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What to Bring on Your TripGuests are responsible for bringing adequate gear and clothing. Plan your travel wardrobe around informal and comfortable clothing; even at mealtimes, dress is casual. The weather in Alaska is quite variable so clothing which can be layered is ideal. Make sure you bring a high quality rain suit so that even if it rains, you can stay comfortable outdoors and have an enjoyable experience.
The summer in Alaskan is usually quite mild with temperatures in the fifties and sixties. We compare the Alaska summer to spring or fall in other parts of the country. The most reliable advice is to be prepared for any type of weather! PLEASE NOTE: This packing list is designed for a trip eight to nine days in length. You will need most items on this list and we've provided an "Optional Items" section for additional items that we find useful in Alaska's backcountry. Packing List:
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LUGGAGE: Due to the small-scale, remote nature of our lodges we ask that you bring duffel bags as luggage. However, if your trusty roller bag is best for you, bring that along. Please note that your luggage will not always be accessible during travel so bring a day pack for any items that you will want to have at hand at all times. Also keep in mind that our vehicles and boats have limited luggage compartments and, for your convenience, our staff hand carry luggage to your accommodations. Therefore, we truly appreciate bags that are manageably sized. We recommend one large, soft-sided bag.
HIKING BOOTS OR SHOES: Comfortable, lightweight and water repellent. Many companies make lightweight hiking boots that are moderately priced. Make sure these are well broken in, especially if all leather, before your trip. If you prefer strenuous hiking, you may want to invest in rugged hiking boots. You should put a coat of waterproofing compound on your boots before arriving in Alaska.
DAY PACK: This will come in handy for day hiking and van travel. This is not a frame pack but a smaller daypack variety with two shoulder straps that you carry on your back and large enough to hold rain gear, an extra sweater, water bottle, lunch, binoculars and anything else you would take on a day hike.
RAIN GEAR: During kayak excursions, group canoe paddles and explorations on foot, a good quality rain suit (both top and bottom) is a must to keep you warm and dry. We do have some rain suits available at the lodge, but most guests prefer to bring their own gear. Rain suits should be made of coated nylon with factory-sealed seams. Heavy rubberized rain gear will keep you dry, but it is bulky and weighty to carry. Please do NOT bring a plastic or vinyl rain suit or poncho; these tend to tear easily and quickly become useless when hiking and rafting.
PANTS: Two to three; one pair made of quick-drying, synthetic material. Include a pair of shorts, just in case! We recommend "convertible" pants, which zip-off into shorts for a "two-in-one" travel wardrobe mainstay.
SHIRTS: Two to three, mostly long-sleeved. A long-sleeved, light colored, tightly woven shirt is helpful for bug and sun protection. Bring at least one non-cotton hiking shirt, preferably two - one long-sleeved and one short-sleeved.
WARM JACKET / SWEATER / VEST: Synthetic fleece or wool jacket and a sweater make great layers for warmth. A fleece or wool vest helps take the early morning or late night chill off.
WOOL OR SYNTHETIC FLEECE HAT: You won't be sorry you brought this!
WOOL OR SYNTHETIC GLOVES: To keep your fingers warm while hiking, boating or photographing outside.
BRIMMED HAT: For sun protection. Some who don't enjoy a hooded jacket prefer a rain hat.
SOCKS: Two pairs of wool or synthetic socks for hiking, plus adequate lightweight socks to meet your personal needs.
LONG UNDERWEAR: Two sets of polypropylene, capilene or thermax tops and bottoms are recommended. Synthetic fabrics are designed to keep you warm even when wet, wicking moisture away from the skin. Do not bring cotton long underwear; if it becomes wet it fails to insulate.
UNDERWEAR: Enough for your personal needs.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: Make sure you bring an adequate supply for the trip.
ONE-QUART WATER BOTTLE OR HYDRATION PACK: One-quart water bottle or hydration pack for each person.
SMALL FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP: Needed from late July through September.
INSECT REPELLENT: Creams and pumps are more environmentally friendly than aerosols.
Optional Items:
SUNGLASSES & SUNSCREEN: We are optimists, and sunshine in Alaska can be strong at times.
FIELD GUIDES: For local flora and fauna.
TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK: Battery operated.
BINOCULARS: Highly recommended and some guests feel that these are mandatory!
CAMERA/FILM/BATTERIES: Don't forget extra batteries for your camera. Some types of camera batteries can be difficult to find in Alaska.
HIKING POLES: If you prefer to explore the backcountry with hiking poles, please bring ones that pack easily (telescoping).
HIKING BOOTS OR SHOES: Comfortable, lightweight and water repellent. Many companies make lightweight hiking boots that are moderately priced. Make sure these are well broken in, especially if all leather, before your trip. If you prefer strenuous hiking, you may want to invest in rugged hiking boots. You should put a coat of waterproofing compound on your boots before arriving in Alaska.
