Admissions
Journeys
What Should I Bring?
You do not need to go and buy all of the most expensive equipment at your local gear store to go on Journeys. However, it is essential that you are properly outfitted to stay safe. If your clothing/equipment is not adequate (as specified on this list), we will ask you to purchase it before departure. PLEASE contact us if you have any questions.
Weather: August in Alaska can be warm (70) and sunny, but temperatures often dip down to 30 degrees and it can rain for weeks on end. We have placed an order for warm, sunny weather, but it is very important that you have the proper clothing for all these types of conditions.
Purchasing Equipment: Most of you will venture out into the Alaska Wilderness throughout your years at APU with Outdoor Programs, in your classes, or on your own. For that reason, we have added a bit more information on the kind of gear that will work best for you. To keep the costs low we recommend searching out the sale racks of your local gear store, your local army/navy store, Salvation Army, gear swaps in your area, and online deals at websites like www.rei-outlet.com or www.campmor.com.
Space: On all of these trips, there will be a limited amount of space in your kayak, canoe, or backpack for personal items. Please keep this in mind when packing for the trip and try not to bring additional items that aren’t mentioned. In addition, please do not bring cell phones, ipods/MP3 players, or firearms.
General Clothing
Notice: No Cotton. When cotton gets wet it loses all of its insulative value and it takes a very long time to dry. For this reason we encourage everyone to use wool or synthetics for most of your clothing. Adequate rain gear is also essential for survival in the Alaska Wilderness. Being wet and cold is dangerous in the backcountry because it can lead to hypothermia. Other than a t-shirt, shorts, and a baseball hat, do not bring any thing cotton.
- 2-3 pair of heavier socks (wool or synthetic)
- 1 pair of synthetic long underwear bottoms - Polypropylene or silk are good choices
- 1 pair of fleece pants or expedition weight long underwear bottoms
- 1-2 pair of quick drying pants
- 1 pair of shorts
- 2 synthetic long underwear tops (long sleeve) - Polypropylene or silk are good choice*
- 1 synthetic t-shirt
- 2 warm thermal tops (fleece or wool)
- 1 wind and waterproof coat with hood
- 1 pair of lightweight wind/waterproof pants
Note: You may spend a lot of time in rain gear. Pants should be durable, well fitting, and light weight. The jacket shell absolutely needs a hood, preferably one that’s sewn on. Size your rain gear large enough so you can wear it over all your layers.
- 1 baseball cap
- 1-2 warm fleece or wool hat
- 1 pair of light weight synthetic gloves and 1 pair of heavy fleece or wool gloves
- Hiking Boots
Note: The toe box should be long enough to let your toes fully extend without touching the end of the boot at all. You should not be able to feel the end of the boot while standing on a ramp with your toes pointing downhill (laces tight). Almost any heel movement is bad. The boot should wear comfortably snug across the widest part of the foot and gently, but firmly cradle the whole foot, top and bottom all the way up. Find boots that fit properly from the beginning. Wear thick hiking socks when fitting. At all costs, avoid boots that are too small.
Backpackers: BEFORE you head out on Journeys, waterproof your boots and spend some time wearing them (new, used, or borrowed). You also need to bring your own blister kit. You can get those at any outdoors store.
Equipment Lists
Outdoor Programs will provide tents, tarps, stoves, cooking equipment, and first aid kits in addition to activity specific gear. You will need to bring the following:
- Synthetic sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees or colder with compression sack
Note: In Alaska, during the fall and winter, there isn't enough thermal energy to dry out a down sleeping bag. A synthetic mummy bag rated to about 15-20 degrees above zero will work in most conditions except the middle of winter.
- Sleeping pad
Note: Therma-rest or closed cell foam will work, just make sure it is full length for Alaska’s cold weather.
- Thermal travel mug, plastic Tupperware-like bowl, spoon
- 1 small toiletries bag
- 2-liter Nalgene-like water bottles – large mouth is easier to pour water in
- 2-3 trash compactor bags to line your stuff sacs and dry bags, to keep all your stuff dry
- bug spray
- Sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen (water proof is best for kayaking and rafting trips)
Additional Items for Backpacking and Road Trip
- Full sized backpack 5000 cu inches or bigger
Note: What you need first is a properly sized internal frame pack with a volume around 5000 cubic inches. Volume is what the pack will hold; size refers to body type. 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.
- Compression sack for your sleeping bag, another for clothing is helpful
- Thin, liner socks – these go a long way in preventing blisters
- Backpack rain cover – optional, but it goes a long way in keeping your gear dry. The other option is to line your backpack with trash compacter bags.
Packing Tips:
Less is more. Pack light and minimally. Even the most fit people can hurt themselves trying to carry too much. Everything has to fit in your backpack along with some food and group gear.
Additional Items for Boating Trips (kayak/canoe)
We will provide boats, boating equipment, dry bags, and rubber boots. You will need to bring the following:
- Daypack for hiking – big enough to carry water, a coat, and a snack but small enough to stow away.
- A duffle bag – optional, but great for taking gear to and from boats.
- 2-3 trash compactor bags
Packing Tips:
Kayaking—many small bags are better than a few larger ones. This makes it easier to pack the boat.
Optional Items
- Bug head net
- Utility knife
- Nylon Stuff sacks
- Camera – nothing you would be devastated to break or lose
- Bandanna
- Journal
- Sandals or old tennis shoes for camp use
- Crazy creek, sit pad or sleeping-pad chair kit
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Good book
Gear Rental
Reserve your rentals early!! Please contact us for availability. If the items you need are available, you need to pay the rental fee with your journeys payment. Please cancel your reservation if you no longer need it, so other students can rent that gear.
We rent:
- Sleeping Bags $5
- Sleeping Pads $2
- Backpacks $5
