Katmai: Packing List 2013

Packing

List (non photography gear)

[The Alaska] peninsula endures a maritime climate described as “notoriously miserable”: long winters, cool summers, frequent storms . . . and sudden bursts of wind called williwaws — so fierce, bush pilots say, they can rip the numbers off a plane.

With this description in mind, I planned for wet, damp, and rainy conditions. The thought process was, if I am prepared for this type of weather, there is no way the trip could be considered ruined.  Fortunately, the weather was quite good, it rained a bit each day except the last, and the temperatures were manageable.  One question I had beforehand was whether my 30 grad synthetic bag would be sufficient for the conditions, or if I should bring something warmer .  Considering that I was already 80 lbs over (read previous post), I opted for the 30 degree bag and didn’t regret doing so.  I slept in a fleece and, despite the damp conditions was quite warm at night.

Clothing

Outers

[ ] Helly Hansen Rain Slicker
[ ] Helly Hansen Rain Pants
[ ] Stio Shell
[ ] Jasper National Park hat

Inners

[ ] 3 long sleeve (Nike Dri-fit, Under Armour and Patagonia baselayers)
[ ] Long sleeve ¾ zip Smartwool Next to Skin
[ ] 3 Synthetic T-shirts
[ ] 2 ExOfficio
[ ] 4 Smartwool Socks
[ ] Smartwool Next to Skin pants

Warmth

[ ] Patagonia Fleece Jacket
[ ] Koppen Quarter Zip Fleece
[ ] Stio Down jacket
[ ] Pollen Wool hat
[ ] Fleece gloves

Camp

[ ] Tent + ground cloth
[ ] Tarp (for additional rain protection if necessary)
[ ] Rope 
[ ] 30 grad bag
[ ] Nemo Air Mattress
[ ] MSR Pocket Rocket Stove
[ ] Pot + Sierra cup lid
[ ] Spork
[ ] Buck knife
[ ] Food
[ ] 3 Mountain House Freeze Dried (buy in Alaska)
[ ] Boudin Sourdough (buy at SFO)
[ ] Trail Mix (buy in Alaska)
[ ] Beef jerky (buy in Alaska)
[ ] Bear Canister
[ ] Lowa Tibets (wear on plane)

Next time, I will be sure to bring my two way radios, as they would be invaluable communication tool when your group is split up, and stuck on opposite sides of the river in a bear jam….

2 Replies to “Katmai: Packing List 2013”

    1. Hi! It really depends on your priorities and how you want to view. For me, I would argue it’s not worth the extra weight to bring chairs on float plane and to hike around lugging the chairs. I brought a small collapsible backpacking seat one trip and found I didn’t use it much. There are benches on the viewing platforms, picnics tables in covered shacks in campground, and comfortable seats in the lodge next to fireplace. And the soft moss, sandy beach or abundance of logs make handy seats outside those areas. Have a great trip, this is a wonderful time of year to visit!

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