Ultralight Backpacking Gear List Alaska: The Dream List
Well, you don't need any of this stuff. But Alaska can be gnarly. And having really nice gear can be really nice. This is our dream gear list—handpicked for ultralight, high-performance backcountry travel through Alaska mountains regardless of cost. Well… it will work in a lot of places… but Alaska requires more from your gear than most other places… more warmth, more ability to get soaked and still function, more toughness to holdup while bushwhacking through overhead Alder. If you’re looking for the best, this is it. This list is aimed at a mix of being pretty lightweight while still feeling super comfy being out for weeks on end. For sure you could go a lot lighter. But we find this to be an awesome balance. From the comfort of your home it's easy to forget what 33 degrees and sideways rain feels like :)
Backpack & Shelter
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 70 – A rugged, lightweight pack built for big loads in tough conditions. The 70L size is ideal for carrying extra food, layers, and group gear without feeling bulky. After maybe 100-200 days of use it's a good idea to start lining it with a trash bag to keep things waterproof.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Pocket – Adds extra storage for quick-access items like maps, gloves, or snacks.
Hyperlite UltaMid 4 – The ultimate ultralight pyramid shelter for bombproof protection in Alaska’s unpredictable weather. It sheds wind exceptionally well and provides ample space for bad-weather cookouts inside. You could go without the insert to cut weight, but I love the feeling of protection from having the bathtub floor. Either bring ski straps or a little velcro thingy to attatch your two trekking poles together.
MSR Dynaloack Ascent Trekking Poles – Part of your shelter setup. Essential for off-trail terrain. Helpful for river crossings and descending steep tundra slopes.
Sleep System
Enlightened Equipment Enigma Apex – A synthetic quilt that balances warmth and packability, perfect for Alaska’s damp conditions. Unlike down, synthetic insulation retains warmth even when wet, making it the superior choice in humid environments.
Thermarest NeoAir – A warm, lightweight, and comfortable sleeping pad for deep rest in the backcountry. A good night’s sleep is key to staying sharp in remote areas.
Clothing
Upper Body
Arc'teryx Sun Hoody – A lightweight, breathable layer for sun and bug protection. Long sleeves help keep the bugs off, and synthetic material dries quickly.
Patagonia Houdini (optional) -- this is a luxury item. But it can be super nice for keeping the bugs off of you during warmer days when wearing your hardshell would get too sweaty. **
Midweight Puffy Jacket (Rab Xenon) – Essential insulation for warmth. Balances packability and warmth, making it a staple for every trip.
Heavy Synthetic Puffy Jacket (Patagonia Das Parka) – Critical for staying warm at camp. Synthetic insulation means you don’t have to stress about keeping it dry.
Rain Jacket (Arc'teryx Alpha FL or similar) – Fully waterproof and breathable outer shell. Alaska’s weather is unpredictable, and a high-quality rain shell is crucial for comfort and safety.
Lower Body
Synthetic Puffy Pants (Black Diamond Stance Belay or similar) – Game-changing camp comfort. When it’s cold and wet, these make all the difference.
Arcteryx SV Bibs – Fully waterproof with side zips for ventilation, and the bibs keep you so cozy when the rain is sideways. Unlike regular rain pants, they offer better coverage and protection.
Arcteryx Gamma SL Hiking Pants – Lightweight, durable, and non-cotton for all-day wear. Tough enough to handle bushwhacking and scrambling.
Base Layer Bottoms (Wool or Synthetic) – Optional but helpful for added warmth on colder nights.
Underwear (1-2 pairs, non-cotton) – Moisture-wicking for comfort, because dry underwear makes a huge difference in morale.
Footwear
Salomon Speedcross Trail Runners w/ Mini Gaiters – The ideal combination of grip, comfort, and durability for covering ground efficiently. These dry quickly, making them better than heavy, waterlogged boots.
Holeys (very hard to find) or Crocs w/o holes + Vapor Barrier Socks – Keep feet warm and dry in wet conditions, a game-changer for Alaskan expeditions. Your feet will get wet, so keeping them warm is key.
Wool Socks (3-4 pairs, Darn Tough or Smartwool) – Essential for warmth and blister prevention. Having a dedicated dry pair for sleeping is a luxury that makes a huge difference.
Plastic Bags — Having some thick and tall plastic bags to put over your feet and inside your crocs / holies / whatever can be wonderful for keeping your feet dry in camp on rainy days.
