Alaska-Yukon Expedition: What’s in My Pack? A Guide to Ultralight Backpacking

Posted by Mary Anne Potts on March 15, 2010
(63)
More »

Today adventurer Andrew Skurka begins an ambitious, seven-month expedition that will take him 4,720 miles across Alaska and the Yukon by skis, foot, and raft. Follow his blog dispatches here and his tweets via twitter.com/andrewskurka.

The contents of my pack are almost entirely need based. During this trip, my legitimate needs will include staying hydrated and nourished, keeping my body temperature regulated, and traveling efficiently and safely over the land–snow-covered tundra, glacier-fed rivers, and dense alder forests. I can think of only one item, my camera, which can be classified as a “want.” This Spartan approach to packing is easily explained: carrying more stuff means more work, and work, well, it’s generally not very fun.

The weight of an item is a major consideration in whether it makes the final cut, for there is an indisputable correlation between pack weight and the quality of one’s experience. But it’s not the only factor I consider–particularly on a trip like this, which will be hard on gear and has relatively few opportunities to replace things. Durability and versatility are also of great value. My RidgeRest Deluxe Solar sleeping pad is a case in point. It’s warmer for its weight than any inflatable pad, it won’t puncture, and, come springtime, I can cut it in half to make a suitable three-season pad.

Over the next 200 days I will experience a wide range of season-influenced conditions, and I will rotate gear in and out accordingly, via “maildrops” sent through the postal service. At the start, when I am 30 miles north of the Arctic Circle in mid-March, I will have multiple insulating layers, a gasoline-fueled stove with which I can melt snow for water, and a pyramid-shaped shelter that is capable of shedding snow and deflecting strong winds. When I reach the Parks Highway at the end of April, I will have a convenient opportunity to swap things out. At this point I will receive my three-season raingear, alcohol-fueled stove (made out of a 3-oz cat food can), and a 1-person, 4.5-pound inflatable boat known as a packraft that I use to float rivers and paddle across fjords. A less major transition will occur in the fall.

Below I have listed a few of the more items in my pack with short explanations. For a complete Gear List visit www.andrewskurka.com/AK10/gearlists.php.

Winter Kit

GoLite Pinnacle pack: 2 lbs, simple and light, yet durable and adequately featured.

Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid: 13 oz, pyramid-shaped tarp, excellent protection for its weight, has a modular-style bug net that I will add in the summer.

Vapor barrier liner clothing: non-breathable fabric that prevents perspiration from entering insulation (parkas, pants, sleeping bag), where it will dampen the insulation, resulting in a loss of loft.

Whisperlite International stove: can burn gasoline, which I can find regularly and easily in rural Alaskan villages; in comparison, fuel canisters are non-existent in these parts.

“Nordic mountaineering” ski setup: 200-cm-long metal-edged waxable skis, leather boots (with a Forty Below 3-mm-thick neoprene overboot), 3-pin telemark bindings, and carbon fiber poles.

GoLite Hooded Cady jacket: very warm for its weight; sewed on a coyote fur ruff to help block wind

Summer Kit

Alpacka packraft: a different, but completely critical, item in Alaskan wilderness – used to float or ferry across rivers, and paddle across saltwater bays; accompanied with a carbon fiber Sawyer paddle that’s ultralight yet powerful. My PFD is a nylon vest that uses three 2L Platypus bottles for floatation.

ULA EPIC pack: its unique “sandwich” design accommodates a packraft really well, and it’s very light for its load carrying capacity.

Alcohol stove: homemade from a 3-oz cat food can (try Fancy Feast); never breaks, never clogs, and never fails.

La Sportiva Fireblade running shoes: the best off-trail shoe that I’ve found – it’s low-to-the-ground, has a sticky outsole, has a very durable upper, and it breathes really well. The Fireblades pair well with DeFeet EcoTrekker merino wool socks during the Spring and Fall.

Keywords: , , , , , , , , , ,
(63)
More »

Related posts:

  1. Alaska-Yukon Expedition: Andrew Skurka Embarks on 4,720 Miles by Skis, Foot, Raft
  2. Alaska-Yukon Expedition: Just 4,600 Miles to Go? How to Stay Motivated
  3. Alaska-Yukon Expedition: Eat Fat – A Guide to the 5,000-Calorie Wilderness Diet
  4. Alaska-Yukon Expedition: Secrets to Surviving the Bitter Cold

Comments

  1. cheap air jordons
    March 29, 2010, 9:51 pm

    I appreciate your comments very much and want to thank you.

