Planning an Alaskan dog sled adventure is exciting! The snowy trails, the barking huskies, and the thrill of riding a sled make memories you will never forget. But before the fun begins, you need to pack. Many first-time mushers ask: What gear do I get from my tour guide? What do I need to bring from home?
This guide will help you. It explains why some gear is provided and why other things must come from you. This means you stay safe, warm, and ready to enjoy the ride without heavy bags or missing items.
When you know what you really need, you save money, pack lighter, and avoid stress. This is extra helpful if you come from far away and want to pack your bags just right.
For extra help, visit our Plan Your Visit page or see our full Sledding Gear Checklist.
Why We Provide Special Gear
Alaska’s backcountry is cold, snowy, and windy. Many visitors come from warmer places and may never own snow pants or big boots. Even if you have warm clothes at home, they may not be strong enough for deep snow and long sled rides.
Because of this, we give you high-quality outer gear. These items are strong, windproof, and good for long hours outside. They also work well with our sleds and safety rules.
Here’s what you get:
- Heavy Parka: A big warm coat that blocks wind and snow.
- Snow Pants: Waterproof pants to wear over your base layer.
- Insulated Mittens: Thick mittens keep fingers warm. Gloves alone do not work well in very cold air.
- Snow Boots: Tall boots with thick liners keep your feet warm and dry.
- Sled Bags: Strong bags that stay tied to the sled.
- Sleeping Pads: Soft mats for sitting or sleeping if your trip has a camp night.
- Sled Safety Gear: Items like crampons (spikes for walking on ice) or helmets if your trail is extra icy.
Many of these items are not easy to find in warm places. They cost a lot too. This means it saves you money and space when we provide them for you.
How Our Gear Makes Your Trip Safer
Good gear keeps you warm and dry, but it does more. It keeps you safe. In winter, frostbite and wet clothes can be a big danger. If your jacket or boots are not strong enough, you can get very cold fast.
We test our parkas and boots on real trail trips. We know they work in snow, wind, and wet conditions. This means you do not have to worry if your coat is warm enough. We check each item before the season starts and keep it clean for every guest.
For glacier trips or steep ice trails, we add extra safety gear. Crampons help you walk on ice. A helmet keeps your head safe if you slip. You do not have to buy these special items for one tour.
What You Bring From Home: The Personal Basics
While we handle the heavy stuff, you bring the gear that fits close to your body. These items must fit you right, feel soft on your skin, and help you adjust to the cold.
Your Clothing Layers
Layers are the best way to stay warm and dry. If you get too hot, take off one layer. If you get a cold, add one back. Here’s what you pack:
1. Base Layer:
This is the first layer you wear. It sits right on your skin. Base layers pull sweat away from your body. This keeps you dry and warm.
- Good base layers are merino wool or synthetic.
- Bad base layers are cotton. Cotton holds sweat and makes you cold.
2. Mid-Layer:
This is your warm layer. It can be a fleece jacket or a light puffy coat.
- You wear this over your base layer and under your big parka.
- Sometimes you pack two mid-layers if it is very cold.
3. Extra Socks:
Always pack more than one pair of thick socks. When your feet get wet, you can switch fast. Dry socks make cold days feel much better.
4. Hats and Buffs:
Your head and neck lose heat fast. Bring a warm hat that covers your ears. Bring a buff or balaclava to cover your nose and mouth when the wind blows hard.
5. Extra Gloves:
Your big mittens are for the sled. But bring lighter gloves too. You may use them when helping the team or when setting up camp.
Personal Items You Need
Your guide does not supply your small personal things. Bring these:
- Sleeping Bag: Some tours offer these. Some do not. Bring one that can handle very cold nights. Ask us if you want to rent one.
- Headlamp: Days are short in winter. A small light helps you see your sled or bag at night.
- Water Bottle: You must drink water even if it is cold. Bring a bottle with a cover so the water does not freeze.
- Snacks: High-energy snacks like trail mix, chocolate, or bars are good for quick energy on the trail.
- Personal Medicine: Pack any daily medicine you need. Put it in a small dry bag so it stays safe.
- Toiletries: Bring small soap, toothbrush, lip balm, and wipes.
Why Good Layers Make a Big Difference
Alaska weather changes fast. Some days are mild and sunny. The next hour, snow can fall hard and winds can blow strong.
When you dress in layers, you stay ready. If you feel hot when helping the team, take off your mid-layer. If you stop for lunch on the trail, put it back on to stay warm.
