Extreme Week Series Gear
Plan for your Alaska Extreme or XXtreme week…
So you signed up for something called “Extreme Week” or the “Chugach Challenge”. The Exposure Crew just loves guiding these trips and are up for anything nature has to offer; you should be too!
You should know that most activities will go ahead, rain or shine. Plan for cold and wet and anything other than that is a bonus. We like to face challenges, but no one really likes being miserable. That’s where good gear makes a difference.
We may be hiking through deep snow, crossing ice cold rivers or backpacking through pouring rain. But the day usually ends with a comfortable camp, a hot meal, and dry clothes.
The best advice that we can give is “Bring what’s on this list!” You might not use it all, and that would be great.
We would like you to have enough clothes to get soaking wet during the day and still have a complete, dry set of clothes to put on at night. Otherwise, you’re lying in your tent in a dry sleeping bag (because everything else is wet), while the rest of the group is having dinner. Now you’re cold AND hungry because you can’t have food in your tent!
Gear List:
Clothing
*Warm hat (wool or fleece)
Ball cap
Bandana
*2 sets thermal underwear, light to mid-weight. NO COTTON. Please bring 2 sets if sea kayaking.
*3-5 pair wool or synthetic socks
Underwear
*Gloves, lightweight, no cotton
*Fleece or Puffy synthetic jacket (no down)
*Wool or fleece sweater or vest
Long sleeve shirt, lightweight (for bug, sun protection). May be cotton.
2 T-shirts, may be cotton or some hi-tech, quick drying fabric
Shorts and/or swimsuit
Lightweight, quick drying pants, for wearing on the trail or at night. Note that jeans are not useful for anything other than going out to eat.
1-2 sets casual clothes
*1 set quality rain gear, jacket and pants. Gore-tex is fine but you must reapply the DWR Treatment. There are some less expensive, somewhat breathable options. A poncho is not acceptable.
Cycling/sailing gloves for kayaking
Footwear
*Hiking Boots – sturdy boots recommended. Lightweight hiking shoes, trail runners etc. are not acceptable. Boots must be broken in BEFORE your trip!
Gaiters, while not mandatory, can be helpful in keeping your boots dry and keeping out snow, rocks etc.
Sports sandals, running shoes, etc. for when your boots get wet.
Important Gear
*Sleeping bag – a 20 degree synthetic bag would be ideal.
*Compression stuff sack for your sleeping bag. It should pack down to smaller than a basketball.
*Sleeping pad – ensolite foam or thermarest
*Backpack – Make sure this fits properly. At least 4000 cubic inch capacity (approx. 70 litres)
Daypack
*Water bottles, at least 2 liter capacity. Camelback type systems are not recommended.
*Sunglasses (with strap)
Extra glasses or contacts
Prescription meds if needed
Small personal first-aid kit
Pocket knife
Flashlight or headlamp for trips in late August & September.
Other Gear
Alarm to wake you up(your phone battery may not be enough for longer trips).
Small waterproof bags to organize your clothes, plastic or nylon.
Camera, batteries, include waterproof case or bags.
Binoculars
Trekking poles
Compass
Sunscreen, fits in a quart size ziplock
Insect repellent, fits in a quart size ziplock
Small towel
Personal toiletries, travel size
Your Guide will check your Critical Gear* as indicated above. What you do not have, you will need to purchase; this could delay the start of the trip for your entire group. Don’t be “that guy”.