Trip Essentials

Base Camp – Arctic Alaska

Welcome... and Thank You for Choosing Arctic Wild

We are excited to share a wilderness experience with you. Once we have received your Reservation Form and deposit you are all set until 90 days prior to your trip. At the 90 day mark, we will need two more forms from you and full payment by check or bank transfer (we do not accept credit cards). We require all participants to read, consider and sign our Participant Agreement. It is important that you understand the risks involved in wilderness travel. The Equipment Request Form is for those who wish to borrow camping gear during the trip. Equipment requests submitted less than 30 days prior to your trip cannot be guaranteed. In the meantime, please read these materials thoroughly. The better you are prepared mentally and physically, the more fun you will have on the trip. This packet includes information on:

This packet includes information on:

Preparing For Your Trip
Pre-Trip Meeting
Wilderness/Expedition Etiquette
Staying Safe
Trip Equipment List

If you have questions at any point, just call us or send an email. We will be happy to answer your questions, give more details, or refer you to further resources as soon as we can. As our guest(s), we want you to feel prepared, condent, and excited about your upcoming Arctic Wild trip. Happy planning. We look forward to traveling with you!

—Michael Wald and Sally Andersen

Preparing For Your Trip

Travel/cancellation insurance: You should purchase travel/cancellation insurance. There are many options and greg@expeditionbroker.com or a website like insuremytrip.com can help you determine the right policy for your particular needs.

Flights to/from Alaska: Book your flights early and plan to arrive at the trip’s start location (Fairbanks, Kotzebue, etc.) the day before your trip starts, and in plenty of time to attend the mandatory pre-trip meeting. Plan to depart Alaska no sooner than the evening of the day after your trip’s end date (24 hours minimum after your scheduled return), budgeting time for possible weather delays.

Return flights & possibility of delay: Weather and flight connections permitting, you will return around 6:00 pm on your trip’s end date. In case of delay, it is prudent to plan one or more extra days in the local area following your trip. Relatives and employers should be made aware both of delay possibilities and the fact that you cannot contact them from the wilderness. There is no cause for alarm if you are delayed and your family need not worry but please ask someone at home to help re-book hotel reservations, adjust flights etc. should you be delayed. We are happy to keep your family apprised of your situation but can’t orchestrate your travel plans in the unlikely event that you are delayed at trips end.

Maps: Your guide will have detailed topographic maps for everyone’s use. You can also order your own set through caltopo.com.

Provisions: The food we serve is wholesome and hearty. We have a wide variety of meals to please a wide range of tastes. Our ability to carry and store large quantities of fresh food is limited, but our meals get rave reviews. We will attempt to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. Please make sure to tell us what you CAN eat as well as what you CAN’T eat. Food allergies are challenging in a group setting and contamination is possible. Help us help you by communicating your needs and desires before the trip.

Alcohol is not provided, but you are welcome to bring a small amount. Please note that this will be subject to weight restrictions and that some communities (i.e., Kotzebue) do not allow alcohol. Snack food is plentiful and we provide 3 solid meals a day. If you want to bring some of your own snacks, feel free to pack whatever pleases you most but know we have plenty of food.

Gratuity: If your guide(s) did a great job, which we are sure they will, a per-person tip of 5 -10% of the trip price is very much appreciated.

Concerns, requests, or confusion?

Let’s talk about it. Please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone. Feel free to contact us with questions about your trip. We have years of experience and are happy to share our knowledge. You are our guest, not just a customer. Call us at 907-479-8203.

Pre-Trip Meeting

Please plan on attending a mandatory pre-trip meeting.

A thorough and unhurried pre-trip meeting is critical to the success and safety of your trip, so please plan your travel so that you can give your full attention to the meeting. The details of your meeting vary slightly based upon the starting point for your trip.

You will need to bring EVERYTHING you intend to take on the trip with you to the meeting, preferably packed as you will carry it on your trip. We will be checking your gear and weighing it during the meeting to ensure we are within safe limits for the planes the following day.

