All the gear I brought on a 31-day backpacking and packrafting trip through Arctic Alaska

We started the trip in Anaktuvuk Pass, a small native village deep in the Brooks Range, and hiked west. On day 17, we picked up our packrafting gear at Gaedeke Lakes, the headwaters of the Alatna River and began paddling. We followed the Alatna river to Portage Pass, hiked over to the Noatak River, paddled 50 miles downstream, then hiked Nushralutak Pass over to the Ambler River – which we paddled in its entirety.

Full trip report coming soon! LighterPack with item weights and quantities can be found here.

This post contains affiliate links, which may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you.

The Big Three
Pack:
Hyperlite Porter 85L
Zimmermade Porter Waterbottle Pockets
Sockdolager Bow Bag (works as both a bow bag for paddling and a front storage pocket on the Porter 85L when hiking, key for paddle storage and easily accessible gear)
Justin’s UL Bear Spray Holster
Hyperlite 15L side entry pod (dry bag for sleep system)

Sleep System:
Big Agnes Greystone 20°
NEMO Fillo Elite Pillow
LEVE Outdoor Co. Alpha 90 Liner (prototype)
Big Agnes Rapide SL
Big Agnes Pump Sack

Tent (split with my partner):
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2

Packrafting Gear
Alpacka Raft Refuge (size medium)
Alpacka Raft UL Spray Skirt
Alpacka Raft Inflatable Seat
Alpacka Raft 3-point thigh straps
Aqua Bound Whiskey Fiberglass 4-piece paddle
Sockdolager Ultralight Poagies
Astral Throw Rope
Kokatat Hydrus Swift Entry Dry Suit
Astral YTV 2.0 PFD (with whistle attached)
Neoprene Booties – put over the socks of my dry suit to protect them
NRS Hydroskin Paddling Gloves – would not recommend these, fingers started to tear on day 2
Granite Gear 20L Dry Bag – for sleep system
Sea to Summit 13L Dry Bag – for dry clothes
Mammut Crag Sender Helmet (NOT a whitewater helmet!)

Hiking Layers (worn weight)
Ibex Springbok Sun Hoodie
Columbia Leslie Falls Pull-On Pants
Keen Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
LEVE Alpha 90 Hoody
Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks
Skida Brim Hat

Extra Layers
Totes Men’s Chelsea Rainboots – in camp shoes
Minus33 Merino Longsleeve – baselayer top
Minus33 Merino Pants – baselayer bottoms
LEVE Alpha 90 Hoody – purple – in camp fleece
Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks – in camp (dry) socks
Patagonia Micropuff Hoody
Ibex W’s Thong
LEVE Alpha 90 Beanie
Ibex Wool Glove Liner
OR Helium Rain Mitts – for rain and bug protection
Salomon GORE-Tex PacLite 2.5L Shell
The North Face Rain Pants
The Original Bug Shirt – full bug shirt!!

Electronics
Garmin InReach
Nitecore NB10000
Cords: iPhone Lighting, USB-C, Micro
iPhone 13 mini and case
OM-Systems TG-7 waterproof camera with battery
Kobo Klara E-Reader

Toiletries
Litesmith Zipza (small) – bag for organization
Toothbrush bamboo toothbrush + cover
Toothpaste tabs
Face Sunscreen Stick
Lip Balm
Hair ties x4
REI Microfiber Towel (small)

Misc.
Litesmith Zipza (medium)
LEVE DCF Wallet with credit card, ID, insurance
Ombraz Sunglasses
Foam Seat
Glasses + Case
Notebook
Pen
Eye Mask – bc 24 hour sunlight
Gerber Folding Knife 110
Black Diamond Expedition Trekking Poles
Bear Spray

Consumables, Kitchen, + Group Gear I Carried
Bear Spray
Hand Sani
Liquid Sunscreen
Repair Kit
MSR 3L Pot
MSR Whisperlite Stove
MSR Fuel Bottle
Litesmith Food Jar (M)
Toaks Long Spoon
1L Smartwater Bottle
Nalgene
Ursack Major 2XL

You can find more about my adventure on my Instagram! See you there!