  2. propecia
    April 26, 2010, 12:36 pm

    i like this part of the blog:”“Nordic mountaineering” ski setup: 200-cm-long metal-edged waxable skis, leather boots (with a Forty Below 3-mm-thick neoprene overboot), 3-pin telemark bindings, and carbon fiber poles.” is very good

  3. Jordan 3
    June 4, 2010, 3:55 am

    I really liked this blog, very well prepared and with good topic of discussion.

  4. hydration backpack
    June 16, 2010, 2:59 pm

    Backpacking across Alaska, that sounds amazing. Of course I don’t think I would last half of the journey. I was wondering what camera you are taking with you and how you are going to power it?

  5. corn stoves
    July 29, 2010, 4:52 am

    far out, I think anyone that has the capacity to do this deserves to be recognized for it, an absolute mental barrier breaking achievement!

  6. Telemark Travis
    July 30, 2010, 8:12 pm

    Leather Telemark Boots? 200CM?
    That’s kick and gliding it old school.
    Where you happy with that setup?
    Did you have climbing skins?
    Thanks!
    Tele-Travis.

  7. Edinburgh Accommodation
    August 2, 2010, 8:39 am

    I am very glad that I have read your post. Hoping that this will not be the last post that I could be read written by you. I am waiting for your next post.

  8. Classified Toronto
    August 18, 2010, 3:33 am

    For food, bank on dense, high-calorie foodstuffs to go extra light. Nuts, energy bars, candy, peanut butter, croutons, and a couple Boost energy shakes are the way to go. More than gear, it’s the can-do mindset of an ultra-light hiker that will get him or her through. It can be scary heading onto the trail with minimal gear — and many miles ahead to travel. But once you’re trekking — feet moving fast, a lightweight pack on your back — hopefully the worries will fade away.

  9. tandem stroller
    August 21, 2010, 8:19 pm

    A light backpack is key to a light load. I often go with a foam-sheet-frame pack like the Inov-8 Race Pro 30. If the load is under 20 pounds (a good goal), a substantial internal frame is not needed.

  10. holyland tours
    August 30, 2010, 2:16 pm

    Traveling across the Alaska is a very brave and fascinating thing to do! The trip is very hard but I am more then sure that the experience is extremely rewarding. Best of luck!

  11. air jordans
    September 19, 2010, 10:01 pm

    Thanks for sharing your article. I really enjoyed it. I put a link to my site to here so other people can read it. My readers have about the same interets

  12. hollister clothing
    October 5, 2010, 2:01 am

    s a child I was slave to my impulses; now I am slave to my habits, as are all grown men. I have surrendered my free will to the years of accumulated habits and the past deeds of my life have already marked out a path which threatensdd

  13. patio seat cushions
    October 7, 2010, 9:26 am

    The weight of an item is a major consideration in whether it makes the final cut, for there is an indisputable correlation between pack weight and the quality of one’s experience.

  14. wall mounted pot rack
    October 9, 2010, 9:53 am

    The weight of an item is a major consideration in whether it makes the final cut, for there is an indisputable correlation between pack weight and the quality of one’s experience.

  15. king size bed sets
    October 11, 2010, 3:29 pm

    GoLite Pinnacle pack: 2 lbs, simple and light, yet durable and adequately featured.

  16. cheap and high quality handbags
    October 15, 2010, 9:29 am

    Im not going to say what everyone else has already said, but I do want to comment on your knowledge of the topic. You’re truly well-informed. http://www.taobao-trade.com.

  17. Trampolines
    October 19, 2010, 3:18 am

    I strongly believe that these will come up regularly and will last hopefully for the next decades.

  18. Travel Insurance over 75
    October 19, 2010, 11:40 am

    Nice article

  19. Truck Rental
    October 22, 2010, 10:27 pm

    Great Article ! I liked the ideas shared by you. I am shifting in new city next week. And I rented a truck for it. I wish everything will reach without any damage.

  20. Granite countertops
    October 23, 2010, 5:02 am

    Usually I do not post on posts, but I would like to say that this site really forced me to do it! Thanks, very good post. falling behind on mortgage payments is not something you want to willingly do; in fact, every measure possible should be taken in order to avoid that scenario.

