Planning a trip to Alaska, need gear suggestions.

[11Justin22]

First of all my first post!!!! Hello everyone. Now to the important stuff. Myself and a friend are planning a trip to Alaska in a few years. I need suggestions on what gear to take. This is my first trip of this kind so I'm literally starting from scratch. I'm thinking we are going to probably rent the campsite gear from the bush pilot so we don't have to hassle with getting it up there. I will probably be on somewhat of a budget and not sure how much of the stuff purchased will be used again (may do an elk trip after that...just a thought). I do deer hunt and at the most i hike in 1/2 mile or so. So anything that will pull double duty would be appreciated. Forgot to add we are defiantly going after caribou.....maybe black bear

 

[Gunnersdad49]

Welcome to the site. Your question is pretty open ended, but one of the first things to consider if your shelter and cooking stuff is taken care, and skipping clothing (for now) of would probably be a pair of binoculars (in my humble opinion).

 

[11Justin22]

Yes it was intended open ended.....like i said I'm literally starting from scratch. I'm a whitetail hunter that hunts from stands. So anything that wouldn't be used in that scenario i don't have. And yes i do need some Good glass. I assume a spotting scope is a must???? or can you get by with Bino's???? Any that are of good quality without breaking the bank? I would keep good bino's for later use but don't see another use for a spotting scope so it would likely be sold after if it is needed.

 

[Low_Sky]

Yes it was intended open ended.....like i said I'm literally starting from scratch. I'm a whitetail hunter that hunts from stands. So anything that wouldn't be used in that scenario i don't have. And yes i do need some Good glass. I assume a spotting scope is a must???? or can you get by with Bino's???? Any that are of good quality without breaking the bank? I would keep good bino's for later use but don't see another use for a spotting scope so it would likely be sold after if it is needed.

There are lots, and lots of “xxxx hunt packing list” threads on this forum. Reading a few of them would probably help a lot.

Binos will be plenty to tell a first-timer if a caribou bull is a shooter or not. A spotter is really only necessary if you’re looking for very particular antler traits, or if you want to find animals way farther away than most hunters are willing to pack one.


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[11Justin22]

Thanks! I'm reading through them. Info like just told me is not in there but I get a general idea from them. If I can go with JUST binos I will defiantly do that.

 

[Rancher]

Buy the best binos you can,something in the 10 power range.Remember you will use them for the rest of your life.

 

[11Justin22]

I defiantly will, haven't worked out all my budget yet. I guess maybe a better way to ask this thread would be where would you spend top dollar and where would you be willing to budget things? I realize that is somewhat subjective to ones budget but I'm going to ask it anyways. I'm thinking glass, boots (lots of walking), and rain gear deserve top notch????? Ideas??

 

[sniper61]

H H rain gear. Waders you can live in and walk in all day, bug net,a 6 month membership at the nearest gym. we could go on and on down to cutting half the handle off your tooth brush to save weight and space. One time? I thought that also. I am buying a plane ticket this week for my 7th Alaskan hunt.

 

[11Justin22]

Haha the "plan" is one time.... That's what I'm telling my wife

 

[Lionhound1975]

I have spent some time in the backcountry of Alaska and Canada but don't claim to be an experienced Alaskan hand so take it for what its worth. Since you are a few years out you have the advantage to buy good quality gear and space the purchases out over a few years rather than having to buy a bunch of lower quality gear all at once. Some of these things like good quality binos are things that you can use hunting whitetails, scouting, etc. Since Alaska has so many hunting environments some of your gear like waders will be location specific but others like raingear and binos will be essential no matter where you go. Since you plan on renting the tent and camp gear, I would focus on quality binos, boots, and raingear (I used HH up in Alaska and while it is heavy and does not breathe, it does not wet out like every Gore Tex jacket eventually will). So I used Meostar binos, Lowa and Hanwag boots, and HH raingear for Alaska/Canada trips. A used Kifaru, MR, or SG pack that will double as a daypack out from camp will also be worth its weight in gold if you kill something and you can still use it to pack a tree stand, day hikes, etc. back home.

