Alaska Hunting Gear List

The following is a brief description of what we have found to work for us throughout the years. Each person has their individual likes and needs, but please consider what we have complied on this list as pertinent. Alaska is it’s wild and there is no running to town for more supplies once you are in the field.

Alaska can be very cold, wet and outright dangerous place without the proper gear. Quality gear can help be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful hunt. You should research and test any gear you plan on using before coming to Alaska. Footwear is especially important. Have boots that are broken in and waterproof. You should not pull your boots out of the box as you leave for your hunt.

In Alaska layering is key, temperature swings in one day can vary greatly. The more you can keep yourself a comfortable temperature and dry the greater your chance for success. If we recommend a specific brand name below it is for good reason, not saying we know everything just that this gear has proven itself. If there are any questions as you get ready for your hunt please don’t hesitate to call and ask, and we will walk you through it.

Here is our list we like to go by:

• 1-2 pair of insulating mid layer –synthetic

• 1 set soft shell outerwear (1 jacket, 1 pant)

• 1 set Rain gear (1 hooded jacket, 1 pant)- this along with your rifle or bows maybe the most important piece of gear you bring. This layer should not be skimped on. It should be 100% waterproof along with being packable. Zippered pants that you can take on and off without removing your boots. They should also be sized large enough to have multiple layers on underneath.

• 2 pair of Gloves- insulated and waterproof/windproof should make up at least one of your sets. The other can be a warm synthetic liner type, or leather work glove.

• 1 head net for mosquitos, bug dope as well is an option

• 2 hunting shirts (one lighter than the other and your choice if you want long or short sleeve)

• 1 Stocking cap

• 1 Baseball cap

• 1 Sleeping bag – Sheep hunters a 15-degree bag synthetic mummy style bag is recommended. Know yourself and how you sleep however with this choice. Again temperatures may vary greatly during sheep season. From high 70’s to snow on the ground have all been seen. * Moose and Bear Hunters you may want a little warmer bag in a 0 degree range. You will probably not be carrying it on your back like the sheep hunters and you will be hunting later in the year than most sheep hunters. * All sleeping bags should be kept in a waterproof or resistant compression sack for Alaska hunts.

• 1 packable backpack style-sleeping pad

• 1 Pair of Boots a solid, waterproof style boot is suggested for most hunts. A waterproof muck or hip boot may be more appropriate for our moose and chest waders for our float hunts. * Make sure all boots are broke in prior to arrival.

• 5-6 pair of socks. An athletic style synthetic blend style sock is preferred and some clients and guides like a liner sock below that for reduced chance of blisters and sore feet.

• 1 Backpack a minimum 6000 cubic inch backpack is suggested. All of your gear should easily fit inside the pack with room for your food etc. on sheep hunts. You should make sure you have a rain fly for your backpack as well.

• 1 pair of waders Sheep hunters a lightweight wader is needed for crossing streams. If you can stand ice-cold glacial water some clients and guides like to use a Croc-style shoe to cross streams and have as a camp shoe after long days of hiking. Moose and Float hunters a tight ankle fit insulated chest wader is the recommended footwear.

* Alaska can be very wet and unforgiving. Waterproof compressible sacks can be a great way to organize your gear while saving space and keeping everything dry.

Sighting in your rifle:

We strive to take close high probability shots; this allows for more clean and ethical taking of trophies. We hope for 200 yards or less, this however isn’t always the case and shots of 300 yards or more happen. For this reason it is imperative that you are comfortable with your gun and taking these types of shots. Zeroing most rifles at 3” high at 100 yards will allow you to shoot center of mass out to 350 yards with confidence. Long-range adjustable scopes are also an option.

Alaska Specific Items and Notes:

Alaska has no hunter orange requirements; you are welcome to bring your camouflage attire if you wish. Brown/grey patterns rather than green tend to work best up here.

Some of our hunts require specific gear; Footwear as stated above is paramount in success of your hunt. With Sheep hunts a plastic “Koflach” style boot with a liner make a great option. This helps with the steep terrain as well as the many river and stream crossings one will encounter. Glacier socks are another good option as well. These can be found at Barney’s Sport Chalet in Anchorage. Again breaking in your boots beforehand is a must. If the plastic boots don’t work for you give us a call and we can help point you in the direction of some other good alternatives.

Moose Hunts; moose live in swampy, boggy areas so footwear that is appropriate and keeps you dry is a must. Chest waders are the way to go on float hunts. Hip boots can be a hazard on float hunts if you go into the water, please do not bring them. Simms and Cabelas both make great options for chest waders. Waterproof bags are mandatory for float hunts. As you are packing try to think that water will get everywhere and plan accordingly. Sea to Summit, Outdoor Research and NRS all make quality equipment that helps in float trips. For Moose camp/lodge hunts you will still want to bring a pair of waterproof boots, knee high minimum and if you can walk in hip boots comfortably they may be your best option.

** The lighter you keep your pack the easier the hunt will go for you. Try not to bring everything and the kitchen sink. Shoot for a pack weight in the 50-60lb range plus your rifle or bow.

Call To Book 907 378-2676