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What To Bring
on Field Trips
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| We will be spending the greater part of the days in the outdoors
on these trips. Alaska in the fall can be very unpredictable, with
high probabilities of rain, snow, or freezing weather. Hence, you
must come prepared for virtually any conditions. For those of you
not used to traveling and working outdoors in the fall in Alaska,
here is a list of gear you should bring: |
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Clothing: good waterproof or treated boots (not tennis shoes).
On our trips, between mid September and mid October, we generally
do not require pack boots (i.e.,heavily insulated boots), but at
least bring good thick wool socks. Heavy pants and long-sleeve shirt.
Cotton is not recommended, because it gets wet and does not insulate
well when wet. The newer synthetics (i.e., brushed nylon pants,
fleece outerwear, etc) are very good alternatives, but the old wool
pants and shirts also work just fine. Undergarments - long underwear
(preferably a new synthetic or silk), including tops and bottoms
are recommended. Your outer layers should include a waterproof shell,
both pants and tops. Although Gore-Tex raingear is always great,
waterproof gear of lesser expense is also fine. A hat (wool or synthetic)
and gloves are also a necessity. A change of clothes is always recommended.
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| Personal Gear: A prepared outdoors person will always bring
some essential survival gear, especially in Alaska. This includes
a first aid kit, sun screen, space blanket, GPS or compass, map of
the area, matches or other fire starting materials, water bottle and
water, energy snacks and food (depending upon the length of trip).
Of course in summer, take bug repellent, and in winter, UV blocking
sunglasses. Longer trips, and trips into remote places requires additional
survival equipment (ask me if you are interested). |
| Sleeping Gear: On our trip to Placer Valley, we
will be spending the night in tents, and you will need to bring both
a sleeping bag and an insulated pad. Be sure to bring a sleeping bag
with sufficient loft to keep you warm. If you generally sleep cold,
make sure the bag is rated to at least 5-10 F. If you sleep pretty
warm, you can generally get away with a bag that is rated to a little
below freezing. |
| Food and Eating Utensils: We will probably decide
to cook collectively on the Placer Valley Trip, but normally only
dinners. Hence, you should come prepared with your own breakfast and
lunch materials, and snacks. You should bring your own eating utensils
(plate, spoon, fork, knife, cup). |
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