ALASKA BACKPACKING EXPEDITION

“No, you have to fly it ;)”

“crap may be right. Our first trip there the Bush pilot landed us on a hill and I remember spam and I was thinking...is he going to crash into the side of the mountain instead of landing us on miles of flat ground. Flat ground looked like a golf course but later found out was Tussock bog field and landing on the hill side actually allowed him to land in a very short landing area like the video. We didn't crap but after he flew off we both relieved our bladders.”

“Haahaa! Great...it will be like landing and taking off from Tenzing Hillary Airport where the runway is only 1600 ft and either ands in a mountain or on the other side a sheer drop. At least the windshield won't be covered in ice...right?”

“Remember the scenary....we will be here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUeQTcbfss0
last edited: 1/25/11 5:17:12 PM”

“Willow thickets blanket the creeks and Bears are everywhere as you can hear or notice the bushes moving all the time. Paths will be everywhere with bear hair and scat all over the place.....hehehehe I love the madness...”

“I am confused and can not remember. Where are we staying the first night when we fly in? Do I need to make reservations somewhere. I will be sending you my check this week.

I still can not decide what tent I should get. I did decide on my pad. I am going with BA Dual foam core pad.”

“bigpoppa - My friends convinced me that I should leave the BA Insualted Air at home at get the NeoAir paid. Have you used your BA on many trips and is it a mummy or rectangle?

This is the one gear item that I just can't seem to finalize.

I believe that Fridge has booked us time at the Backpacker Hostel for the first night and last night.”

“I already have the mummy air mat and love it. Although there is no insulation and I get cold. But for comfort level, is great. The reviews on the is Dual foam pad are pretty good, so I am going to get that because it will fit my bag well.”

“I am going on a snow camping trip this weekend and will be giving the BA Insulated Air Core a try. I will be judging it for it's comfort and inflation consistency.

However, several of my hardcore hiking buddies have the NeoAir, who've spoken very highly of it so I am definitely leaning in that direction if the BA fails this weekend.”

“I'm finally officially in. This is going to be epic; at least it better be...”

“Sandyann, How was the insulated air core? Did you stay warm?

I am excited. I got my new boots. So far they are pretty comfy. They are Garmonts Synro Plus.

I think I am going to stay with my BA seedhouse. Have not used it much and it is a nice tent. Now I need the a new pad, maybe some poles and if I find a good deal a new pack.

Sent my first check so it is full steam ahead. Alaska bound baby!”

“Bigpoppa - Yes I did stay warm but there is some but overall it worked very well and when inflate properly very comfortable.

I knew blowing it up would be a challenge but getting it deflated is a bit of work and may cause issues with a daily pack up.

The worst part is it moves around...alot due to its slickness. However, my tent is very small so there won't be anywhere for it to go.

I am thinking though that I will skip the NeoAir andstick with the BA.”

“If you have the BA sleeping bag with the sleeve, that will not be a problem. It stays very secure. I think that will be my next purchase.”

“Did we lose someone from our group?”

“Precision?”

“yes. I had to choose between the cost-effective / economical trip with steve-o and the most exotic AK trip. maybe next time.”

“I guess that is just one less meal for the bears. Have fun with Steve O trip.”

“Hello all,

I might join your Alaska trip this summer. Looking at the sweet pictures of the last one.”

“Bring it on Alaska Hiker”

“Flight Booked.... I'll get you the itinarary fridge.. I'll be landing on the 4th 10pm...

'32oz”

“cool beans”

“Fridge, I showed Sandy my photos from '09 and warned her about the ladies man, Harry.:)”

“Will some of you post a gear list already! I'm planning a trip to Denali with my wife and I'd like to compare list. No Glaciers for us tho, we're staying north of the road backpacking the ridges and doing loop dayhikes to the valley floor.”

“This is my working list..

