Please follow this equipment list and do not bring extra gear.
Please follow this equipment list and do not bring extra gear. Space is limited and having lots of unnecessary items only makes packing and unpacking cumbersome. By carefully following this list you can keep your personal gear around 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 base layers 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, March and April are still winter. Temperatures could be mild (around freezing) but sub- zero temperatures are also likely. With appropriate clothing you can be very comfortable. The most important and specialized clothing you will need is for your extremities. Warm winter boots (insulated and waterproof) or mukluks, heavy mittens and an outrageously warm hat are worth the investment. The more specialized items are best purchased in Fairbanks from retailers like Apocalypse Design or Big Ray’s.
Layering is the key to staying comfortable. Bring a variety of layers in various weights and make sure you try EVERYTHING on before heading into the field. It may be necessary to wear all your clothes at once. It is generally safe to assume that it will be cold and dry, which greatly simplifies staying warm. It is also important to be prepared for a thaw or even rain so a light set of waterproofs is a good idea too.
We can provide select camping equipment like sleeping bags and pads. Please indicate which items you might want on the Equipment Request Form. Heavy parkas and other cold weather clothing can be rented in Fairbanks from Arctic Wear or other rental companies.
Please use this as a literal checklist. When all the boxes are checked, ✓ you are done. Anything not on the list doesn’t belong.
Any questions? Please contact us.
| Duffle Bag: This is the bag that will hold the bulk of your gear. Below freezing weather means that things generally stay dry so a waterproof bag is not essential. A nice big duffle to hold your winter gear is great. It is OK to have a couple of smaller bags if that makes carrying things easier. | ||
AW | Tent: We will be using Arctic Oven winter camping tents for sleeping which we heat with a small wood stove. We also have a heated tent that will serve as kitchen, warming and drying area, and general “hangout”. Arctic Wild will supply all the tents. | |
AW | Sleeping Bag: Your sleeping bag should keep you comfortable at -20° F. Layering multiple sleeping bags can work if the outer bag is sufficiently large. | Available from Arctic Wild. 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 |
| Winter Boots: Insulated, waterproof boots (aka shoepacs) or mukluks are ideal. Sorel type winter boots are adequate so long as they are one of the warmer models (Like the -40° Baffins) and you bring a second set of liners for them.
Mukluks are a more traditional and comfortable choice. Don’t scrimp on your boots. If bringing mukluks, bring a backup pair of water resistant shoes just in case it gets warm. Waterproof hiking boots and mukluks are a good combination. | ||
| Insoles: Quick drying is important. Superfeet is a good brand. | ||
| Rain pants and jacket: We recommend Gore-Tex or similar. We don’t expect rain, but it is important to be prepared just in case. | ||
| Day Pack: Big enough for rain gear, water bottle, camera, and an extra layer. | ||
| Down Slippers/ Booties: for the tent | ||
| Stuff Sacks: for packing gear and clothes | ||
| Socks: 5-6 pair heavy poly or wool | ||
| Lightweight Long Johns: 2 pairs, tops and bottoms | ||
| Heavyweight Long Johns: 1 set of bottoms, 2 tops | ||
| Snow Bibs: Synthetic and windproof. Should be able to fit over the heavy pants. If they are waterproof, then you need not bring rain pants. Tight fitting cuffs are a plus. Full length leg zips are also a nice feature. Durability is important if you’ll be around sled dogs. | ||
| Heavy Warm Pants: Wool or fleece for the cold | ||
| Heavy Parka: This is critical. Don’t scrimp. The bigger the better and a hood is essential. A hood with a fur ruff is ideal | We may have a parka to loan you. Email us to see if we have one in your size. | |
| Fleece Jacket/ Wool Shirt: You need 6 layers on your torso including long johns, but not including your parka. Make sure your layers can all be worn at once without constricting your movements. | ||
| Hats: Bring two, 1 light and 1 heavy. Go big! Windproof is great, fur is very warm, and many prefer earflaps. | ||
| Neck Gaiter: A little tube of synthetic or wool material to wear around your neck or to augment your hat. A scarf works too. Bring three of these. Face masks are another good option in addition to a neck gaiter. | ||
| Sun Hat: Whether a ball cap or wrap-around brim, you’ll need something for the intense arctic sunlight. People often wear a ball cap with a warm hat on top. | ||
| Gloves: 2 or 3 pairs of pile or wool gloves plus some nice, thick ski gloves. | ||
| Mittens: The thicker, the better. Sized to go over your wool gloves. | ||
| Gaiters: To help keep the snow out of your boots. | ||
| Thermos/ Vacum Bottle: A lightweight Thermos is ideal to keep your water from freezing. | ||
| Personal toiletries: Include some salve or cream for dry, sunburned skin. | ||
| Toilet paper and a lighter: | ||
| Flashlight/ headlamp: with extra batteries | ||
| Emergency Kit: Band-Aids, Asprin, Moleskin, sewing kit. We carry a trauma kit, but having a few common first aid items is convenient. | ||
| Medications: Please inform the guide of any critical medications and bring a backup supply of essentials | ||
| Ear plugs: For bush plane and snowmachine rides. | ||
| Sunglasses AND Ski Goggles: The spring sun is very intense. Snow blindness is a serious concern and an extra pair of sunglasses is a good idea. | ||
| Sunscreen: Cracked hands, chapped lips, and sunburn can be very real problems for some people. Bring good quality sunscreen and be sure to wear it everyday! |
Duffle Bag: This is the bag that will hold the bulk of your gear. Below freezing weather means that things generally stay dry so a waterproof bag is not essential. A nice big duffle to hold your winter gear is great. It is OK to have a couple of smaller bags if that makes carrying things easier.
