Alaska Clothing and Miscellaneous Gear Suggestions
Appropriate clothing is ESSENTIAL to our Alaska trip. Normal weather for this part of Alaska is rain. Parts of this area get 150 inches of rain a year. A typical Southeast Alaska day is overcast or drizzly. If we're lucky we'll see some sunshine. Rainy-day temperatures are generally in the 50s (F.). On the water and near the glaciers we will probably encounter some wind. However, we may get lucky and have a sunny day or two with temperatures in the 60s or 70s. If you dress correctly, you'll be comfortable and have a great time. If not, physical discomfort could make your Alaska experience less than pleasant.
This is not a fashion show. Think if in terms of casual camping clothes. Also, think layering. When you're hiking it's easy to get over-heated and if you're dressed too warmly, you'll perspire. Then when you've stopped exerting yourself, the perspiration will cause you to become chilled.
Because space aboard the Delphinus is limited, please pack sparingly. Use a soft duffel or pack for your clothing and other personal items.
With that in mind, bring the following items:
Clothing
- Rain gear (two-piece pants and jacket with rain hood). Ponchos are ineffective in this climate. Columbia Sportswear is one good brand that is reasonably priced. If you have the dollars, consider "breathable" Gore-Tex or some other high-tech fabric. Several manufacturers make all-weather Gore-Tex raingear.
- Knee-high rubber boots. You'll use these for getting in and out of the skiff, and if you have good quality boots, they're suitable for hiking as well. The best are nicknamed "Sitka slippers" because of their ubiquitous use by locals. Brand names include BF Goodrich, X-Tra Tuff or Wellington Hunter or Gardener models. The boots should not be lined, as the liner is difficult to dry. The important thing is COMFORT. In the store, try them on with the heavy socks you'll be using. Cheap rain boots are worthless, and the blisters they will cause will make your life miserable. If you can't invest in good rain boots, bring a cheap pair for the boat and also bring along good waterproof hiking boots. There are no trails where we're going, and lots of rocky, slippery beaches and hiking in deep,wet sphagnum moss that's like walking on a mattress.You can also bring cheap tennies that you can allow to get wet, but remember that wet feet are cold feet.
- High-quality wool socks. Wool keeps you warm even when it's wet. Wear a double layer of socks: a thin sock close to your skin and a heavier outer sock for padding and warmth.
- Pants or slacks, two pairs. Almost anything will work here, as long as the pants are comfortable. You may want to consider good-quality wool pants. One great source is Navy military surplus bell-bottoms. These look funky, but the wool and construction is of high quality, and again, the wool keeps you warm even when wet.
- Wool shirt or sweatshirt. Again, consider layering here. A heavy sweater is great. Also consider a light jacket, such as one of Polartec® material.
- Long-sleeved cotton shirt/blouse/turtleneck.
- Warm jacket or sweater. Near the glaciers and all those icebergs, the weather gets COLD!
- T-shirts, underwear—remember, we have no laundry facilities on the boat, although you can do handwashing, remembering that clothes dry slowly in this damp climate.
- Boat shoes/tennis shoes--must be soft-soled and of the kind that don't leave dark streaks on boat decks!
- Sun hat and warm hat. Your warm hat can be a knit wool cap that will stay on in the wind. Much of your body heat is lost through your head, so a good cap is essential. Again, the wool is great because it stays warm even when wet. Some of the newer synthetics are very effective.
- Warm gloves or mittens. Mittens are warmer than gloves.
- Pajamas/robe. The staterooms do not have private bathrooms (or heads, as nautical folks call them).
- Optional: shorts (in case it warms up), bandannas (for wind,wiping your camera down, etc.)
Toiletries
- Mosquito repellent for shore time, although some is supplied on the boat
- Sunblock, SP15 or higher
- Toiletry bag for carrying your stuff to and from the bathroom
- Toothbrush and paste
- Brush/comb
- Personal medicines, plus extra if you need them
- Ear plugs (for motor noise at night)
- Razor
- Feminine supplies
- Note: Towels, soap, shampoo and hair dryers are provided
Miscellaneous Gear
- Binoculars. These are a must. They don't have to be expensive, but we do a lot of looking and binoculars do much to enhance your experience. Practice using them at home and make a habit of wearing them on the trip.
- Sunglasses, plus a spare pair. On sunny days, glare from the water can get intense.
- Flashlight/batteries/bulb
- Pocket knife
- Water bottle
- Dirty clothes bag
- Money
- Extra prescription glasses, and of course, any necessary prescriptions
Optional Equipment
- Diary/journal
- Field guides/books
- Fishing license (can be obtained in major communities). A limited supply of fishing gear and tackle is available on the Delphinus, and there will be opportunities to fish.
- Swim suit
- Day pack
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