Okay, let's talk about getting all your gear up here. When you're heading into remote Alaska, those small planes are fantastic, but space and weight are king.

Weight & What to Pack

So, to make sure everything fits, we're shooting for 250 pounds per person or less, and that's counting both you and your gear. Or, to put it another way, your gear should be 50 pounds or less, whichever keeps the total down. Why? Because we need to fit you, your gear, and three other folks with their loads into a plane that carries about 1200 pounds total. We'll always do our best to accommodate, but if your gear goes over and still fits within the plane's overall allowance, any extra cost is on you, or you might need to leave some non-essentials behind. So, the golden rule: bring what you need, leave what you don't! Don't worry, there's usually storage at the air taxi if you have items you don't need on the river itself.

Dressing for Alaskan Comfort: Layers are Key!

Alright, let's talk clothes. Alaska's weather can be a bit of everything, with night temps from the 30s to 50s, and daytime highs anywhere from 40 to 70 degrees. So, a layered approach is your best friend. If you're fishing in breathable waders, make sure your pants underneath are lightweight, warm synthetics that wick moisture away. Most of our guests find chamois or wool shirts work great over thermal underwear, adding a sweater or jacket as needed. Remember, you can always peel off layers! Now, I know jeans are comfy, but around camp, if cotton gets wet, it stays wet. That's why we strongly recommend at least one pair of synthetic pants. Investing in windproof fleece pants and a jacket is a game-changer – seriously, they're worth the cost and can keep you cozy. If you ski, your waterproof, windproof ski pants will work perfectly here. For thermal underwear, grab two good quality poly-pro or Capilene sets. They wick moisture and keep you warm even when damp. For late August and September trips, go for heavy expedition weight. Beyond your wading boots, bring some kind of waterproof camp shoes – knee boots or those classic LL Bean Maine hunting shoes are ideal. And please, when we say no cotton jeans or shirts for the river, we mean it! Save them for travel or leave them at the air taxi.

Your Essential Gear Checklist

Let's make sure you've got the right tools for the job and for staying dry! You'll need one or two good-quality roll-top dry bags for your clothing and sleeping bag; please, no wheeled or hard-sided luggage – trust me, it makes loading the planes and rafts much, much easier if you pack into two smaller bags instead of one big one. Think of plastic compactor bags as extra insurance; pop your sleeping bag and other super-important items inside these before they go into your dry bag. Your rain gear is non-negotiable – you need high-quality, sturdy rain gear, both jacket and pants, with a heavy rubberized canvas top over chest waders usually being the driest combo. Don't skimp here; you might not need it, but you'll be incredibly glad you brought the best you could afford if the weather turns. For waders, chest waders with wading shoes are the standard. Important note: As of January 1, 2012, felt-sole wading boots are NOT allowed in Alaska waters! Breathable waders with fleece or thermal underwear underneath are very popular, and please do not use stream cleats or studs – they damage our boats. For your sleeping bag, a quality bag rated at least 20 degrees is good for most trips, but for any September trip, a 5-degree bag or a liner is a smart move; make sure it's synthetic insulation, not down, as down loses its warmth when wet. By the way, we can rent you sleeping bags on trips out of Bethel – either 20-degree or 0-degree bags with a fresh liner that's washed between trips for $89. If you've got a favorite inflatable sleeping pad and it packs easily, bring it! Otherwise, we have a supply of inflatable pads available – just let us know when you make your final payment if you'd like us to have one ready for you.

Miscellaneous Personal Items

Here's a quick rundown of other essentials you'll want to have with you: A windproof jacket (light to medium weight, not too bulky), 2-3 pairs of wool thermal socks, a baseball cap and a wool or synthetic stocking cap, a heavy wool sweater, chamois or wool shirts, wool or neoprene gloves, one full extra set of clothing, waterproof camp boots, a head net (a must for bugs!), a towel and washcloth, your toiletries and prescription medications, and hand cream (O'Keeffe's Working Hands, Fisherman's Friend, Bag Balm are great). Definitely bring your camera with lots of memory cards and extra batteries, a small flashlight, a knife, pliers, a hook file, insect repellent (100% Deet is highly recommended), and scissors or clippers. Your rods should always be in a sturdy rod tube, and polarized sunglasses are a total must-have on the water, along with your prescription glasses if needed, plus Corkies or other retainers. We provide three meals a day and some snacks, but if you're a heavy snacker, bring your favorites! A water bottle like a Nalgene is really important to stay hydrated, and while we have cups, your favorite thermal coffee mug often works better. Consider bringing a water enhancer like Stur, Mio, or Crystal Light for your preferred flavors. For alcohol and other beverages, remember Bethel has no liquor stores; you might want to look into a "Bush Order" service from Anchorage well ahead of your trip (a Google search for "bush orders for alcohol in Anchorage" can help you find services that deliver to your B&B or to Renfro's Air Service in Bethel). Whatever you bring counts towards your weight limit. Just a friendly reminder: please don't plan to quit smoking on your trip!

A Few Final Reminders

Just a heads-up on some things that aren't needed or are often forgotten: Fly rods below 6 weight or under 9 feet in length aren't ideal for these waters. Wading boots with studs are a definite no-go – they can damage our rafts. Please, leave cotton clothing (like t-shirts or jeans) at home for the river; they absorb moisture and stay wet. Instead of hemostats, bring pliers – they're much better for debarbing heavy hooks or removing them from those big fish. And finally, firearms or bear spray are not allowed; our guides are armed, and our camp system is designed for safety.

And finally, while not mandatory, a Positive Mental Attitude is always strongly encouraged for the best possible outcome – it just makes everything better!