AW
Tent: We will be using Arctic Oven winter camping tents for sleeping which we heat with a small wood stove. We also have a heated tent that will serve as kitchen, warming and drying area, and general “hangout”. Arctic Wild will supply all the tents.
AW
Sleeping Bag: Your sleeping bag should keep you comfortable at -20° F. Layering multiple sleeping bags can work if the outer bag is sufficiently large.
Available from Arctic Wild. 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
Winter Boots: Insulated, waterproof boots (aka shoepacs) or mukluks are ideal. Sorel type winter boots are adequate so long as they are one of the warmer models (Like the -40° Baffins) and you bring a second set of liners for them.
Mukluks are a more traditional and comfortable choice. Don’t scrimp on your boots. If bringing mukluks, bring a backup pair of water resistant shoes just in case it gets warm. Waterproof hiking boots and mukluks are a good combination.
Insoles: Quick drying is important. Superfeet is a good brand.
Rain pants and jacket: We recommend Gore-Tex or similar. We don’t expect rain, but it is important to be prepared just in case.
Day Pack: Big enough for rain gear, water bottle, camera, and an extra layer.
Down Slippers/ Booties: for the tent
Stuff Sacks: for packing gear and clothes
Socks: 5-6 pair heavy poly or wool
Lightweight Long Johns: 2 pairs, tops and bottoms
Heavyweight Long Johns: 1 set of bottoms, 2 tops
Snow Bibs: Synthetic and windproof. Should be able to fit over the heavy pants. If they are waterproof, then you need not bring rain pants. Tight fitting cuffs are a plus. Full length leg zips are also a nice feature. Durability is important if you’ll be around sled dogs.
Heavy Warm Pants: Wool or fleece for the cold
Heavy Parka: This is critical. Don’t scrimp. The bigger the better and a hood is essential. A hood with a fur ruff is ideal
We may have a parka to loan you. Email us to see if we have one in your size.
Fleece Jacket/ Wool Shirt: You need 6 layers on your torso including long johns, but not including your parka. Make sure your layers can all be worn at once without constricting your movements.
Hats: Bring two, 1 light and 1 heavy. Go big! Windproof is great, fur is very warm, and many prefer earflaps.
Neck Gaiter: A little tube of synthetic or wool material to wear around your neck or to augment your hat. A scarf works too. Bring three of these. Face masks are another good option in addition to a neck gaiter.
Sun Hat: Whether a ball cap or wrap-around brim, you’ll need something for the intense arctic sunlight. People often wear a ball cap with a warm hat on top.
Gloves: 2 or 3 pairs of pile or wool gloves plus some nice, thick ski gloves.
Mittens: The thicker, the better. Sized to go over your wool gloves.
Gaiters: To help keep the snow out of your boots.
Thermos/ Vacum Bottle: A lightweight Thermos is ideal to keep your water from freezing.
Personal toiletries: Include some salve or cream for dry, sunburned skin.
Toilet paper and a lighter:
Flashlight/ headlamp: with extra batteries
Emergency Kit: Band-Aids, Asprin, Moleskin, sewing kit. We carry a trauma kit, but having a few common first aid items is convenient.
Medications: Please inform the guide of any critical medications and bring a backup supply of essentials
Ear plugs: For bush plane and snowmachine rides.
Sunglasses AND Ski Goggles: The spring sun is very intense. Snow blindness is a serious concern and an extra pair of sunglasses is a good idea.
Sunscreen: Cracked hands, chapped lips, and sunburn can be very real problems for some people. Bring good quality sunscreen and be sure to wear it everyday!