  21. gucci.uk
    October 27, 2010, 5:05 am

    He didn’t love gucci sale her but married her and sent her Gucci skull gucci shoes ring, and she said no. At the age of three, running, whose voice is gucci sunglass not an injury?

  22. Moving Company
    October 27, 2010, 6:23 am

    Thanks for post ! It is the great idea of backpacking. Before moving out or going out for any few days , it is quite necessary make a list of things. We just moved in new city and we were totally confused from where should we start then we made a list and this made our task very easy.

  23. 动感超人
    November 1, 2010, 4:31 am

    Great articles and it’s so helpful.

  24. canada goose outlet
    November 8, 2010, 11:52 am

    there is an indisputable correlation between pack weight and the quality of one’s experience.

  25. family portrait ideas
    November 15, 2010, 2:31 am

    I like your post & I will always be coming frequently to read more of your post. Thank you very much for your post once more.

  26. Document imaging software
    November 16, 2010, 12:19 am

    Nice article. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your articles. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.

  27. Sourceoutdoor
    November 22, 2010, 5:06 am

    I’ve been to Alaska about 7 years ago, and i often Reminisce about that trip. I bought some really professional equipment on that voyage. But you bought a stove, so no point in telling you about how to do it right. Anyway, it was great reading about your impressions from your point of view.

  28. Best Bread Maker
    November 23, 2010, 8:10 pm

    Thanks for sharing the article! I’m going backpacking next month and these tips are really helping.

  29. Robert Creer
    November 30, 2010, 4:10 pm

    would like to hear more from Andrew Skurka.

  30. the rosetta stone
    December 20, 2010, 3:02 am

    >
    Hello,I love reading through your blog, I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation. Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts.

  31. memorial speech
    December 22, 2010, 8:19 am

    It is very rare these days to find blogs that provide information someone is looking for. I am glad to see that your blog share valued information that can help to many readers. Thanks and keep writing.

  32. Cruises 2011
    December 31, 2010, 7:42 am

    Great article thanks for this very useful information.

  33. Penis Enlargement
    January 20, 2011, 5:30 am

    I am thoroughly convinced in this said post. I am currently searching for ways in which I could enhance my knowledge in this said topic you have posted here. It does help me a lot knowing that you have shared this information here freely. I love the way the people here interact and shared their opinions too. I would love to track your future posts pertaining to the said topic we are able to read.

  34. horse race betting
    January 21, 2011, 2:35 pm

    wow! Alaska is a wonderful place to travel, I certainly enjoyed the way you explore your experience and
    knowledge of the subject! Keep up on it. Thanks for sharing the info

  35. Golf Tips For Beginners
    January 28, 2011, 3:34 pm

    You have become like a guiding light to me. When I started a project
    on similar topic I could not get enough information to carry further.
    But as soon as I read your article, my project is doing great and
    I hope to get an A+ this time. thanks

  36. Small Inflatable Boats
    February 6, 2011, 10:29 am

    Don’t forget also a small inflatable boats to get through the rivers :)

  37. holy land tours
    February 16, 2011, 10:53 am

    Visit to Alaska must be a fun and enjoying tour…i havent visited there..but after reading your experience i want to go there..may be i plan my tour to Alaska in winter with my friends..thanks for telling those things which are neccessary to carry…its true that durability and reliabily have to be taken into account..

  38. Alaska Travel Guide
    February 20, 2011, 12:22 pm

    wow, that’s an incredible trip you have planned. you must have spent as long planning the trip as you did taking it.

  39. mbt
    March 2, 2011, 10:29 pm

    I strongly believe that these will come up regularly and will last hopefully for the next decades.

  40. ferragamo shoes
    March 3, 2011, 2:57 pm

    the information of this post is very relevant
    for what i am looking for, thank you so much for sharing this one

  41. seo reseller packages
    March 17, 2011, 7:07 am

    As a social networking tool, blogs have the ability to generate traffic separate from search engine activity.  In recent years, blogs have generated significant interest with their potential to support and lead online marketing activities.

  42. Travel Guide
    March 17, 2011, 9:52 am

    prepare everything to go at any time with a quick and brief when it is needed especially in an emergency or disaster occurs so that we can anticipate with good self-rescue measures

  43. sex jobs
    April 6, 2011, 8:02 pm

    Very nice and interesting posts, this contain very useful and positive news, thanks indeed for sharing it

  44. become a male escort
    April 7, 2011, 5:13 pm

    This is sensational work, i am desperately looking forward..
    Thanks

  45. Costa Mesa Chiropractor
    June 15, 2011, 9:15 pm

    The weight of an item is a major consideration in whether it makes the final cut, for there is an indisputable correlation between pack weight and the quality of one’s experience. But it’s not the only factor I consider–particularly on a trip like this, which will be hard on gear and has relatively few opportunities to replace things.