Alaska list
0* down bags
Inflateable insulated air cores
Foam pads 3/8 and 1/4
3 man tent with fly
Cuben hammock tarp
Stakes, gutter spikes style, 14 with line
First aid kit, mule tape and small foam pads
Air horn and emergency kit, etc.
Gaiters, rain chaps, rain jackets
Head nets
Down jackets
Water shoes
BPing boots
Whisperlite stove, large and med bottles
Canister stove, two cannisters
Duelist cookset
One egg frying pan
Alum. Teakettle
Bear canister (separate list for contents)
backpack sil-bags
Compass, GPS
Hiking poles
16x50 Binoculars, D-60, waterproof small camera
Keyhole harness, binoculars harness
Foam sit pads
2 6liter platypus water totes w/shower head
1 3liter hydration bag
2 1liter bottles
Hikerpro filter
Waterproof matches, two small lighters
Small knife w/scissors
1 headlight, 1 flashlight
1 large ext frame backpack, 1 osprey internal frame with rain covers


We are going for about 10 days. Either one or two food cache stops, so we won't be carrying all that fuel.”

“Backpack with rain cover and accessorie bags
One man tent
Tarp
Neo air mattress
Down sleeping bag
Solo cooking pot
Titanium isobutane stove
Matches, lighters
Eating utensil 1
Camera/bag/batteries
Bear canister
Water proof bags
2 fuel (purchase in Anchorage)
1 Nalgene bottle
1 hydration bag
Water filter
GPS, Compass, Maps
Walking Sticks
Walkie Talkies with covers and spare batteries
hygein kit
First aid kit
Titanium cup
Mosquito head net
Sun glasses
Fire Starters
Binoculars
Sat phone
Weapon with Holster and ammo
small knife”

“Rain Gear...pants and jacket
Boots
Sandles (solomon water shoes)
3 pair socks
Seal skin socks
1 100 wt polartec shirt
2 zip off pants
1 sun hat
1 rain hat
1 set long johns sleeping clothes
2 T shirts
1 long sleeve shirt
Gaiters
Insulated ski cap
Finger less gloves
Belt
Nano Puff Jacket Patagonia
MH Syncro Jacket (orange)”

“Thanks Fridge, I didn't include my weapon..didn't want to get all fuego..

Are seal skin socks neoprene?

I probably don't need the lights, I bought this cool new 5 oz really bright lithium flashlight I thought would be handy so I'll take that one at least. I haven't worked out my food list and canister list yet.”

“I've been experimenting with these Gotoobs..
http://m.rei.com/mt/www.rei.com/gear/feature/search/Google/Gotoob?s_kwcid=TC|13029|gotoob||SM|e|6969570125&cm_mmc=ps_google_mb-_-Category%20-%20Camp_Gear_MB-_-Camp_Gear_Brand_Gotoob-_-Gotoob&gclid=COm0xtuvk6kCFYLc4AodjCU3dA

So far the little thing is holding olive oil while packed and squeezed. Kinda heavyish but so far I'm impressed!”

“Sealskinz will eventually break down and your feet get wet. I use mine every year although this years trip doesn't involve a stream crossing unless we have a change in plans. Those neoprene socks work also as I have them and use them in Cranberry Glades when I cross the rivers there.”

“I was advised to avoid river crossings if at all possible. So that's my plan, certainly the big rivers. I gotta bring my wife home uninjured...she has a good job.

She's taking Crocs, I favor three strap reefs and thick wool socks (dirty ones) to cross rivers. Last time I crossed a river with her, last fall in SNP, it was a little trickle of a stream, she managed to fall somehow hard on her shoulder. Full pack on, it was ugly. I have to watch her closely..”

“Stream and River crossing in Alaska is the biggest killer in the Backcountry. They are none like anything in the lower 48.”

“We have room for one more if anyone interested please e mail me soon. Trip of a life time and a walk on an inland Glacier.”

“You all have mail
If you have not sent me your emergency contact info with phone number please send this ASAP.”

“LOL! Love that video. I hope my head doesn't get ripped off before I can make a deal with God.”

“I just got my pistol ammo...335 gr. @ 1175 fps. just have to try it out and pray I don't have to use it.”

“if your going to Denali you cannot carry a weapon...and if your backpacking you will be given a GRID to stay within boundaries as well. Denali is nice but too many go there and your freedom is restricted. AK for me is no fury and no rules...only what the Mother says...any Hooo good luck in Denali.”

“I know about the grid.. You know, at first I didn't like that. Now I've come to see it as liberating me from planning distances. There is no feature I'm trying to get to, no miles to cover no real plan at all. We're going there to be there, its all new to me anyway.

You're wrong about a weapon in Denali.
"

11. Can I carry a gun or firearm to protect myself from bears?

If you are entitled under applicable federal and State of Alaska laws to possess a firearm, recent changes in federal law make it legal to carry firearms in most outdoor areas of Denali National Park and Preserve. 