Tip: Always keep your base layer dry. This is the first rule for staying warm. Wet clothes pull heat from your body fast. If your base layer gets wet, change it soon.
Sample Packing Chart
Use this table to plan what goes in your bag. Cross out what is not needed for your tour type.
| Gear We Provide | Gear You Bring |
| Big parka | Base layer tops and bottoms |
| Snow pants | Mid-layer fleece or puffy coat |
| Mittens | Extra socks and gloves |
| Snow boots | Hat and buff/balaclava |
| Sled and sled bags | Sleeping bag |
| Safety gear like crampons | Headlamp |
| Sleeping pads | Water bottle, snacks |
| Helmets (when needed) | Toiletries, personal meds |
Alaska Weather: Small Changes, Big Impact
When you travel here, the weather can surprise you. Some guests think Alaska is always cold and snowy. But that’s not true everywhere or every month. Alaska is huge. It has many climate zones. Near the coast, you can feel rain, wet snow, or heavy wind. Deep inland, the air can be dry and bitter cold. Knowing this helps you pack smart.
Example: In March, you might see bright sun and warm snow at noon, but icy winds at night. In June, the sun stays up late, but a cold rainstorm can blow through fast.
This is why we say: Always expect cold, wet, and wind — even in summer.
How Mushers Stay Warm: Learn from the Pros
Our guides spend long days with the dogs. They pack and dress in layers too. Here’s how real mushers think about gear:
- They wear clothes that dry fast.
- They pack spare base layers in dry bags.
- They bring light snacks to keep energy up.
- They never trust the weather to stay the same all day.
Because of this, you should pack like a musher! Bring fewer clothes, but make sure each piece works well in wet, windy, or freezing weather.
Choosing the Right Base Layer
Some people pack old cotton long underwear. This feels warm at first but fails fast when wet. Once cotton gets wet, it stays wet. Wet cotton pulls heat from your skin. This is dangerous on a cold trail.
Good choice: Merino wool is soft, warm, and dries fast.
Another good choice: Synthetic base layers (polyester blends) wick sweat away.
Pro Tip: Pack two base sets. Wear one, keep one dry as backup. If you get wet or sweaty, change fast.
Picking a Good Mid-Layer
A mid-layer is your heat trap. It holds warm air close to your body. If you get a cold, add this. If you get warm, take it off. Many mushers use:
- A fleece jacket
- A puffy jacket with down or synthetic fill
- A warm vest for extra chest heat
Pro Tip: A fleece and a puffy jacket work well together. They are light but warm. Together they trap heat without adding bulk under your parka.
Using Outer Layers Right
Your big parka and snow pants come from us. We check them, fix them, and keep them clean. These layers block wind and snow.
But you may pack a light shell too. Why? If your tour has warm parts (like summer cart rides), a thin rain jacket keeps you dry in light rain without needing the big parka.
Example: On a summer dryland mushing tour, you ride a cart with wheels instead of a sled. There might be no snow, but rain or mud can splash you. So bring a thin shell.
Smart Socks and Foot Care
Wet feet are the fastest way to ruin a sled trip. Mushers love warm, dry feet.
Pack this:
- Wool or synthetic socks.
- Extra pairs in a dry bag.
- Gaiters if your boots do not come up high (we give you boots, but extra protection helps some tours).
Skip this:
- Cotton socks. They hold moisture.
- Too many pairs. Bring a few good ones instead.
What to Bring for Hands and Face
Your hands and face are the first to feel cold. Frostbite can happen on ears, noses, and fingertips.
Pack:
- A warm hat or beanie that covers your ears.
- A buff or balaclava. A balaclava is like a hood that covers your neck and face.
- Thin glove liners. Wear them inside mittens. Take them off fast when you adjust gear.
Provided:
- We give you big mittens for the sled ride itself.
What About Shoes?
You do not need to bring big snow boots. We provide them. They fit most people and keep your feet dry.
Do bring:
- A pair of camp shoes for overnight tours. These are light slip-on shoes or down booties to wear inside the tent or cabin.
- Thin indoor socks for sleeping.
More Things to Skip
First-timers often pack too much. Heavy bags take up space on the sled. More weight means the dogs pull harder. Be kind to your dog team!
Do not bring:
- Heavy hiking boots for the sled days (use ours).
- Pots, pans, stoves — we cook for you.
- Sleeping pads — we provide them.
- Big extra backpacks — your small daypack is enough for snacks, water, or a camera.
