GEAR

“I'll post my gear list here soon. Also keep this in mind.....as we set a team up that is definetly going, you may want to share some gear to conserve weight, ie,,,,stove, water filter, cooking pot, tent...we did this last trip and it worked out very well reducing bulk by keeping 6 diferent water filters and pots etc,...being carried by each.

Last trip I like always took too many toys. My pack weighed in at 85 lbs 4 oz . That's with 2 Gaz bottles filled, for 7 days out. This trip I am shooting for some 50 lbs or 45 lbs for some 5 days out.”

“Guess I'll be your #&%!$ again unless you've made other arrangements!!!LOL!”

“I have a bad habit of overpacking for trips like this, even my "town bag" I'll put way too many clothes in it. So I will definately need some help and don't mind sharing gear as well.”

“Fridge is the gearhead.”

“bushbuddy stove”

“Fridge, what is it going to be like hiking across the tundra, you said you were wearing Gore-tex boots? Will any surface water on the permafrost be very deep or when we plant a foot, how much will a foot sink if any? Trying to get an idea on what I can use, without having to buy more expensive boots if possible. Would SealSkinz and sandals work, or will the tundra be too cold? I would bring my Crocs for river crossings if I bring boots. Where my neighbor was moose hunting, he wore knee high rubber boots, but then, he was around the bogs or whatever they call them up there. Muskegs?

Bugs, seems you had no issue last year, are the hoardes gone by early Aug.? I saw a Bug Shirt for $55, not sure if that is needed, but seemed like it would save on slathering on DEET.

Convertible pants, do you find them easier to switch over or back and forth then using shorts and wind pants say? Trying to figure out what I need to cover any conditions that might be encountered and you have been around more bpers then I have I'm sure, so you get to see lots of things and hear why something works or is best. I have for the most part have had to figure out things over the years by myself and the computer was a big eye opener as what folks are doing and using.

I IMed a fellow poster over on HighSierraTopix who lives in AK on what to expect up there, but he doesn't live that far north and hasn't been up there and I have picked the brain a little of one of the owners of a small outdoor store here in town where I work during the week who was born up in AK, moved away at a tender age, visited in the summer, but was on a boat.”

“Hey Fridge - Is this the Bear Shock system you have?

http://www.udap.com/bearshock.htm”

“Fridge - I have an Osprey Aether 60 (3800 ci). Do you think that is big enough for this trip? My Bearikade can fit between the lid and the main body.”

“I built my own bear shock system Chin music, as far as pack size....I will be using a 7000 cu inch pack at 50 lbs ......5 day supply of food with an extra days ration for emergency......”

“Who is packing heat and what are you bringing?”

“Chin I have a .44 Mag Raging Bull. When I arrive at the Hostel I'll ask them if anybody has left some bear spray as when you pruchase in Anchorage , you cannot transport back on a plane so there may be some left at the Hostel. Last year we just missed several cans but did get all the free white gas and isobutane we needed. I'll call a couple days before we arrive asking one of those Divas to save us a couple cans. The manager is from Ireland and is one hell of an Irishman as last year he had hired the Hottest awesome looking babes in Anchorage.
Spam and I behaved properly of course but did have to turn and walk away a couple times.”

“Any of you guys wear glasses? What are you using for glacier glasses/goggles? I can't make up my mind what I need or want to buy. Seems full UV protection and only 5%-8% light transmission. What is IR?”

“I'm using Cacoons. I have had a few pairs. they are over glasses that are sold in different sized frames and are available with different shades of lenses. Ive used them in the Daks in the snow. they provide nearly 100% protection and dont look like gramma glasses

http://www.cocoonseyewear.com/

Bonus: Thay can be had for about 40 bucks”

“Thank you, I'll check them out further later.”

“Hey Bro,

couple things on Alaska. Which maps do we need and wheres the best place to get them? I'm curious how doing the total mountain house meal thing worked out for you last year.”

“Mountain House, backpackers Pantry, and enertia all works for me. I did take Bagels, Block of cheese, wraps, Candy Bars and Taquilla with Freeze dried MIX as I will do this all again this year. After the 4 day eating freeze dried meals you will begin too develop GAZ and I am not kidding.



Maps will be Nabesna A5 and A6 63 K only.”

“I got some Cocoons yesterday, only need food for breakfast, lunch and a decent camera now and I will have all my gear. Oh, a AK fishing license too or borrow a piece when the Game Warden comes around.”

“I'm thinking of upgrading camera too. I have a Nikon coolpix L80 point and shoot that takes phenominal pictures. I'm eyeing the coolpix P90. Its a cross between a digital slr and a point and shoot. Best feature is a zoom lens that goes from 26mm wide angle to a mechanical 24X zoom. Down side $400 price tag : (.”

“Bought a Canon camera last night, have to wait for it to arrive, should have it by Monday, in time for a Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park trip next weekend.

Also bought a AK fishing license online tonight, $55 for seven days, printed it out, just need to sign it and read up on the AK regs.

Since Fridge is eating so good and setting the bar for food, I want to get some freeze dried meals for breakfast, so I'm not stuck eating cereal bars and protein bars for breakfast. Pancakes and maple syrup for me for at least a couple mornings.:)”

“The Only bar setting will be a Margaritta.”

“Ok!

couple questions. Crampons? yes No? I plan on bringing mine.

First aid kit. I have a decent personal one and also have a nice group first aid kit thats pretty extensive. Thoughts? Id have no problem with carrying it since a couple yous 'll be carrying the weight of a gun.

What do are the expected temps at night? Im trying to decide on which bag to bring.

Everybody as excited as me at this point?”

“Won't need Crampons.
First Aid I have my personal one to meet my needs with DRUGS.
Temps at night.....expect 30 at night and 70 plus during the day. I take a 20 degree down bag.
Yes I am excited!”

“Bought an Arcteryx Bora 80 for this trip. I KNOW it will have the volume to handle the load. Unfortunately I won't have time to take it on a weekend trip first. From all the reviews it is comfortable.

Anyone taking binocular with them? I think I'll take my Leica 10x32s. Damn thing weighs almost 2 pounds but this trip is special.”

“I'll have binoculars”

“I have a small pair of binoculars as well. the arcteryx packs are comfortable. I am leaning towards bringing mine.”

“I hope you are correct Mike in that the bugs won't be bad. I got bit quite a bit on a two night trip to the John Muir Wilderness in the Selden Pass/Muir Trail Ranch area over the four day weekend. The meadows down lower were gorgeous. The hot springs felt good too.! Florence Lake was calm yesteday for the boat crossing.”

“I just went through mosquito hell at Pictured Rocks. I ain't worried about mossies.

Permethrin + DEET = bring them on”

“I treated a couple shirts a couple years ago, then use 100% DEET when I have to. Seems my back gets a little itchy when wearing the shirts, whether its the treatment or the material, not sure. My hiking partner last weekend used some stuff with around 30-33% DEET, they didn't seem fazed by it.”

“So what all are we going to have to purchase in Anchorage? Matches/lighters, fuel, pepper spray if none at the hostel, area specific flies/lures, adult beverages?”

“Don't forget Toilet Paper and BUG DOPE”