  46. Huntington Beach Chiropractor
    June 15, 2011, 10:57 pm

    Paddle across saltwater bays; accompanied with a carbon fiber Sawyer paddle that’s ultralight yet powerful.

  47. Panasonic Review
    June 23, 2011, 6:14 am

    I backpacked throughout asia in 2006. It was the best fun I’d ever had.

  48. Maths Tutor
    July 6, 2011, 2:53 am

    The weight of an item is a major consideration in whether it makes the final cut, for there is an indisputable correlation between pack weight and the quality of one’s experience. But it’s not the only factor I consider–particularly on a trip like this, which will be hard on gear and has relatively few opportunities to replace things.

  49. costamesa chiropractic
    July 8, 2011, 7:30 pm

    I use to float rivers and paddle across fjords. A less major transition will occur in the fall.

  50. Discount Longchamp Bags
    July 9, 2011, 3:49 am

    Speaking of cheap, LuAnn’s subsequent end was in the workplace of her report producer, who experienced apparently been cryogenically frozen appropriate following the final time we saw him and was thawed out for final night’s episode Longchamp Le PliageDiscount Longchamp BagsSac Longchamp pas chersince he was putting on the exact similar douchey outfit, such as sunglasses indoors. Ladies, in the occasion you actually come upon a guy putting on sunglasses indoors, really feel totally free to go as significantly as him an unceremoniously kick him during the balls. He deserves it. The universe desires you to accomplish it. This person deserves an additional kick for bringing an additional LuAnn authentic to our still-bleeding ears, and also this time Jill also arrived towards the hearing session to produce a few of recommendations about how to produce the observe even worse better. additionally to beginner dentistry and economic advising, Jill Longchamp Discount HandbagsSac LongchampLongchamp Bags On SaleLongchamp Pursesalso dabbles in report producing.

  51. quail hill
    July 12, 2011, 9:09 pm

    I can cut it in half to make a suitable three-season pad.

  52. huntington beach chiropractor
    July 15, 2011, 7:44 pm

    I will have a convenient opportunity to swap things out. At this point I will receive my three-season raingear, alcohol-fueled stove (made out of a 3-oz cat food can), and a 1-person, 4.5-pound inflatable boat known as a packraft that I use to float rivers and paddle across fjords. A less major transition will occur in the fall.

  53. Jacoby Ford Jersey
    July 27, 2011, 5:48 am

    Everyone has their own opinions and views for things, I agree with your point of view

  54. send flowers to bahrain
    July 30, 2011, 4:13 am

    I liked it, and I thought there were a lot of subtleties and nuances that you don’t get right away. But that’s just my opinion, you’re completely entitled to yours.

  55. villa park mortgage brokers
    August 15, 2011, 8:36 pm

    fabric that prevents perspiration from entering insulation (parkas, pants, sleeping bag), where it will dampen the insulation, resulting in a loss of loft.

  56. Tutoring Services
    August 25, 2011, 1:47 am

    Wow, impressive trip of a lifetime! I hope you don’t forget to use the camera, can’t wait to see more pics. I wish I had the time to do something like this this year, good luck!

  57. Tutoring Services
    August 25, 2011, 1:48 am

    Wow, impressive trip of a lifetime! I hope you don’t forget to use the camera, can’t wait to see more pics. I wish I had the time to do something like this this year, good luck!

  58. cheap oakley sunglasses
    September 28, 2011, 9:41 pm

    Wonderful page may make endless growth, with thanks present, all the build up about skills can be to keep on getting to know, curiosity is normally the start of immense success.

  59. Hair Treatment Pakistan
    October 4, 2011, 7:28 am

    There are certain things mentioned in the article for expedition.I was thinking in near future for similar expedition.This article will definitely help me.

  60. JerseysBears
    October 11, 2011, 3:03 am

    Thank you

  61. elan-credit-card
    November 3, 2011, 1:08 am

    Thanks indeed for giving us some tips.

  62. Philadelphia House
    February 7, 2012, 11:59 am

    I really liked the post and the stories are really amazing , Thanks for sharing the informative post.