Add Small Extras for Comfort
Some guests like tiny extras to feel cozy:
- A travel pillow or stuff sack you can fill with clothes.
- A sleep mask for bright cabins or tents.
- A book or journal to write about your adventure.
- A phone power bank (keep it warm so the battery stays strong).
Food, Drinks, and Snacks
We feed you on tour. We plan hearty meals for sledding days. But you can pack small trail snacks. Energy bars, nuts, or chocolate work well.
Drink tip: Bring a sturdy water bottle. Use an insulated one if you can. Drink often. Cold air dries you out fast.
Example: Your Day Bag
What do you carry with you on the sled? Most riders have a small bag tied in the sled. Inside you can keep:
- An extra mid-layer or buff.
- A small snack or candy.
- A headlamp for dusk stops.
- Sunglasses if the sun comes out.
Your bigger bag stays packed for the guide to load properly.
Don’t Make These Packing Mistakes
When people pack for Alaska the first time, they often bring too much or miss small but key things. Let’s break these common mistakes down step by step so you feel ready, not worried.
Mistake 1: Bringing Way Too Many Clothes
Packing extra is good — but not too much. Some guests pack three heavy coats, many thick pants, and extra boots. But guess what? You only wear one coat at a time! Heavy bags make your sled ride harder.
Better:
Bring the best layers, not the most layers. We give you the biggest items — parka, snow pants, boots. Bring smart base and mid-layers that you can mix and match.
Mistake 2: Trusting Cotton Clothes
This one matters so much we’ll say it again. Cotton kills warmth! It traps water. Many first-timers bring cotton sweatpants or shirts. Once wet, cotton feels freezing.
Better:
Bring wool or synthetic. They dry fast and keep heat even when damp. A dry base layer keeps you warm and strong for the whole sled day.
Mistake 3: Forgetting a Spare Dry Set
Some people pack one pair of long underwear. One fleece. That’s risky. If you spill water or sweat too much, you have no dry backup. Once you get chilled, it’s hard to warm up.
Better: Always pack a backup base layer set. If you never need it, great! If you do, you’ll be so glad you have it.
Mistake 4: Not Protecting Toes and Fingers
Frozen toes can make you miserable. Some folks wear thin socks and no liners under mittens. Once your fingers or toes go numb, you can’t enjoy the ride.
Better: Bring thick wool socks. Pack spares. Wear thin glove liners under our big mittens. Keep spare gloves in your sled bag too.
Mistake 5: Not Planning for Sun, Wind, and Bugs
It may surprise you — but yes, sunburn happens in winter! The snow reflects sun back up. Strong winds dry your skin fast. In late spring or early fall, bugs can pop up too.
Better: Pack sunglasses, lip balm, and sunscreen. For spring and summer tours, bring bug spray or a bug net hat if you plan to camp out.
A Smart Guest Uses the Packing List
Before your trip, print or save our sledding gear checklist. Tick off each item when you pack your bag. If you don’t see something on the list, ask! We can help. We update this list every season so it stays useful.
Easy Packing Table
Here’s another easy table to help you pack step by step:
| Provided by Us | Bring Yourself |
| Big parka | Base layers (2 sets) |
| Snow pants | Mid-layer fleece or puffy |
| Mittens | Extra warm socks |
| Insulated snow boots | Glove liners |
| Sled gear and bags | Hat, buff or balaclava |
| Crampons/helmets (if needed) | Headlamp, sunglasses |
| Sleeping pads | Sleeping bag, small pillow |
| Water bottle, snacks | |
| Lip balm, sunscreen, bug spray | |
| Personal meds, toothbrush, wipes | |
| Small dry bags, phone pouch |
Smart Ways to Pack: Step by Step
When you pack for your dog sled adventure, think small, light, and dry.
Roll Up Clothes
Rolling layers keeps them neat and saves space. Rolled clothes fit better in dry bags or packing cubes.
Use Small Dry Bags
Snow, wind, and wet sled bags can make clothes damp. Use dry bags for spare socks, base layers, and electronics.
Keep Essentials Handy
Your guide packs big bags deep in the sled. You won’t open those during the ride. Keep small things in a day bag near you:
- Snacks for fast energy
- A spare buff or hat
- Headlamp for sunset stops
- Sunglasses in a soft bag
- Phone or camera in a zip pouch
Mark Your Bag
Many people bring black bags. Add a bright tag or strap. This makes it easy to find yours at camp or when your guide unpacks sleds.
