Clothing for an Alaskan Bear Viewing Trip

This is a list of clothing I suggest from 10 years of Alaska summer visits.

In Alaska, even during summer, we most likely are going to have some tough weather.  Rainy days are common, but it's usually more of a drizzle than a pour.  It also can get cold and/or windy so you need to be prepared.  At Katmai Adventure Lodge in King Salmon, Brad will provide chest waders which will help with wading, rain, and warmth.  But this is a list of items (with some explanations) that I find helpful to make my trips comfortable.  If you have the right gear, rough weather won't dampen your attitude and the bears will keep your interest, not the cold conditions.  I don't want to scare you, and I think we will have a couple warm sunny days, but if it's rough I want you to be able to enjoy yourself.  Count on temperatures from the 50's to low 70's, although Alaskans start dying of heat exhaustion much over 70.  Average temp in the mountains around King Salmon are mid 50's to low 60s.  Remember we will be where the bears are, and that's near water so count on a cooler breeze

BOOTS - Even though Brad has waders you will want good boots if you go outside the lodge.  We won't need waders at Brooks Falls but you won't want to walk around in tennis shoes.  They don't need to be irrigation boots, but something that will keep your feet dry if it's raining or you are walking through wet grass, which we will be doing. 

WOOL SOCKS - Wool socks, a pair for each day.  I prefer merino wool (packs smaller and lighter), and the lighter "undersocks" can help keep your feet dry.

HAT - A rain-proof hat is a must, but if you get a floppy one, remember that you still need to look through your view finder.  I usually bring one weather proof stocking cap, an oil skin ball cap, and I make sure I have a hood on my rain coat.

GLOVES - Gloves can be handy but make sure you get a pair light enough that you can feel and manipulate your camera accessories.  There are few things more aggravating than finding a perfect shot and not being able to operate the shutter.

RAIN GEAR - A good rain coat and rain pants.  Gortex is the material of choice, but purchase or borrow the heaviest you can.  I pack "rubber fishing gear" pants for when the days are rough, but with waders these are not required.  Your rain gear should be larger than normal to fit over the several layers that I'm going to suggest later.

PANTS - I have a couple pair of heavy weight pants (insulated) from Cabelas that are "weather proof".  Wool is nice but it can be tough to dry and will shrink eventually, even if you buy the non shrink wool.   I've given several of my "non shrink" wool clothes to my wife.

UPPER LAYERS - I suggest bringing a couple nice long sleeve t-shirts (I have found the $45 for turtleneck Under Armor shirts worth it).  I also bring one set of heavy "long john's" or underwear for extra cold days.  For a 4 day trip bring at least a couple heavy shirts (wool or flannel), at least one fleece, and a wool sweater.  Remember, all of this should fit under your rain gear.

For around the lodge I usually bring heavy weight sweat pants and a sweatshirt...not an AZ running suit.  You will find yourself cold and uncomfortable.

INSECTS - They will be there and you will find you take real liking to wind as it blows the mosquito's away.  Brad will have plenty of bug spray and bug netting, but I'd still bring a small bug spray for you in your day pack.

All this warm clothing results in an overstuffed bag.  I can go to Hawaii in an overnight bag,  but I'll use a wheeled duffel bag for AK.  We won't have any weight restrictions to or from King Salmon, but remember to keep your bag under 50 lbs unless you like giving airlines your money.  I will let your vanity decide how many shirts, pants, etc. you decide to bring.  Some of the above items can be found at used clothing stores BUT DON'T SKIMP on your rain gear.

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