You will need some dry bags to keep your stuff dry when rafting for several reasons. First, items may get wet from water splashing from whitewater; second, items might get wet if it is raining while you raft; and third, it is possible that the raft will flip. The red bag with pack straps is an NRS bag. We chose an NRS dry bag for each person that was large enough to hold a sleeping bag and clothing. These bags work by folding to create a seal and then cinching tight. Cost: ~$55 to $65. The tan bags are Watershed brand bags. Although a little more expensive, we chose them for our electronics such as cameras and GPS units because of their super tight zip lock style seal. Cost: ~$39 to $129. Note: Less expensive water resistant bags are also available. If you were only planning to do one trip, cheaper bags might be a good alternative to the more expensive dry bags. If you are going to make a habit of floating remote Alaska rivers, get the best you can afford.

First-Aid Kit: There are a number of websites that advise the type of first aid kit to take on wilderness adventures. Here are two such websites to get you started: www.outdoorclub.org/Firstaid.html ; www.wildmed.com/wma_faid.html

GPS: If you have maps, GPS units allow you to determine where you are, how far it is until your next destination, and allows you to monitor your progress downstream. If you need to call for help and have a satellite phone, GPS can give rescuers exact coordinates.

Satellite Phone (nice option): If you have any desire to maintain contact via telephone, it would be wise to take a satellite phone as cell phone coverage will be extremely limited to nonexistent.

Camp Chairs: Light weight, inexpensive folding camp chairs can be quite the comfort on an extended wilderness trip. Chairs such as the one pictured below can easily be purchased at sporting goods stores in Alaska and then donated if you do not wish to take up luggage space on the commercial airline with a $9 to $12 item.

Sleeping Bags: Even though it is daylight nearly 24 hours a day in Alaska, it does cool off considerably between sunset and sunrise. Rather than packing bulky pillows, we pack pillow cases to stuff with clothes for pillows.

Sunscreen: This is a must. Between the long hours of sunlight and the bright reflection off of the water, if you don’t use it, you will get burned. Take along lip protection as well.

Bug Repellent with Deet: There is no such thing as too much! We pack at least 24 ounces of the highest concentration of deet available per person.

Skin Moisturizers: A combination of cold-water contact, releasing fish, and deet bug sprays will dry out your hands.

Towels and Hand Towel: Used for washing in the creeks. Seven days is a long time on the river.

Toilet Paper: Three rolls per person for a seven day trip should work just fine, assuming you don’t get Giardia.

Water Purifying Pump: Save time and propane by not having to boil water for drinking water.

Rope: Light rope for clothes line and other miscellaneous tasks.

Duct Tape: If you are like us, you can fix just about anything with a good roll of duct tape. We used duct tape to repair a broken tent zipper . . . life or death in mosquito country.

Bear Protection: We would absolutely not go on a wilderness adventure float trip without some type of bear protection. We carry a 41 magnum and a 44 magnum. According to the statistics, bear attacks are extremely rare. That said, you will almost certainly see bears on Alaska wilderness float trips, and they will probably want to fish right were you are standing. See Alaska Fish and Game Website:

http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=bears.bearfax

Clothes: Keep in mind June/July temperatures typically range from 50 to 80 degrees, but it could be cooler or warmer. Also keep in mind it may be sunny, overcast, or there may be rain showers, or extended periods of rain at that time of year...or all three in one day. We have experienced all of the above on our week long trips to south central Alaska. See the Clothes List we provide.