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Gear List

 

  “The glories of a mountain campfire are far greater than may be guessed…. One can make a day of any size, and regulate the rising and setting of his own sun and the brightness of its shining.” ~ John Muir

 

Gear and Clothing List For the Alaska Outdoor Science School Experience

Each course is different and may require different clothing and gear, however, this general list will provide valuable insight into what to bring.  This list is a living document and is meant as a reference rather than a steadfast, end-all list.  Each student and trip is unique.

Generally speaking, the weather can be variable but tends to range between 50-70 degrees during the day, and around 40-50 at night, so you will want to be able to add layers as needed.  It can be sunny and feel warm or rainy and cloudy, so you want to have enough options to address these variations.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions.  We also have lots of extra gear and clothing if needed.

Morning Classroom Sessions

Generally, each morning, there will be a classroom session. We recommend that you have enough comfortable clothes to accommodate this.  There will be time to change for the following field session if needed.

 Field Sessions

After each classroom session, to ground understanding, we will explore how the lesson applies in the field.  The following list attempts to set students up to be comfortable and prepared for the Alaskan experience.  We recognize that each student is different, and if you tend to be cold, add more layers.

  • Small Backpack that can carry extra clothes, water bottle, lunch, rain gear, and notebook
  • Rain Gear for hiking (Top and bottom that is breathable, like Gore-Tex or h2no)
  • Baseball or brimmed hat (for sun and rain)
  • Beanie – wool or fleece
  • Hiking boots with good ankle support and at least 2 pairs of synthetic or wool blend
  • At least one set of long underwear (light/medium weight synthetic or wool long underwear **not cotton)
  • Shorts – light/quick dry (or nylon pants with zip-off legs)
  • Windbreaker jacket (nylon or other lightweight material)

Overnight Sessions

The overnight component is an experience that helps to synthesize the course lessons and is a great way to explore this amazing landscape and living classroom.  The instructors, along with extensive knowledge of the area, have been working in the field as wilderness guides and wilderness first responders for decades.  AOSS will provide tents and camping supplies, so we will have the camping side of things covered.  In order to ensure the most pleasurable experience, the below items are recommended.

  • Sleeping bag rated 10/20/30° (Let us know if you need to rent one from us)
  • 1 warm top (medium or expeditions weight fleece or wool)
  • Sweater – warm, wool or fleece
  • Warm gloves, one pair (wool or fleece)

General Accessories and Toiletries

  • Meds (if needed)
  • Sunglasses & cord to keep them attached to you
  • Bug repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste
  • Camp towel- (quick dry is ideal)
  • Dr. Bonner / Camp soap
  • Water bottle
  • Sealable Mug (for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa)
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Wallet with ID
  • Credit card
  • Cash
  • Watch / Cell phone
  • Journal / Pen

Optional Etc.

  • Bandana
  • Bathing suit
  • Earplugs (snorers) / eye mask (solstice)
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Personal favorite snack items

Please contact us with any specific questions regarding this list.  The AOSS staff are experts in preparing for expeditions and Alaskan adventures.