During the meeting we will also distribute any equipment you have requested, answer your questions, discuss safety and brief you on the logistics for the following day. The meeting usually takes less than 2 hours.

For trips starting in FAIRBANKS (unless otherwise noted): When: 4:00 pm on the day before your trip’s start date.

Where: Arctic Wild World Headquarters (2155 Alston Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709).

Transportation: You will need to find your own transportation to the pre-trip meeting and we will send directions prior to the meeting. If you are staying at a nearby hotel (Sophie’s Station, Pikes Lodge, Sven’s Hostel or similar) we are happy to give you a ride back to your lodging after our pre-trip meeting, a ride to the airport on the morning of our trip, and a farewell ride back to your room at the trip’s end. For Fairbanks accommodations further from the airport, or for trips starting and ending outside Fairbanks, you will need to arrange all your own ground transportation.

For trips starting in KOTZEBUE (unless otherwise noted): When: 6:45 pm on the day before your trip’s start date. (6:15 arrival into Kotzebue is fine).

Where: Arctic Backcountry Flying Service/Golden Eagle Outfitters Hangar at the Noel Wien Airport.

Transportation: You will need to provide all your own transportation in Kotzebue. Cabs are cheap and most places are close enough for walking.

Wilderness/Expedition Etiquette

These are important topics, so we include a quick primer here.

In addition to our discussions during the pre-trip meeting, during the first days of your trip, your guide(s) will give other safety briefings and lead a discussion on how to minimize our impact on the wilderness.

Leave it as you found it: If you get the feeling that you are the first person to ever set foot on the tundra… it is because those who came before respected the wilderness. We ask that you help us preserve the wilderness experience for those who will come after.

Bathroom: With a little effort and planning, we can prevent fecal contamination and prevent others from seeing signs that we have traveled through. We almost always use a group latrine, in a location designated by the guide, which ensures that the water stays clean. Burn the toilet paper, completely, on site. Female menstrual supplies should be placed in a Ziplock and deposited in the “group garbage”. When/ if no latrine is available: Dig a hole 6” deep with the trowel we provide, make your deposit, and cover it up again, again burning your toilet paper.

Tent sites: When choosing a tent site, look for places that will not require moving rocks or uprooting bushes. When we leave a camp we try and put everything back just how we found it. Being sure to pick up any garbage no matter how small.

Souvenirs: Please resist the understandable urge to take natural objects like feathers, bones, arrowheads, and antlers. If these things seem plentiful, it may be because they have been left in place by other conscientious travelers. (That said: rocks are fair game, our rationale being that rock appeal is extremely subjective and rocks are indeed plentiful).

Campfires: We enjoy campfires as much as anyone and will have them occasionally as site conditions and weather permit.

Soap and washing: We provide biodegradable soap and hand sanitizer, and ask that you always wash your hands after going to the bathroom, and prior to handling food.

Cultural respect: We will be traveling on Gwich’in and Inupiat Lands. Respect the privacy and customs of people living along our routes. Before taking pictures of people or their property, please ask for their consent. Respect private property and cultural differences. It is illegal to collect articles of historical significance.

Fishing: If you are not fishing for a meal, crimping the barbs on your hooks will make the fish much easier to release. If the fish is bleeding or injured in any way, we’ll keep it for a meal. Bears love fish. Ask your guide how to fish in bear country without inviting a bear into camp.

Staying Safe

Remoteness: All of our trips are in remote regions, far removed from civilization and rescue. Quite possibly, this is the most remote you will have ever been. Help each other and accept that offered hand. Always remember where you are, and how long it could take to be rescued.

Free time: There is ample free time on our trips. If you want to go off alone, it can be very rewarding. Please, however, be aware of the inherent risks and responsibility of wilderness travel. Please also tell us where you are going.

