Many of you ask what outdoor equipment you should arrive with. Before answering that question, we should explain what the expectation is for students majoring in Outdoor Studies.

That includes sleeping bag, boots, pack, and all the personal gear in between. We’ll provide group gear like tents and stoves and specialized gear like ropes and skis. We require students to supply their own personal gear because:

1. Having your own gear is part of your professional development.
2. It demonstrates your respect for the Alaska back country.
3. And because we know that our students will be active outdoors during their free time, we want them properly equipped.

Now, what you should bring is really very simple: bring everything you have and purchase what you need up here. That way we can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Nevertheless, we realize and appreciate that equipping yourself is a big expense, and that you might want to take advantage of sales or opportunities in your hometown to purchase gear. To keep your expenses down figure out exactly what equipment you need and what brand or style you want, then look for that piece of gear used or on sale. Generally, you’re better off buying what you want the first time instead of wasting money on something that you’re unsure of and might decide later you don’t like. Remember, used gear works just as well as new gear. Wool pants work as well as the high tech stuff. If you can, take advantage of factory seconds.

Here are a few guidelines for purchasing the essentials:

Feet
If you are an avid outdoors person, you will eventually end up owning four or five different pairs of boots. But the first pair of boots you should buy is a good pair of lightweight hiking boots. Chose a boot that is a combination of synthetic and leather with an ankle high top and a sole that is not too stiff but not too soft. Do not buy full grain leather hiking boots; they will eat you feet up once they get wet. In general, over size your boots by one whole size or more. Fit them with an extra insole for added cushion under your foot. Buy the inexpensive insoles unless the more expensive orthopedic types enhance the boot fit. Remember, there are lots of ways to make a bigger boot smaller or more comfortable, but there is little you can do for a boot that is too small. Don’t forget gaiters.

Wind and Rain Gear
This is an important and complicated purchase because your rain gear needs to double as your wind gear. There’s a lot out there on the market. Do your research and ask the sales person what they use. You’ll probably spend a lot of time in your rain gear, not just while its raining, but also when hiking through wet brush and hanging out around camp. The pants should be durable, well fitting, and light weight. Bibs are fine, but pants may be more versatile. The jacket shell absolutely has to have a hood, preferably one that is sewn on, not fastened on with snaps. Size your jacket large enough so you can wear it over all your upper body layers, including a synthetic parka.

We recommend a wind shirt. It’s not critical, but a nice alternative to wearing the larger, heavier jacket while hiking.

Lower Body Layers (2 layers of insulation)
Just a note about insulation: there are lots of different types of material out on the market. What’s important is that it wick moisture away from your skin.

1. 2 pairs of synthetic briefs. Women may prefer cotton briefs because they are more breathable.
2. 1 pair of synthetic or wool pants.
3. 1 pair of synthetic long underwear

Upper Body layers (3.5 – 5 layers of insulation)

1. Light weight top
2. Expedition weight top
3. Synthetic sweater or light weight insulated jacket with a hood
4. Down or synthetic vest
5. Synthetic parka (more on this subject below)
6. 1 light weight ski hat
7. Base ball cap

Parka
You need a synthetic parka. This is Alaska. Most of us take a parka on every trip we go on, including summer trips. Try the Patagonia Das Parka. It will last you 10 years and function as well for formal occasions as it will in the field. What ever you get, it should be synthetic and have a hood.

Hands
In order to take care of yourself your hands need be fully functional. You will need light weight synthetic gloves to wear while hiking or paddling and heavy synthetic gloves or mittens with outer shells for severe weather.

Sleeping System
There is nothing better than knowing you have a sleeping bag that will work no matter how wet and nasty the conditions may be. In Alaska, during the fall and winter, there isn’t enough thermal energy to dry out a down sleeping bag. A synthetic bag rated to about fifteen degrees above zero will work in most conditions except the dead of winter. Much of it depends on how warm you sleep and what extra clothing you have to sleep with. For example, if you invest in a synthetic parka you might get away with a lighter sleeping bag.

You will also need a full length Therma Rest or full length closed cell foam pad. A crazy creek chair is nice but optional.

Pack
Like boots, you will probably end up owning more packs than you care to admit. But what you need first is a properly sized internal frame pack with a volume around 6,000-7,000 cubic inches. Don’t confuse pack size with pack volume. They are separate things. Packs come in sizes from small to extra large. Be sure you size your pack so it fits you well. Most people chose a pack size that is too large for them which forces the hip belt down below the waist where it constricts the hips.

Personal Repair Kit
We have students carry their own mini first aid/repair kit. Keep it light. This is one of the places where students tend to load up with extra weight.

1. Needle and thread (dental floss)
2. Small knife
3. Mole skin, mole foam, and second skin (blister treatment)
4. Cloth tape and duct tape
5. Band-Aids and gauze 2x2s
6. Nylon self sticking patch material
7. Topical antibiotic ointment
8. Ibuprofen or other over the counter anti-inflammatory agent
9. Tampons
10. Baby wipes

Incidentals
Here’s a tip to keep track of things like water bottles and spoons: mark your gear.

1. Sun glasses
2. Insulated mug
3. Lexan Bowl with a screw down lid
4. Plastic spoon
5. Thermos, required for winter courses
6. 2 lighters
7. Lip cream and Sun cream (spf 30+)
8. Tooth Paste
9. Water bottle, with insulated cover
10. Bandana
11. Note book and pen
12. Camera, film (optional)
13. Compass (Sylva Ranger with inclinometer)
14. Whistle
15. Iodine, 2 bottles
16. Watch w/alarm
17. Headlamp (the new “LED” style are very light and the batteries are long lasting)