Must-Have Gear for a DIY Float-Hunt

by
posted on August 13, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
float-huntmust-haves_lead.jpg

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.

Waders: Frogg Toggs Grand Refuge 2.0 (one word: awesome). MSRP: $269.99; froggtoggs.com.

GPS/Communication: Garmin InReach (stay found, communicate and summon help with one device). MSRP: $399.99; garmin.com.

Dry Bags: Watershed Yukon and Animas (nearly everything will go inside these). MSRP: $159; drybags.com.

Footwear: Muck Boots Fieldblazer II (comfortable, warm, easy on/off). MSRP: $139.99; muckbootcompany.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.

Backpack: Barney’s Frontier Gear of Alaska Freighter external frame. MSRP: $289; barneyssports.com.

Maps: MyTopo.com custom (for big-picture orienteering). MSRP: varies; mytopo.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 Ventures TAG 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).

Latest

BTB 7Mm RUM Lead
BTB 7Mm RUM Lead

Behind the Bullet: 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum

Launching a 160-grain bullet in excess of 3200 fps, the 7mm RUM is among the fastest commercially loaded 7mm cartridges available.

USFWS Debuts 2025-2026 Federal and Junior Duck Stamps

The 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp—commonly known as the Duck Stamp—became available for purchase on June 27, 2025.

Tested: Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener

Digital Associate Editor walks viewers through the features of the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener, the perfect tool for a hunter looking to keep all his knives factory sharp season after season.

Recipe: Green Curried Black Bear

Green curry sauce is an excellent base for simmering bear meat, making it flavorful, tender, and safe to consume. Read on for another instant classic recipe from Brad Fenson.

Coyotes to Competitions: An AR-Build for Accuracy

ARs make great coyote guns. But what would the absolute best coyote rifle look like? Digital Associate Editor David Herman builds his take on the best AR for shooters who like to plug coyotes in the winter, and ring steel all summer long.

Pennsylvania Governor Signs Sunday Hunting Bill

Legislation that will fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was signed into law on July 9.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.