 

[11Justin22]

Thanks great info! I'm pretty familiar with quality rain gear as I tournament fish and have used and been around allot of different brands. I've been researching bags as all I have ever needed was just a small sling bag. I'm thinking something along the lines of a MR pop up 28/38 would be excellent as it could double as a carry on bag (I do travel a little)

 

[HoneyDew]

Thanks great info! I'm pretty familiar with quality rain gear as I tournament fish and have used and been around allot of different brands. I've been researching bags as all I have ever needed was just a small sling bag. I'm thinking something along the lines of a MR pop up 28/38 would be excellent as it could double as a carry on bag (I do travel a little)

Depends on your definition of an Alaska hunt but the pop ups may not be big enough. Might want to do a backcountry hunt/camp in the lower 48 to dial in your needs/abilities a bit before you get bush planed into the remote AK wilderness (if that’s your plan). Gives you a chance to test the gear you have and decide what else you need. Because in the AK backcountry if the weather says no then the plane ain’t coming.

 

[11Justin22]

That's an excellent idea... Actually hadn't thought of that. As far as baggage goes I was "thinking" of bringing some type of smaller day pack that will haul meat and bringing some type of duffle for all the "camp/clothes/extra" stuff. I'm looking at the pintler sawtooth also

 

[AKBorn]

Small bags are better for bush planes, many of them cannot accommodate a full size duffel bag. A lot depends on the following caveats:

- WHEN you go (early season caribou temps can be in the 70s, later season can be in the teens or lower

_ WHERE in Alaska you go (in the hills or mountains, or along river drainages; northwest, southwest, or northern AK)

Other than my Asolo boots which cost me about $100, I don't think I bring a piece of clothing to my Alaska hunts that cost me more than $50. You don't need fancy or expensive clothes to hunt Alaska, believe it or not.

Spotting scope definitely not needed, and I stopped bringing hip boots on my hunts over a decade ago - that is partly because of where I hunt in Unit 20, they are not typically needed. If you hunt bou out of Bethel or Aniak, they may definitely be needed. Muck boots might be better for the Brooks, but others would have to chime in as I haven't hunted caribou there.

 

[hodgeman]

Good rain gear, good tent, good boots, bug dope.... I've seen all of those things ruin hunts.

Binos yes, spotter no. Hip boots, maybe not so much depending on where you go but definitely good hiking boots. Black bear and caribou ranges don't overlap all that much but if they're caribou count on wolves being around for a target of opportunity.

 

[11Justin22]

Thanks guys, I think we are planning on going more September ish. After they come out off velvet. Not sure where we are going yet. Probably wait till next year to get that nailed down. And will DEFINITELY be purchasing a wolf tag!

 

[Hunt41]

I don’t know what September is like, but the mosquitoes are terrible in the summer. Be bug proof!!
I’m headed to Alaska in two weeks. A family trip and also some camping in the Brooks Range.

 

[Voyageur]

Good suggestions on the gear so far. Not sure what your experience level is with camping/hunting/packing, but if it is minimal I would definitely get some serious field time in between now and your hunt. Doing this would allow you to determine YOUR preferences in gear....everything from sleeping pad and bag to food to clothing footwear, water filter, etc. It doesn't necessarily have to be hunting time (although that would be nice), just field time.

 

[Marbles]

Good boots, good pack (I have an Exo and really like it), a well planned layering system of clothes (be able to wear everything you bring at once, or only one item). No cotton (should go without saying).

Zeiss conquest binoculars are decent, and not too expensive. Play around with a chest pack for binos, like the FHF. I like 8x binos, find them easier to use on my feet.

Rent an inReach. If you think you want a spotter, rent that too.

Pick your area, it will help you with gear. Keep in mind how big Alaska is.

 

[11Justin22]

Thanks guys! I have camped a ton (although it has been a few years), hunted since I was 6 and have NEVER backpacked . I'm not too nervous about that part though. Having camped I think I can get down to minimalist stuff and be alright. I stay in decent shape also, though I will do some extra workouts when it gets closer to time. I talked with my buddy and I think we will do some weekend camps during deer season to get some ideas.