packing
list
Please review this suggested packing list for your upcoming stay at Borealis Basecamp!
**Winter gear IS available to borrow/rent, details can be found at the end of this list.
Fall Weather
Late August to mid-November is our “fall” season, and average temperatures are as follows:
August: High 67°F / Low 46°F
September: High 55°F / Low 35°F
October: High 36 °F / Low 20°F
November: High 10°F / Low -4°F
We can start receiving a light snowfall as early as mid-October depending on the year, but usually do not have enough coverage to run our “winter” activities until mid-November. The key to visiting Alaska at any time of the year is layers, layers, layers. Layering your clothing allows you to adjust your temperature as needed, as is it isn’t uncommon to experience “four seasons in a day” at this latitude! What follows are some loose guidelines to help you prepare:
A thermal top and bottom base layer is a good place to start. Wicking materials that keep moisture away from your body are best, such as polyester, merino wool, or silk. Cotton is NOT recommended.
Suggested brands: Patagonia, Smartwool
Next up is an “expedition weight” base layer, or alternatively a lightweight stretch fleece layer. Hiking/trekking pants (light to mid-weight, stretchy) are suggested over your bottom base layers.
Suggested brands: Patagonia, Rab, Black Diamond
A jacket that provides insulation, such as a mid to heavyweight fleece or a lightweight down/synthetic “puffy” jacket will help keep you warm on cooler days.
Suggested brands: Patagonia, Rab, Black Diamond
Consider a windproof softshell or waterproof hardshell (Gore-Tex) addition to your wardrobe. Interior Alaska does not receive an overwhelming amount of rainfall, but it’s never a bad idea to come prepared. Breathable softshells will keep you comfortable in windier conditions.
Suggested brands: Arc’teryx, Patagonia, Rab, Black Diamond
Hands: For most of the fall, thin to thick liner gloves will be sufficient. Heavier winter gloves/mittens will be appropriate as temperatures begin to drop. Suggested brands: Icebreaker, Outdoor Research, The North Face, Black Diamond.
Head: A hat or beanie that covers your ears (wool or fleece are best), as well as a neck gaiter or buff (fleece or synthetic microfiber), will keep you comfortable from the neck up! Suggested brands: Patagonia, Buff, The North Face
Feet:Lightweight hiking socks, in wool or polyester, will keep your feet driest and happiest.
Suggested brands: Smartwool, Darn Tough.
Hiking boots and/or running shoes will be sufficient early season. As temperatures drop, most people will want warmer, insulated winter boots to get around in. Good traction is always a huge plus!
Suggested brands for hiking boots: Salomon, Merrell, Keen, Vasque
Suggested brands for winter boots: Sorel, Columbia, Baffin
- Sunglasses
- Personal Toiletries (your igloo will contain shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels, and a hair dryer)
- Camera
- Chargers
- Headlamp (phone flashlights are fine as well)
- Dry snacks
- Bathing suit
** At Basecamp, we have winter gear available for all of our guests. Carhartt Coveralls, insulated parkas, winter mittens, and NEOS overboots (footwear to be worn over your shoes to make them more winter capable!) are available to borrow free of charge for all activities. If you would prefer to rent these items for the duration of your stay, pricing can be found below:
- Parkas: $20/ day
- Snowpants: $20/day
- Mittens: $10/day
- Overboots: $10/day
- Snowsuit with mittens and overboots: $35/ day
Winter and Spring Weather
The rest of our season runs mid-November through early April, and average temperatures are as follows:
November: High 10°F / Low -4°F
December: High 4°F / Low -10°F
January: High 0°F / Low -15°F
February: High 13°F / Low -8°F
March: High 26°F / Low -1°F
April: High 47°F / Low 21°F
Suggested packing for winter and spring will include EVERYTHING mentioned in the FALL packing list (above), with some modifications/additions (below).
Your outermost layer during the coldest months will be a heavier down or synthetic insulated hooded jacket, large enough to fit over your multiple layers underneath. Insulated snow pants will keep your lower half warm.
Suggested Brands: Patagonia, Rab, Marmot, Canada Goose
The warmer options noted in the FALL packing list. “3-in-1” gloves with a removable liner are recommended, or insulated mittens will keep your fingers warmest.
While a buff or two is usually sufficient, some people choose to bring a balaclava and/or face mask to keep minimal skin exposed on the face.
Thicker, heavyweight socks will keep feet warmer in winter boots. Make sure your boots do not fit tightly, however, as less circulation will ultimately make your feet colder. The winter boot options noted in the FALL packing list will be best in these months, when an abundance of snow is the norm.
Micro spikes, or “yak traks”, provide additional traction on slippery days Ski goggles can reduce the “fog factor” when wearing face layers.
REMEMBER This “layering” system is meant to have you adding and removing items as needed. It will almost NEVER be necessary to be wearing all of your layers at once—mixing and matching options will help keep you as comfortable as possible throughout your stay!
** At Basecamp, we have winter gear available for all of our guests. Carhartt Coveralls, insulated parkas, winter mittens, and NEOS overboots (footwear to be worn over your shoes to make them more winter capable!) are available to borrow free of charge for all activities. If you would prefer to rent these items for the duration of your stay, pricing can be found below:
- Parkas: $20/ day
- Snowpants: $20/day
- Mittens: $10/day
- Overboots: $10/day
- Snowsuit with mittens and overboots: $35/ day