DAY PACK: This will come in handy for day hiking and van travel. This is not a frame pack but a smaller daypack variety with two shoulder straps that you carry on your back and large enough to hold rain gear, an extra sweater, water bottle, lunch, binoculars and anything else you would take on a day hike.
RAIN GEAR: During kayak excursions, group canoe paddles and explorations on foot, a good quality rain suit (both top and bottom) is a must to keep you warm and dry. We do have some rain suits available at the lodge, but most guests prefer to bring their own gear. Rain suits should be made of coated nylon with factory-sealed seams. Heavy rubberized rain gear will keep you dry, but it is bulky and weighty to carry. Please do NOT bring a plastic or vinyl rain suit or poncho; these tend to tear easily and quickly become useless when hiking and rafting.
PANTS: Two to three; one pair made of quick-drying, synthetic material. Include a pair of shorts, just in case! We recommend "convertible" pants, which zip-off into shorts for a "two-in-one" travel wardrobe mainstay.
SHIRTS: Two to three, mostly long-sleeved. A long-sleeved, light colored, tightly woven shirt is helpful for bug and sun protection. Bring at least one non-cotton hiking shirt, preferably two - one long-sleeved and one short-sleeved.
WARM JACKET / SWEATER / VEST: Synthetic fleece or wool jacket and a sweater make great layers for warmth. A fleece or wool vest helps take the early morning or late night chill off.
WOOL OR SYNTHETIC FLEECE HAT: You won't be sorry you brought this!
WOOL OR SYNTHETIC GLOVES: To keep your fingers warm while hiking, boating or photographing outside.
BRIMMED HAT: For sun protection. Some who don't enjoy a hooded jacket prefer a rain hat.
SOCKS: Two pairs of wool or synthetic socks for hiking, plus adequate lightweight socks to meet your personal needs.
LONG UNDERWEAR: Two sets of polypropylene, capilene or thermax tops and bottoms are recommended. Synthetic fabrics are designed to keep you warm even when wet, wicking moisture away from the skin. Do not bring cotton long underwear; if it becomes wet it fails to insulate.
UNDERWEAR: Enough for your personal needs.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: Make sure you bring an adequate supply for the trip.
ONE-QUART WATER BOTTLE OR HYDRATION PACK: One-quart water bottle or hydration pack for each person.
SMALL FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP: Needed from late July through September.
INSECT REPELLENT: Creams and pumps are more environmentally friendly than aerosols.
Optional Items:
SUNGLASSES & SUNSCREEN: We are optimists, and sunshine in Alaska can be strong at times.
FIELD GUIDES: For local flora and fauna.
TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK: Battery operated.
BINOCULARS: Highly recommended and some guests feel that these are mandatory!
CAMERA/FILM/BATTERIES: Don't forget extra batteries for your camera. Some types of camera batteries can be difficult to find in Alaska.
HIKING POLES: If you prefer to explore the backcountry with hiking poles, please bring ones that pack easily (telescoping).
Fishermen:
Our lodge and guides will supply all fishing equipment, tackle, boats, kayaks, floats, etc. Here is a recommended list of things guests should bring on their fishing trips to Stephan Lake Lodge:
NOTE: We promote a catch & release philosophy to ensure a healthy fish population and only use barbless single hooks
- Breathable waders
- Wading boots or felt bottom sandals
- Neoprene wading socks (optional)
- Long sleeve “Quick Dry” type shirts
- “Quick Dry” type pants
- Long underwear, NO COTTON
- Fleece pants
- Fleece jacket or vest
- Shorts & personal clothing for after fishing
- Lightweight rain jacket, Gore-Tex if possible
- Smart wool or similar socks
- Pair of warm gloves
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, & Cortisone anti-itch cream
- Bandana or similar garment for blocking sun on neck and face (optional)
- Brimmed hat
- Personal fishing vest or pack (optional)
- Camelback water carrier or Nalgene water bottle
- Polarized sunglasses with retaining strap
- Digital watch with alarm
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Binoculars
- Camera
Our lodge and guides will supply all fishing equipment, tackle, boats, kayaks, floats, etc. Here is a recommended list of things guests should bring on their fishing trips to Stephan Lake Lodge:
NOTE: We promote a catch & release philosophy to ensure a healthy fish population and only use barbless single hooks
- Breathable waders
- Wading boots or felt bottom sandals
- Neoprene wading socks (optional)
- Long sleeve “Quick Dry” type shirts
- “Quick Dry” type pants
- Long underwear, NO COTTON
- Fleece pants
- Fleece jacket or vest
- Shorts & personal clothing for after fishing
- Lightweight rain jacket, Gore-Tex if possible
- Smart wool or similar socks
- Pair of warm gloves
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, & Cortisone anti-itch cream
- Bandana or similar garment for blocking sun on neck and face (optional)
- Brimmed hat
- Personal fishing vest or pack (optional)
- Camelback water carrier or Nalgene water bottle
- Polarized sunglasses with retaining strap
- Digital watch with alarm
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Binoculars
- Camera
