Rafting Trips on the Kongakut River

Packing List:   First layer: 1-2 pair liner socks (thin socks to wear under thicker ones, made of wool or synthetic "wicking" fibers like polypropylene or Capilene) Underwear (as many as you wish - nylon or other synthetics are preferable to cotton) 2 pair long underwear bottoms (synthetic fabric such as Lifa, polypropylene, Capilene or Thermax to wear under pants or shorts; 2 mid-weight (or 1mid-weight & 1 expedition weight if you chill easily, especially in early June or late August) 2 long-sleeve underwear shirts (polypropylene, Capilene, Lifa or similar synthetics; 1 mid-weight, 1 expedition weight) Mid-layer: 1 pair shorts (quick-drying nylon ones are ideal) 1 pair wool or fleece pants (should be loose fitting for a comfortable fit with long underwear underneath) 2 lightweight shirts (1 short-sleeve cotton or loose-fitting, 1 long-sleeve for sun and bug protection -Supplex nylon, Coolmax, light-weight polypropylene or Capilene) 1 sweater 1 warm jacket (Not down! Light- to medium-weight, fleece or Synchilla, or synthetic fiber-filled) Outer layer: 4-5 pair thick socks (synthetic or wool/synthetic blends dry more quickly than all-wool) 1 pair wind pants (or lightweight rain pants, large enough to wear over a base or insulating layer next to your skin; synthetic fabric such as nylon or Gore-tex) 1 windproof jacket (or lightweight rain jacket to wear over other layers; synthetic fabric like nylon or Gore-Tex) 2 types of hats: 1 warm wool or fleece ski-type hat that covers ears; also good for sleeping in on cool nights.  1 lighter hat for sun and/or rain (ball cap or wide-brimmed, non-cotton hat; bring one suitable for use in the rain if you prefer to wear a hat rather than use the hood on the rain jacket we provide) 1 pair waterproof gloves: for rainy or wet conditions - rubber gloves, hardware store or gardening variety; ideally these should fit over the gloves listed below. Please no neoprene gloves. 1-2 pair wool or fleece gloves for around camp at night or for under your rubber gloves on cool days.  Depending on the temperature and weather conditions, there may be times when you need only one or two layers of clothing instead of three layers. For sleepwear, we suggest sleeping in your long underwear shirts and bottoms. Footwear Lightweight hiking boots. You will be issued rubber boots for rafting, but for hikes and around camp you will want a pair of lightweight, water repellent hiking boots that do not take up a lot of room. Nike, Hi-Tec, Merrell and others make good trail boots. If you have weak ankles, make sure you have hi-top boots. Some guests also bring sports sandals for around camp. Boots will be stored in a "boot bag" so they don't need to fit in your issued dry bag. 1-2 pair insoles (felt or other cushioning material) to put inside rubber boots for comfort. Most Alaskans like to put insoles in their rubber boots to add some padding, improve the fit, and add warmth when wading in cold water. At night, take your insoles out to dry (from perspiration) - hang them up in the tent or slip them into your sleeping bag with you! Baggage Day pack: a daypack large enough to hold your sweater, rain gear, hat, gloves and camera. Your daypack will be used on hikes and will be the only baggage accessible to you while rafting. See packing notes. Size: 2,300- 3,000 cubic inches; approximately 16"x 6"x 24" or 18"x 7" x 24". A small waterproof ammo can is provided to store toiletries. We will issue each person two 2.2 cubic feet (1' x 2') dry bags. Bring your personal gear in something of similar dimensions such as two 1' x 2' duffels or a soft pack (no suitcases please). Everything you bring must fit into these two dry bags, including your sleeping bag and pad, except for your daypack, ammo can and hiking boots. Miscellaneous Identification: for border crossing; passport or birth certificate and photo ID, or photo ID and proof of nationality. Please check visa requirements for entering Canada if you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen. If you are traveling with children and both parents are not present, Canadian customs is requiring a notarized letter from the child's absent parent(s) saying that they are aware of their child's whereabouts. A photocopy of the missing parent's ID(s) and phone number are needed. Sleeping bag: synthetic only, good to +20 degrees F, compactable, backpacking-type.Not down! (Down loses its insulating qualities if it gets wet.) Rental available. Sleeping pad: closed-cell foam or Therm-a-rest or other compactable, backpacking-type pad. Rental available  Water bottle(s): 1 or 2 wide-mouth quart or liter size 1 pair sun glasses Bug repellent and/or headnet: bug conditions vary greatly depending on weather, wind, and campsite; some people are also more attractive to bugs than others. Many Alaskans use head nets as a toxic-free alternative to repellents. Sun screen (high SPF) and lip balm containing sunscreen Hand lotion. Ziploc bags (heavy-duty, freezer-type are best) & garbage bags (heavy-duty, compactor bags are best). See packing notes Personal toiletries: bring biodegradable, unscented products if possible. Please keep your toiletry kit small. A toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste may be all you need "in the field." Your toiletries should fit into a single, quart-size Ziploc bag. Bandana and/or small towel or washcloth Neck warmer. Like a hat, an item that will help to keep the rest of your body warm. Carabiner for attaching your daypack to the raft Additional Items Small flashlight or headlamp Small pocketknife Camera with extra battery & film Binoculars Reading & writing materials Foam earplugs are useful for bush flights and snoring tent partners.