Bears: Rule #1— Watch where you are going. Rule #2—Watch where you are going. It is wise to move slowly and noisily while walking through brushy areas. It is also important to keep a clean camp and to properly store food. We will provide you with bear deterrent (pepper spray), and your guide(s) will have a shotgun on river and base camp trips. There will be a detailed briefing at the beginning of your trip about living in bear country.

The cook area & food storage: Your guide(s) will designate a “cook area” and will camp closest to it. Clients should set up their tents farther away from the cook area, without surrounding it. To reduce food smells overall, your toiletry items and snack food will be stored in the cook area with all of the other “smelly stuff.” Do not eat or store food in your tent, as this can attract bears not to mention tent-tearing ground squirrels.

Water filter: We provide a water filter and strongly encourage you to use it. If you choose to drink untreated surface water you might be fine, but…

Communications: We carry satellite phones for medical emergencies and for the safe conduct of every trip. We do not use them for any other reason. In addition to the satellite phone, we also carry a ground-to-air radio for line-of-sight communication with passing aircraft, if necessary. Please do not bring your own satellite phone.

Base Camp Equipment List

Arctic Alaska

Please follow this equipment list and do not bring extra gear.

Space is limited in the airplanes we use. Having lots of unnecessary items only makes packing and unpacking cumbersome. If an item is not on this list you really don’t need it. By carefully following this list you can keep your personal gear under 50 pounds.

This checklist has been developed from decades of experience. These are proven items. That said, personal clothing is indeed personal. Bring what you know to be comfortable and practical. If you have questions please ask us.

All garments should be synthetic or wool because they are light, fast drying, and warmer when wet. Please leave your cotton clothes at home.

This is the Arctic, and it snows every month of the year! You should have a minimum of five layers for your top and four for the bottom. For example, on top: a short-sleeve thermal shirt, one heavier long-sleeve thermal shirt, one fleece jacket, a light puffy and a BIG down parka, plus a Gore-Tex shell over everything. On the bottom: two pairs of long johns, one pair of hiking pants, and Gore-Tex rain pants on top. With a warm hat and a neck gaiter, you’re cozy even when the north wind howls.

It can also be really hot, especially in late June or early July. Adequate protection from intense sun, heat, and bugs is also important. The weather is extremely variable from day to day and year to year.

We have a selection of camping equipment that we can lend you during your trip. If you have your own equipment you may prefer to bring it. If you do want to borrow ours please fill out our Equipment Request Form at least 30 days prior to your trip. Items that we can provide for you are denoted with “AW” below.

Please use this as a literal checklist. When all the boxes are checked, ✓ you are done. Anything not on the list doesn’t belong.

Having trouble keeping your personal gear within the 35-pound limit? Please contact us.

Items to Pack in your Big Duffle

	Backpack, Dry bag, or Duffle: This is the bag that will hold the bulk of your gear. A good water-resistant bag is the 100 liter Black Hole duffel. Suppliers like REI, NRS, LL Bean, and others carry these and similar bags. Sometimes we have to carry our gear up to a 1⁄4 mile from the airstrip to campsite. It is OK to have a couple smaller bags if that makes carrying things easier for you.
AW	Tent: A 3- or 4-season tent able to withstand strong winds and medium snow load. The stakes you bring must be able to hold in sand and gravel. We highly recommend yellow plastic 9” “Power Pegs.” There are lots of great tents on the market including Hilleberg and North Face.	Alps tents available from Arctic Wild. (9 pounds)
AW	Sleeping bag with stuff sack: Your sleeping bag should keep you comfortable to 15 to 20 F. The stuff sack should be lined with a plastic bag or placed in a waterproof stuff sack. Women often sleep colder than men, and a sleeping bag liner is a good way to add warmth and versatility.	Available from Arctic Wild. (4 pounds) We also have sleeping bag liners to lend if you are concerned about your bag being warm enough.
AW	Sleeping pad: Inflatable pads like Thermarests are the warmest.	Thermarest “Trail Pro” pads are available from Arctic Wild. (2 pounds)
	Stuff sacks: For packing gear and clothes. Waterproof stuff sacks from Sea to Summit or similar provide an additional layer of protection.

