Gear in the Wilderness
The weather here in Nabesna’s Wrangell mountains can change at any moment. We have seen sunshine, hail, snow, and rain in the same hour in June. There is really no way to predict all that could happen to you in the field, but there are ways to mitigate your exposure and make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable. Alaska’s summers are typically much cooler than most of the continental U.S. and many parts of the world, with daytime average temperatures around 55-65℉, and nighttime average temperatures around 45-50℉.
When you talk about the price of gear, the sky is the limit. We’ve had guests fully outfitted in Sitka, North Face, or Kuiu gear, ready to go into the wilderness, and trust us, it’s great gear but not everyone can or needs to spend $500+ on a rain jacket and pants for their visit here. We offer some budget-friendly tips we have found to help keep you warm and dry in the field spring through autumn.
In the warmer months (late May through August), we like to wear a quick-dry pant with zip-off legs to make the most of the sun and for wet trail crossings. You can find these pants in most price ranges from the various outdoor stores and sites; we can personally recommend the store brand from Bass Pro/Cabela’s having had two pairs worn religiously in the summer. They’re great if you get wet as they dry out fast, are fairly durable in the rocks, and their lightweight coverage helps keep the bugs off without overheating on warmer days. Cargo pocket styles are handy for carrying small trail essentials like camera, energy snack, sunglasses, etc.
For the top layer, we like a light long-sleeve thermal (polypropylene, silk, or wool) shirt under a t-shirt or button-up. They add extra warmth without much weight, keep the bugs off your skin, and can be peeled off as the day or your activity warms up. They pack down well and can be found from $20 to >$75. Keep in mind that natural fibers like wool and silk, while slightly more expensive, do not tend to hold on to odors after being washed like some synthetic fibers do (e.g., polyester, polypropylene). You can often find a matching type lightweight pant (“long johns”) that is good to layer under quick-dry pants for the cooler shoulder season months (April-May and late August-early October), or if you run a little cooler in the summer.
You will never be sorry for investing in high-quality raingear, but there are many budget-friendly options available. For most travelers, a lightweight, packable jacket and pants (Frogg Toggs set ~$50) will work for day hikes and occasional rain showers. They will keep you dry and handle light brush whacking, but for folks looking to spend more time in the backcountry or during spring and fall, when it’s cooler and tends to rain a bit more, we recommend more substantial rain gear that’s a little heavier weight. A 3-in-1 type jacket system that has a light jacket inside a waterproof outer shell allows you to dress up or down for the temperature and is more durable in the brush or scree. If it’s a nice day or you’re just going for a short hike, it’s still a good idea to take rain gear as it also acts as a good windbreaker for those crisp mountain breezes we often get in the high country. It will keep you dry and warm if you’re caught in an emergency situation and could potentially save your life.
A hat and gloves are also good items to have in your pack around here. We like inexpensive stocking caps and lightweight work gloves year-round, as they are warm but also durable in the rocks and brush on the trails. For folks with sun sensitivities, a hat with a brim can be especially helpful from late May through August when we have the most sunny days.
Do you see the moose?
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Sturdy hiking boots and wool/wool-blend socks are also highly recommended if you plan to hike in this area; wool is breathable so it cools when you’re hot, is warm when wet, and cushions your feet over rocks and uneven ground. Waterproof footwear is a good idea anywhere you go in Alaska, and especially here if you plan to hike Skookum Volcano or Caribou Creek as there can be water crossings and wet sections of trail. Trekking poles aren’t usually necessary for most of the area’s day hikes but can be incredibly useful if you’re carrying a heavy pack as with a multi-day backcountry trip or have back/knee joint or balance issues. We can recommend the lightweight telescoping poles you can find for around $30 for recreational use as they collapse for easier stowing in your pack or luggage if flying. If you’re planning more than a couple days’ trip, you may consider investing in a higher quality set of trekking poles that are slightly lighter and more durable.
Finally, anyone planning to hike or explore for more than an hour or two would do well to bring a small daypack or hip pack to hold their essentials:
Trail map/description – https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/nabesna-road-trails.htm
Raingear
A warm top like fleece jacket or wool sweater, if exploring in the cooler months outside June-August
Hat and gloves
Quart/liter of water
Lunch/snack
Camera/smartphone
Binoculars – highly recommended for spotting the area’s Dall sheep, trumpeter swans, moose, and numerous bird species
Headlamp/flashlight/torch – for months outside June-July, when it gets dark at night
Insect repellent and/or head net – useful late May-October
Toilet paper in a plastic bag
Small first aid kit for at least one member of your group – https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2021/05/first-aid-kits/
OPTIONAL: topographic map, GPS, compass if going off-trail/ route finding
The trails and routes here range from walking to strenuous, and any easy walk can become a difficult one if you’re unprepared for the weather conditions or there’s an unexpected injury. With proper planning, a few pieces of the right gear, and a sense of adventure, your trip will be enjoyable and memorable. We look forward to answering any questions you may have about what to bring.