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 may bring extra luggage with you to Haines. When we pick you up on day-one, we will ship any excess luggage back to Juneau. We will ship extra luggage back to Juneau at no charge. However, if you want extra luggage shipped to Yakutat, where the trip officially ends, (instead of Juneau) there will be an extra charge of $25 per bag.

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. Feel free to check your sleeping bag if you are bringing it, as we can give you a temporary bag if yours is lost. We also supply rain gear and rubber boots, so any rain gear, footwear and non-essentials can also be checked.