Items to Pack in your Big Duffle

	Socks: Three to four pairs total, heavy synthetic or wool.	You will also be wearing a pair on day one.
	Waterproof socks: Use these over heavy socks for day hiking to keep your feet as dry as possible. Sealskinz are a good choice. Two pairs would not be too many.
	Camp shoes: Crocs, or sneakers let you change out of your damp hiking boots. It is almost never warm enough for sandals.
	Lightweight long johns: Two pairs of synthetic or wool tops and two pairs of bottoms total.	Wear one pair on the first day.
	Heavy pants: Wool or fleece for the cold. Thick synthetic leggings work too.
	Big puffy parka/ ski jacket: This is for the really cold, bitter days. Down and synthetic are both fine. Hooded is best. Patagonia and Marmot both make good parkas. Go BIG. This is the most commonly missed item on our list. Please bring a really warm ski jacket/ parka with a hood not just a puffy coat.

Items to Pack in your Big Duffle

	More warm layers: Fleece jacket, wool shirt, and down hoody. You need a total of five layers on your torso including long johns but not including your big parka. They should be sized so they can be worn together. A cozy configuration could be two long john shirts, one down sweater, one fleece jacket, and a down vest. If it gets cold you should be able to layer the puffy parka on top of all that and your raincoat on top of everything. If in doubt, bring all your choices to the pre-trip meeting and we will help you choose.	You’ll have five layers total on your upper body. Three in your big bag, one in your daypack, and one to wear on the first day.
	Sun shirt: Tightly woven, lightweight shirt to protect arms from sun and bugs.
	Shorts and T-shirt: Sometimes it is actually hot, even in the Arctic, especially in June and July.
	Personal toiletries: Scale down. For instance, you will not need a 6-oz. tube of toothpaste.
	Toilet paper: Place your roll in a quart-size ziploc bag with a lighter.	Arctic Wild will have a latrine kit including a trowel, hand sanitizer, lighter, and one roll of toilet paper. We don’t know how much TP you like to use, so we ask you to bring the appropriate amount for yourself.

Items to Pack in your Big Duffle

	Flashlight/headlamp: After August 1st only. Really, you won’t need it April – July, even to read in your tent.
	Battery pack: To recharge your camera, phone, or other electronic devices. Goal Zero is a good brand.
	Mosquito head net: Hopefully you won’t need it but you will be really glad you have it if you do.
	Medical Kit: We carry a small trauma kit for emergencies, but you should bring medications and items you know to be important for you. Eg. Band-Aids, aspirin, moleskin, etc. Also Epinephrine, Glucagon or other life saving meds if you think you could need them.
	Special medications: For important medications, bring twice what you think you will need and pack your back-ups in a separate bag, with a traveling companion, or in the group first aid kit.
	Glasses or contacts: Bring an extra pair.
	“Bug shirt”: A very good idea during late June and July. Original Bug Shirt Company is a good brand.	Optional
	Pocket knife	Optional

Items to Pack in your Big Duffle

	Cell Phone: It won’t work.	Joke
	Identification and Credit Card: In theory you won’t need any money or an ID on the trip. But sometimes plans change and planes get re-routed. An unexpected night in a village is possible. You might as well bring ID and a card just in case.
	Lighter: For burning toilet paper. You can bring this on your airline flight as a carry-on or purchase it when you get to Alaska.
	Watch: Best to leave it behind with the cell phone and your other worries.	Optional
	Satellite Phone, InReach, Spot Tracker or other satellite communication device: We carry a satellite phone for emergencies. Unplugging from communications is a valuable part of our trips. Call us if you want to discuss.	Not recommended
	Trekking poles: While theoretically optional, they can be essential on stream crossings and on tussocks (rough ground).	Highly recommended
	Bird book/nature guide: We carry a small library of natural history titles and field guides. Ask your guide at the pre-trip meeting about the contents so we don’t duplicate.	Optional

