Our gear is rigorously tested in Alaska’s diverse environments to ensure it meets the highest standards of durability and performance. Explore our top picks.
Brand: Keen
Model: Targhee IV Waterproof
Available at: Amazon • REI
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The Keen Targhee IV has been a go-to for our Alaska adventures — from forest trails to rocky ascents. What stood out most? Comfort straight out of the box. No break-in period, no hotspots.
Tested on multi-day hikes around the Chugach Range and muddy trails near Wrangell-St. Elias, the Targhee IV handled wet terrain and rocky scrambles with solid traction and ankle support. Waterproofing kept our feet dry through surprise stream crossings and soggy moss beds.
Excellent out-of-box comfort — no break-in required
Waterproof and breathable membrane held up well in wet terrain
Grippy sole worked great on loose rock and mud
Generous toe box = less cramping on long days
Rugged build, held up through 100+ miles of tough trail use
A bit bulkier than ultralight options
Laces can wear out faster than the boot itself
Not ideal for narrow-foot hikers (may feel too roomy)
Highly recommended for Alaskan summer adventures — especially for travelers needing a reliable, all-purpose hiking shoe that won’t let them down halfway up a mountain. Great for both day hikes and extended treks with moderate loads.
Camping in Alaska means dealing with unpredictable weather, rough terrain, and long nights. The right gear keeps you warm, dry, and comfortable, so you can focus on the adventure. Here are some trusted camping essentials tested for Alaska’s wild conditions.
Key Items Reviewed
Tents: Lightweight, waterproof, and easy to set up. Look for models that handle wind and rain well.
Sleeping Bags: Rated for cold temperatures, compressible for packing.
Camping Stoves: Compact, fuel-efficient, and reliable in cold weather.
Lighting: Headlamps and lanterns with long battery life.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is a favorite for backpackers and car campers alike. It’s lightweight, easy to pitch, and built to withstand Alaskan winds and rain. Setup is quick, with durable poles and high-quality waterproof fabric.
Comfort: Spacious for two people with room for gear.
Durability: Reinforced seams and rugged floor keep moisture out.
Weight: Around 3 lbs — perfect for carrying on hikes.
Price: Mid to high range, but great value for longevity.
Buy the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent on Amazon
Why We Recommend It
This tent strikes a balance between lightweight design and toughness, perfect for most camping trips in Alaska. Whether you’re car camping at a state park or backpacking into the backcountry, it will keep you protected and comfortable.
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Alaska offers some of the best fishing and water adventures in the world — from river fly-fishing to kayaking along rugged coastlines. The right gear makes all the difference for safety, comfort, and success on the water.
Key Items Reviewed
Fishing Rods & Reels: Durable, lightweight, and designed for both freshwater and saltwater.
Waders & Boots: Waterproof, breathable, and comfortable for long hours standing in cold streams.
Life Jackets & PFDs: Comfortable, safety-certified, and designed for active use.
Waterproof Gear Bags: Keep your essentials dry while on the move.
The Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod is an excellent choice for anglers looking for a reliable and versatile rod for Alaska’s rivers and lakes. It combines performance with durability, perfect for beginners and experienced fishers alike. Easily broken down and safely transported to Alaskan backcountry.
Performance: Smooth casting action, great for various fly fishing techniques.
Durability: Built to handle rugged conditions and repeated use.
Weight: Lightweight yet strong, easy to carry during long fishing trips.
Price: Mid-range, offering excellent value.
Buy the Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod on Amazon
Why We Recommend It
This rod is designed to perform well in Alaska’s diverse fishing environments, from small streams to larger lakes. Its reliability and ease of use make it a top pick for both casual and serious anglers.
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Whether you’re watching grizzlies fish for salmon or capturing the northern lights over Denali, the right gear can make or break your experience. You need equipment that can withstand harsh elements, stay quiet and stable in the field, and deliver stunning results.
Key Items Reviewed
Binoculars & Spotting Scopes: Lightweight, weather-resistant optics for wildlife at a distance.
Cameras & Lenses: Durable, cold-resistant cameras with zoom lenses for capturing action.
Tripods & Mounts: Sturdy but portable tripods for steady shots on uneven terrain.
Weather Protection: Dry bags, lens rain covers, and gear wraps to shield equipment in unpredictable weather.
The Nikon Monarch M5 offers excellent clarity and brightness, even in low-light conditions common in Alaska’s forests and tundra. Rugged and waterproof, these are our top pick for wildlife enthusiasts.
Optical Quality: Crisp, high-contrast visuals, even at dawn or dusk.
Comfort: Lightweight with rubber grips and adjustable eyecups.
Durability: Waterproof, fog-proof, and tough enough for backcountry travel.
Price: Affordable for the quality—great value for avid adventurers.
Buy the Nikon Monarch M5 on Amazon
Why We Recommend It
These binoculars hit the sweet spot between professional performance and packability. They’re ideal for spotting bears, eagles, caribou, and other wildlife from a safe distance — and light enough to carry on all-day treks.
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Alaska’s winter can be brutal — frigid temperatures, biting winds, and deep snow demand gear that’s not just warm, but built for survival. Whether you’re snowshoeing across tundra, photographing frozen waterfalls, or chasing the northern lights, this gear will keep you safe and comfortable.
Key Items Reviewed
Insulated Boots: Waterproof, high-grip boots that stay warm in subzero temps.
Base & Mid Layers: Merino wool and synthetic blends for warmth without bulk.
Parkas & Shells: Windproof, insulated outerwear that holds up in snowstorms.
Gloves & Accessories: Touchscreen-compatible gloves, face masks, and hand warmers.
The Baffin Impact is a heavy-duty boot built for extreme cold. Rated for -148°F (-100°C), they’re a go-to for extended time on frozen lakes, trails, or snowmachines.
Warmth: Double-layer insulation keeps toes warm even when standing still.
Traction: Aggressive tread for icy and snowy terrain.
Fit: Bulky but surprisingly flexible, with a locking snow collar.
Price: Premium, but worth it for deep-winter use.
Buy the Baffin Impact on Amazon
Why We Recommend It
These boots are trusted by Arctic workers, ice anglers, and backcountry trekkers. They’re overkill for casual town wear but perfect for anyone heading off-grid or spending long hours outside in deep cold.
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Alaska’s backcountry isn’t just wild — it’s wilderness. No cell signal. No trail signs. No room for gear failure. Whether you’re out for remote hunting, a solo survival trek, or just prefer living on the edge, this gear is chosen to keep you alive and thriving.
Key Items Reviewed
Knives & Tools: Fixed-blade survival knives, multitools, hatchets.
Firestarters: Ferro rods, waterproof matches, and backup ignition.
Shelter Solutions: Lightweight tarps, bivy sacks, and cold-weather-rated tents.
Water Filtration & Purification: Compact filters and chemical treatments.
Navigation Tools: GPS devices, topo maps, and old-school compasses.
Built like a tank but surprisingly affordable, the Morakniv Garberg is a full-tang workhorse that’s become a favorite among Alaskan guides and bushcrafters.
Blade: 4.3″ stainless steel, Scandi grind — sharp, durable, and easy to maintain.
Handle: Ergonomic rubber grip, easy to hold with gloves or wet hands.
Sheath: Available in leather or MOLLE-compatible plastic.
Versatility: Great for carving, food prep, firestarting, and batoning wood.
Buy the Morakniv Garberg on Amazon
Why We Recommend It
It’s rare to find a knife this capable for under $100. It punches way above its weight class and pairs well with any survival kit — a staple for Alaska’s wild places.
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