Head & Hands
Showa 282 Gloves – Insulated waterproof gloves that excel in wet and cold environments. Most gloves fail in prolonged rain, but these stay functional.
Bug Headnet – Essential for protection against Alaska’s relentless mosquitoes. There are few things worse than swatting at bugs all day.
Sun Hat – For sun protection in exposed areas like tundra and glaciers.
Julbo Sunglasses (Sporty, UV-protective) – Necessary for glacier and snow travel. Snowblindness is no joke.
Navigation & Emergencies
iPhone 14 + Gaia GPS App w/ downloaded maps + Anker Battery Pack – Reliable digital navigation with backup power to keep you on course. Always download maps before heading into the backcountry.
Garmin Forerunner Watch w/ Alarm (Waterproof, Reliable) – Critical for tracking time in the backcountry, whether pacing your day or ensuring an alpine start.
Suunto M3 Global Compass -- A great tool. Usually stays in the bottom of the bag for emergencies (phone dies).
USGS Maps-- load your route onto CalTopo and print it out. Or buy the usgs quads if you're committed to going old school. It's pretty important to have a backup so you're not hosed when you drop your phone into the river. You could also load maps onto your inReach if you have the big one.
InReach Mini -- Well, actually I prefer the large model so i'm not reliant on my phone. But either one is great. Make sure you have the textable number of your pilot and anyone you need to contact before getting out into the field.
Wilderness Rescue Insurance — If you’re headed into super far out there places it probably makes sense. If you have an InReach, ger SAR 100 insurance. If not, get a Global Rescue Annual Membership (affiliate link :) or a membership that covers the number of days you’ll be in the field.
First Aid Kit — Leuko Tape works best for blisters. Vaseline-soaked cotton balls are an awesome emergency (or non-emergency) fire-starter. But of course bring a full kit of things.
Cooking & Hydration
MSR Windburner – A windproof stove system that boils water fast, no matter the conditions. Make sure you confirm fuel transport with pilots.
Mini Lighters — Bring a few and keep them dry.
Long Spoon (Toaks Titanium or Similar) – Essential for eating from meal pouches without getting your hands messy.
Bowl (or rinse and reuse dehy bags) + ½ L Nalgene – For eating and hot drinks. Having a baby Nalgene is a game-changer for cold mornings.
Hydrapak 1L Bottle – A flexible, durable water bottle for easy hydration on the go.
Aquamira Drops – The best ultralight water treatment for Alaska’s backcountry. Or just don’t use anything… in AK, you often don’t need to treat water.
Toiletries (Toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, lip balm, menstrual kit if needed) – Keep it minimal. Weight adds up fast.
Small Waterproof Stuff Sack (Sea to Summit Dry Bag) – To keep electronics and essentials dry.
Bear & Wildlife Safety
Ursack (or Nothing at All) – An Ursack keeps food secure without the weight of a canister. Sometimes I just sleep with my food (not for everyone and not an official recommendation).
Bear Spray – Non-negotiable for traveling in bear country. You likely won’t need it, but it’s critical to have.
Extras & Optional Items
Petzl Bindi Headlamp – Bright, lightweight, and reliable for reading in the tent or shoulder season travel.
Montbell Umbrella (optional) – Adds versatile rain and sun protection without adding much weight. Great for ventilation in warm rain.
Insect Repellent – Optional but useful for bug-heavy areas.
Paperback Book or Kindle – For entertainment. Helps with long nights in the tent.
Eye Sleep Mask – Helpful for sleeping under 24-hour daylight conditions.
Bandana – Multi-use item for sweat, cleaning, and backup sun protection.
Bite Away — Europeans swear by these things for stopping the itch from mosquito bites.
Final Thoughts…
This gear list prioritizes ultralight durability, efficiency, and adaptability—essentials for any serious Alaska expedition. Every item is chosen for a specific reason—either it keeps you warm, dry, moving fast, or lightens your pack.
Alaska is harsh, and weight adds up quickly. Keeping gear minimal but highly functional allows you to move efficiently and enjoy the wild landscapes without suffering under an overloaded pack. Whether you’re trekking across tundra, navigating glacial valleys, or pushing through dense brush, these are the best choices to keep you safe, comfortable, and moving fast.
Got questions or want help planning your next trip? Reach out for expert advice and guided adventures!
Happy exploring,
Jack and the IAG Fam.
