Preparing for Your Trip
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Weather The months of June and
July are normally our best weather months in Alaska. August and September are
variable. The good weather can extend through August, but very often August is
when the autumn rains begin. In the Arctic this means snow. September is
typically a rainy month with some beautiful Indian Summer days mixed in.
Temperatures in August are mild and sunshine can be expected about half the time
- less as you approach the coast. By September the days will be cooler with a
potential for frost in the mornings. You must expect rain and cool weather at
any time – even in June and July. Temperatures
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Insects Mosquitoes and biting
flies are a very serious problem in Alaska. If you are not prepared for them
your experience can be diminished. By late August and early September,
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Conditioning
It goes without saying that travel in one of the most remote regions of North America will require all participants to be in good health and in good physical condition. Keep in mind that in case of a medical emergency, help may be many days away. In addition, participants should have a flexible state of mind to face the often unfamiliar and unexpected conditions we may encounter. Experience is not required. We must cover a certain number of river miles each day so the physical condition and energy level of the group will determine how long we must travel each day before we camp at night. Each participant is expected to help their boat team paddle the raft down rive. Long days spent paddling in sometimes very cold conditions can be quite demanding. |
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River Equipment Lists |
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Personal Gear All clothing, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad should fit into 1 river bag that I will provide. All clothing and equipment should be chosen by the following criteria:
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Raingear Although light weight raingear such as Gore Tex is more comfortable and nice for windy days or hiking, an absolutely waterproof rainsuit will make those wet days sitting in camp or on the raft or kayaks much more tolerable. (Nneoprene chest waders, although not required, are nice to have for just this reason). Raingear should be loose fitting for good ventilation of moisture. Modern water resistant and breathable laminates such or Gore-Tex or Paclite may be acceptable. Consider treating your gear with a waterproofing spray or a “wash-in” water proofing solution such as Nikwax. The Nikwax lasts longer.
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Clothing
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Personal Equipment
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Group Equipment – provided for you
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will usually range from a high of 70 deg F (although it can feel like 95 on a
sunny windless day) to a low of 35. In the Arctic the temperature will range
from 60 deg F to a low of 25. When it rains it usually sets in for a few days
and will produce a constant, soaking drizzle with wind and cool temperatures.
the
mosquitoes have died down a bit but the flies will be a serious nuisance.
Bring plenty of bug protection.
