Using the right gear can mean the difference between life and death on a remote Alaska float-hunt. Here is the most important gear we used on our recent trip.
Packrafts: Alpaka Raft Forager and Pristine Ventures PR-49 with PFDs and 240cm Aqua-Bound Shred Carbon paddles. MSRP: Forager $1,595-$2,250, Aqua-Bound Shred Carbon Paddle $260; alpackaraft.com | PR-49 $1,550-$1,625; pristineventures.com.
Clothing/Raingear: Sitka Gear (lightweight and capable). MSRP: $40-$489; sitkagear.com.
Sleep System: Big Agnes Battle Mountain 3 tent and insulated Air Core Ultra pad (warm synthetic bag; you’ll sleep like a baby). MSRP: $849.95; bigagnes.com.
Rifle: T/C Venture in .300 Win. Mag. (due to a gunsmithing accident, I ended up taking my backup rifle). MSRP: $578; tcarms.com.
Miscellaneous: compass, 200 feet of para-cord, 12x14-foot tarp, Pristine VenturesTAG meat sacks, headlamps, folding saw, knives and more (all this stuff may be your regular hunting gear; just make sure it’s quality and waterproof).