Items to Pack in your Big Duffle

	Reading material, journal, and pen	Optional
	Chair: We usually pack three-legged stools for your use. If you prefer a Helinox or Crazy Creek chair of your own, let your guide know and we won’t lug the extra stool.	Optional
	Small towel/washcloth	Optional
	Fishing pole: A small, folding backpack rod with a lightweight reel and 8 pound test line is sufficient. The fish aren’t really picky. Spinners with orange dots like Mepps work great. Bright colors are good when the water is murky. Grayling like flies or 1/8 oz kastmasters. Char seem to like the 1/4 oz pink and green pixees. Fly-fishers will want a 7 wt rod and a variety of flies including mosquito patterns, bead-rigs, and big bright gaudy flies. Pack in rigid container.	Not all trips have opportunities to fish. Ask us if your trip does.
	Fishing license: Fishing licenses can be obtained at many stores in Fairbanks or online. You may not fish anywhere in Alaska without a valid Alaska fishing license.	Required if fishing

Items for your daypack

	Daypack: 20 to 35 liters should be sufficient. A waterproof daypack is ideal but not necessary.
	Rain Jacket: We recommend three-layer Gore-Tex Pro or similar. Good quality rain gear is absolutely essential. Patagonia makes a nice coat. Ideally, this jacket will fit over your heavy parka and all your other layers.
	Rain Pants: We recommend three-layer Gore-Tex Pro or similar. Good quality rain gear is a must. Patagonia makes a nice simple pair.	The rain bibs listed on our Equipment Request form are not suitable for a base camp trip.
	Down-sweater or fleece jacket: Keep an extra layer handy for changing conditions.	You’ll have five layers in total. Three in your big bag, one in your daypack, and one to wear on the first day.
	Warm hat: A nice warm comfortable winter hat. Do not skimp here. Many guides prefer two hats – a thick one for the day and a thinner one for sleeping.
	Neck gaiter: a.k.a. dickie, cowl, or neck warmer. A fleece or wool tube to wear around your neck or to augment your hat. A scarf works too. Buff makes some stylish ones.
	Gloves: One to two pairs of wind-stopper fleece or wool gloves.

Items for your daypack

	Quart water bottle: Reusable. One is enough.
	Mosquito repellent: Keep in plastic bags. 35% DEET is adequate.
	Sunglasses: and croakies (strings that hold sunglasses on).
	Sunscreen, lip balm, and hand cream: Cracked hands and sunburn can be a real problem for some people. Bring good quality hand salve like bag balm if you are prone. The air in the Arctic is very dry.
	Camera: Bring lots of spare batteries and memory cards. A long lens and tripod are nice in our wide open landscapes. Pack in a waterproof, compact, durable, and soft-sided case.	Optional
	Binoculars: Though these are technically optional, we strongly recommend that you bring binoculars. You miss a lot without quality optics. Vortex makes a nice entry level pair as does Maven.	Highly recommended

Clothing to wear on day one

	Hiking boots: Gore-Tex boots are ideal as the tundra is often damp. Make sure they are broken-in and big enough to fit your Gore-Tex socks.
	Long john top: Wool or synthetic base layer shirt.	Wear one on day one and pack an extra in your big bag.
	Lightweight long john bottoms: Wool or synthetic base layer for your legs.
	Hiking/ camp pants: Synthetic, fast drying.	You really only need one pair!
	Midweight jacket: A light jacket, hoodie, or fleece.	You’ll have five layers in total. Three in your big bag, one in your daypack, and one to wear on the first day.
	Brimmed hat: Whether a ball cap or a wrap-around brim, you’ll need something for the intense, ‘round the clock arctic sunlight.