Be Kind to the Dogs — Pack Light
Remember, the dogs pull all the gear and people. A heavy bag means more work for them. Keep your pack light so the dogs can run strong and happy.
How Our Guides Make It Easy
When you arrive, our team checks your bags with you. We double-check if you forgot anything big. If you missed a base layer or socks, we’ll tell you where to buy local gear or rent what we can.
This saves you stress. It keeps you warm and safe for the best adventure.
Practice Wearing Your Layers
A great tip: test your clothes before you come. Put on your base, mid, and outer layers at home. Bend, stretch, sit down. Can you move well? If something feels tight or itchy, switch it now.
This makes you comfy when riding, helping mush, or setting up camp.
What If You Forget Something?
Don’t worry — we help you fix it. If you arrive without snow boots, we have spares. If you forget your sleeping bag for an overnight tour, we can rent one if we know ahead of time. Always email us if you have questions. If you’d like to give back or sponsor a dog, explore ways to Support the Kennel.
Before You Travel: Smart Last Steps
You’ve planned your adventure. You’ve read the checklist. Now you just need to pack up and get here! But before you leave, take a few final steps so you feel calm and excited, not rushed or worried. Feeling ready to ride? Book Now to lock in your sled dog adventure with our expert mushers.
Review Your Final Gear Pile
Spread your clothes and gear on a bed or clean floor. Pick up each piece. Ask yourself:
- Does this keep me warm?
- Will I really wear it?
- Did I pack my backup base layer?
- Did I skip cotton?
If you spot old cotton long johns or heavy extras you don’t need — take them out! This saves weight for your sled team.
Test Your Layers One More Time
Try on your full outfit. Wear your base layer, mid-layer, hat, and gloves at the same time. Can you bend, move, squat down? If it feels tight or itchy, swap it now.
Many guests test their layers in a cold garage or backyard. This way, you feel how your outfit works in real cold air.
Charge Your Essentials
Cold weather drains batteries fast. Before your flight or drive:
- Fully charge your phone.
- Charge your headlamp.
- Bring an extra power bank.
- Pack cords in a small dry pouch.
Travel Day: What to Keep Close
When you travel, keep these important things close:
- Your base layer and socks — if luggage is delayed, you still have warm gear.
- Any needed medicine.
- Your printed packing list.
- A small snack in case you get hungry while traveling.
What Happens When You Arrive: Step-by-Step
You made it to Alaska! Now what? Here’s how it works with us:
Meet Your Guide
We greet you with a big smile. We help unload bags. We show you where to check in.
Gear Talk
We look at your bag. We ask about base layers, socks, and your sleeping bag if needed. If something is missing or not warm enough, we help fix it right away.
Gear Fitting
We fit you for the big parka, snow pants, mittens, and boots. We check sizes so you stay warm on the sled.
Safety Tips
We explain sled safety, dog commands, and how to stand or sit. We answer any last packing questions too.
Our Goal: No One Left Cold
Many first-timers worry they might get too cold. But don’t stress. We are here to keep you cozy and confident.
If weather shifts fast, your guide will help you:
- Add or remove layers.
- Dry wet socks at camp or a warm hut.
- Use hand warmers if needed (we have spares).
Extra Tips for Families and Groups
Families and friends often join our tours together. Here’s how to pack smart for groups:
- Kids: Bring extra mittens. Small hands get cold fast. Pack favorite snacks to keep kids happy on the trail.
- Parents: Bring an extra base layer for yourself in case you get wet helping kids.
- Groups: Pack bags with each person’s name tag. It’s easy to mix up bags in a pile of sled gear!
What If You’re Nervous?
Some guests feel shy or worried before their first sled ride. They think: Will I fall off? Will I be too cold? Will the dogs listen to me?
Don’t worry! Your guide teaches you everything. The dogs are trained and love to run. And with good layers, you stay warm and focused on the fun — not on frozen fingers.
Small Extras Guests Love
We see guests bring fun little things that make trips cozy:
- A tiny hot water bottle for bedtime on overnight tours.
- A soft neck pillow for travel days.
- A small notebook to write trail stories.
- A GoPro or phone for videos — but pack it warm! Cold drains batteries fast.
One Last Trail Tip
When you zip up your bag, pause for one moment. Picture the dogs barking with excitement. Picture the sled skimming fresh snow. Picture your breath in cold air and a trail ahead of you.
Then smile — because you packed smart. You are ready.