Summer temperatures in Southeast Alaska range in the 50s to 70s, with some nights reaching down into the 40s! Though we do have sunshine, you must be prepared for rain. To be prepared for both , we stress utilizing the layering principle of dressing, where you add or subtract layers as the weather changes. Bring along clothes that keep you warm even when wet. This type of clothing includes wool, pile or polypropylene; cotton is not sufficient.
RAINGEAR
Rain Coat/Pants/Hat or attached hood: sturdy, TOTALLY WATERPROOF (not just water resistant). We have found it is hard to adequately stress the IMPORTANCE of GOOD RAINGEAR. These should be among the highest priority items when planning for any outdoor trip in Alaska. We do not recommend GorTex, but rather a RUBBERIZED, waterproof fabric. If you cannot find these, or do not wish to purchase them, we do have raingear for rent. Boots, $5 Rain suit, $25 for the length of your trip regardless of the number of days. To assure proper fit, please send us your sizes in advance.
FOOTWEAR
- Rubber Boots (not booties): sturdy, calf length are best. Sorrels or similar boots with laces/zippers are NOT adequate.
- Sturdy sneakers OR lightweight hiking shoes.
CLOTHING
- 3 or 4 pairs Wool socks: depending on how often you like to change
- 1 Sweater: light or medium weight wool
- 1 Pile Coat: pile or synchilla (zip or pullover)
- 2 Hats:
1 wool hat that covers your ears
1 baseball cap with visor (for when the sun is out) - 2 Shirts:
1 long-sleeved medium weight wool shirt
1 short-sleeved t-shirt or polo shirt - 1 pair of Shorts: nylon are best, with pockets
- 2 pair Pants:
1 wool, pile, or synchilla
1 pair of nylon wind pants (to wear over your long underwear and shorts) - 1 set Long Underwear: (top & bottom) of medium weight wool, polypropylene or capilene. NO COTTON!
- 2 pair Gloves:
1 pair wool or pile
1 pair rubber gloves that will fit over your other pair to waterproof them.
ADDITIONS
Toilet articles (eliminate sweet smelling lotion, sprays, deodorant), sunscreen, suntan lotion, lip protection, mosquito repellent -- we recommend a repellent with a high content of the chemical DEET, flashlight, sunglasses, sharp knife, pocket books--on wildlife, plant and bird identification, something to read on a rainy day, camera and film, binoculars, fishing gear for the Bartlett River area (licenses available here from Glacier Bay Lodge).
SLEEPING BAG & DUFFELS
- Sleeping Bag: we recommend Polarguard, Hollofill or other synthetic fiber with a minimum temperature of 20 degrees F. In rainy climates down looses it loft and effectiveness when it gets wet. FAIR WARNING: no Goose Down!
- Sleeping Pad: closed cell foam or Thermarest w/ stuff sack lined with a plastic bag.
- Day Pack: for daily necessities (binocs, hat, gloves, sweater, etc.) located for easy access.
- Duffels, Stuff Sacks or Dry Bags: several about 12 x 20, one each for personal gear, cook gear, camp gear.
- Bear/Food Canisters: mandatory and available from NPS at your kayak orientation. One large (10x14 & 10x18+) fits only in the bow of kayaks, small (8x12 & 8x18) fit anywhere.
PACKING GEAR
ALL of your gear bags (even dry bags!) and bear canisters should be lined on the INSIDE ONLY with an appropriate sized HEAVY - DUTY GARBAGE BAG. This is the key to keeping gear dry in this climate. Plastic ZIP LOCK BAGS are useful for organizing and protecting small items and packing individual food items. We personally prefer duffels and stuff sacks over dry bags for general packing because they are more pliable, easier to pack, and make more efficient use of space. However, we do provide small dry bags for your camera, binoculars, and other valuables.
When packing your kayak, gear will fit best into the nooks and crannies of the kayak if packed SEPARATELY rather than having everything in one large pack. This is why each gear bag, sleeping bag, etc. must be individually water-proofed with plastic bags. Our double kayaks are 'Belugas' by Easy Rider and are 17 feet long with a 32 inch wide center and they come with flotation in the bow and stern for your safety in case of tipping: though flotation does take up space, you should be able to pack gear for up to a 2 week trip. Our single kayaks are 16 and 17 foot 'Eskimos' by Easy Rider. The 16 foot 'Eskimos' have built in flotation in the bow and bulkheads in the stern. The 17 foot 'Eskimos' have bulkheads in both bow and stern. Limited storage space for your baggage and excess gear is available in Bartlett Cove at the campground, or the baggage room of the lodge for a nominal fee.
COOK GEAR
Nesting cook set w/ plates and cups, spatula, silverware, large knife (for cutting bread, veggies, etc.), measuring cup, stove with repair kit, fuel (white gas, only, is available at Bartlett Cove), 1 to 2 half gallon collapsible water containers, water bottles, scrub pads and soap for dishes.
CAMPING GEAR
A sturdy TENT (seam sealed -- know that it WON'T LEAK before you leave home!), tarp, toilet paper and matches, extra line for hanging food (in forested areas) and stringing tarps, extra zip locks and plastic garbage bags, iodine tablets/water filter for treating water (note: heavy glacial silt can clog filters). We recommend that you purchase a Glacier Bay nautical chart, which is more current and complete than individual topo maps, from the NPS at your orientation. A tide table and a minimum impact brochure is available from the NPS at the camper orientation.
EMERGENCY GEAR
Fully equipped First Aid kit, compass, matches in waterproof container, garbage bags and zip lock bags, space blanket, fire starter, flares, duct tape, gear repair items, and any other emergency items you deem necessary. We don't provide a kayak repair kit. Generally, a high quality duct tape will suffice for field repair of any cracks in the fiberglass. Other helpful repair items to bring along include a few feet of nylon parachute cord, a large safety pin and thin wire for field repairs. Paddle floats are included with the rental of the single kayaks.
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