However, hunting and the use or discharge of a firearm is still generally prohibited by federal law within the national park. Limited exceptions exist for qualified local rural residents engaged in subsistence hunting on lands added to the original Mount McKinley National Park in 1980 by ANILCA (Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act). Contrary to the belief of some, firearms are not needed for protection from bears, and studies have shown that pepper spray may actually be more effective in preventing a bear attack than firearms. Any shooting of an animal by non-subsistence users of the park must be immediately reported to park rangers who will conduct a thorough criminal investigation. The State of Alaska’s Defense of Life and Property (DLP) regulation does not apply within Denali National Park and there is no DLP regulation in federal law."

http://www.nps.gov/dena/frequently-asked-questions-regarding-bears.htm

But if you happen to fire it, your vacation could be over, no doubt.”

“Denali has restrictions and you will be under there rules and laws but Wrangell has no such restrictions. I have check with Denali and they said NO weapons of any kind with the exception of Bear Spray.”

“according to Kris Fister a spokesman for Denali NP you can carry a weapon but cannot discharge it. WTH....I don't have this restriction where I go. The only thing I can say if you do shoot a Grizz you had better take his claws and rip your chest and face a little to show you were in defense for your life other wise you will loose and be charge for damages to Park wildlife without a permit and probable cause.”

“According to the press release issued by Fister, it is legal to carry a firearm in the original Mt. McKinley portion of the park where the incident occurred, but it is not legal to discharge it.

-- Kelly Burgess”

“http://www.myalaskan.com/alaska-towns/denalinationalpark.html
Backcountry permits for overnight camping must be obtained in person at the Denali National Park & Preserve visitor center during the summer season and at the park headquarters in the winter. There is a quota system for backcountry units. All units require use of bear-resistant containers (free of charge). Please pack out your garbage
Campfires are not allowed in the Denali Wilderness backcountry. They are permitted in certain campgrounds, and firewood is sold at the sotre in the park entrance area.
Motorized craft are prohibited in the Denali Wilderness.
Firearems must be unloaded, cased, and stored out of view. Leave them at Denali National Park & Preserve headquarters when backpacking the wilderness area. Firearms are allowed in the Denali National Park & Preserve additions only.
Pets are allowed only on roadways and in some campgrounds in Denali National Park & Preserve; they must be on a leashed or physically restrained at all times and may not be left unattended. Pets are prohibited on buses and trails and in the backcountry. If you are traveling with pets, there are kennels in Wasilla and in Fairbanks if you’d like to drop them off for a couple of days while you travel through Denali National Park & Preserve. Make sure you pet’s medical records are up to date, and make copies for the kennel.
Food, beverages, garbage, pet food, cooking, or food storage equipment must be kept in bear-resistant food lockers (available at the campgrounds) or in closed hard-sided vehicles while visiting Denali National Park & Preserve. Try to keep your parked vehicle free from crumbs and open food—bears like snacks and they’re willing and able to break in and get it.
last edited: 6/05/11 6:23:30 PM”

“Hey, I hear ya, Wrangell is an epic destination and I don't know enough to compare the two. My wife chose Denali for me and I just carry the stuff...we are celebrating our 20th anniversary..., So I went with the crotchless raingear, lol.

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=32&products_id=77


I been watching the weather there, freekin rain everyday!”

“Yes be sure you have the best rain gear you can afford.”

“I test fired a couple of rounds this morning... not sure I would want to fire that stuff with wet hands. Positive my wife couldn't fire it at all. I might have to rethink at least the ammo, maybe take my .40 carry weapon with +p?

...or maybe stick with the single action and just save it for like the third round? Any thoughts?”

“I carry a 44 Magnum and when it gets down to death kill all you really need is one bullet......one for yourself...Is it only the 2 of you are going out? Bears like it when only 2 go especially male and female....seems that studies prove that Male's like to challenge there dominance and attack the male human. Good luck”

“Phew...thank goodness I am a female then and no bear will want to challenge my dominance!”

“Yeah, just two of us. Great! At least in Denali the bears are a little smaller..

I think I'll use a couple 250 gr regulars up front and save that stuff for a last resort. She can fire the regular stuff easily. I've fired lots of magnum handguns and never had anything hop quite like this.”

“Sandyann When you go take care of business above tree line who will be watching your back?”