Kayak Camping Pack List

You've decided to join a kayak camping tour into Kenai Fjords National Park with Sunny Cove and it's time to start packing. Now you're wondering, "How cold will it be?" "What if it rains?" "Can I bring my camera?" We've assembled this list to assist you in making good decisions about the type of gear to bring. Some items on this list are necessary and some are just fun to have along for the ride. This list is based on what is needed for a three-day adventure. Please be sure to adjust if you are participating in a four or five-day excursion. Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions.

YOU MUST BRING:

CLOTHING

SYNTHETIC/WOOL BASE LAYERS

  • Think about layering, light to mid-weight polypro, wool, or synthetic materials, rather than utilizing bulky, heavy layers. We generally suggest bringing a layer to wear while paddling, a layer for sleeping (can act as a second paddling layer if necessary), and a third layer as a backup should one of your first two layers gets wet. Include a synthetic t-shirt as a base layer. There's nothing wrong with being optimistic and you may appreciate the short sleeves.

  • Do not pack any cotton layers (no jeans). Cotton does not dry quickly and will not keep you warm when wet. Even your socks and underwear should be synthetic or wool.

SYNTHETIC/WOOL JACKET

  • This should be either a pull-over or full zip polypro, wool, or synthetic jacket.

WATERPROOF JACKET AND PANTS

  • Waterproof Jacket and Pants: Breathable or Gore-Tex rain gear works well for everyday wear as it is also used for warmth, windbreaker, and splash-wear. For those days when there is more than a drizzle, it is extremely important to have rubberized gear. We have a limited amount of rubberized Helly Hansen Voss rain gear available - please let us know in advance if you would like to reserve this. There are also several local stores where you can pick up rubberized rain gear in Seward. Skip the inexpensive rain gear or ponchos - it's much easier to enjoy Alaska's liquid sunshine when you're warm and dry.

SOCKS

  • Expect to change your socks often...dry feet are happy feet. Pack one pair for each day of paddling, one pair to sleep in, and one pair as backup. Remember, cotton socks will not keep you comfortable. Your socks should be synthetic or wool.

GLOVES, HAT, SHOES

  • We'll provide pogies to help keep your hands warm, but a pair of inexpensive, neoprene fishing gloves can provide additional warmth. We also recommend a pair of lightweight fleece gloves to wear while in camp.

  • An insulated hat will help keep your head warm while paddling or in camp. A brimmed cap (ball cap or visor) is helpful on sunny days or can be combined with the insulated cap if cool and rainy.

  • We're going to give you a pair of waterproof, knee-high rubber boots to wear while kayaking but you may want a pair of shoes to wear in camp. Waterproof or water-resistant hiking shoes are a good choice for camp shoes.

PERSONAL ITEMS

SUNGLASSES, WITH A STRAP

SPARE PRESCRIPTION GLASSES OR CONTACT LENSES (IF NEEDED) 

SUNSCREEN, TOOTHPASTE, TOOTHBRUSH, LIP BALM, MEDICATIONS (IF NEEDED), BUG REPELLENT 

  • Odor-free, if possible, we'll be camping in bear country.

  • We ask you to store all toiletries in a gallon zippered plastic bag with your name written on it. We'll keep this bag in the bear box at camp.

LARGE WATER BOTTLE

POCKET KNIFE

HEADLAMP AND BATTERIES 

EXTRAS

CAMERA WITH SPARE BATTERIES AND STORAGE CARDS

  • You're going to want to take LOTS of pictures. We'll make sure you have a dry bag to store your camera and other items you may need while paddling. Also, be sure you have a strap to secure your camera to yourself while kayaking so it doesn't fall off the kayak.

READING MATERIAL

JOURNAL AND PEN

BINOCULARS

ADULT BEVERAGES

  • We know you may want to enjoy sipping a glass of wine with dinner. While we cannot provide alcohol, you are welcome to bring your own. Please, no glass. Boxed wine, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans are less likely to break and easier to pack out.

WE'LL PROVIDE:

SLEEPING BAG AND SLEEPING PAD

  • We'll provide you with a sleeping bag, fleece bag liner, and a pillow. If you prefer your own, synthetic only...down fill and rain don't mix. We suggest a 0°-20° bag.

TENT

  • Sunny Cove will provide a high-quality three-season tent that includes a rain fly, tarp, and footprint. If you choose to bring your own tent, it must be a waterproof three or four-season tent with a footprint, rain fly, and an additional waterproof tarp.

20- OR 30-LITER DRY BAG (1) 

  • This bag is for your personal belongings, clothing, etc. If you decide to bring your own sleeping bag and pad, we'll provide an additional dry bag.

10 LITER DRY BAG (1)

  • This bag is for small items, cameras, snacks, and spare clothing while you're paddling.

SPRAY SKIRT

POGIES (PADDLING MITTS)

RUBBER BOOTS

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE

ALL KITCHEN & FOOD RELATED NEEDS

ALL PRIMITIVE/PORTABLE TOILET NEEDS

ALL SAFETY RELATED NEEDS

ADDITIONAL INFO:

LUGGAGE

Baggage you will not need on your kayak trip may be stored with Sunny Cove. However, Sunny Cove does not have a secure storage space. Valuables should be stored elsewhere. If you're staying in a hotel in Seward, they may have storage facilities. Sunny Cove assumes no responsibility for damage or loss to personal belongings that are stored on any of our premises or taken on any Sunny Cove tours.

Kayaking in Remote Locations

KNOWN MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Due to the remote nature of kayaking in Kenai Fjords National Park, if you have a known medical condition that could result in any of the following you will be required to carry specific medications.  Please bring these medications with you to your pre-trip meeting.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS KNOWN TO RESULT IN ANAPHYLAXIS

Medications: Epi-Pen, Prednisone, As prescribed by a physician

ASTHMA

Medications: Epi-Pen, physician-prescribed inhaler, Prednisone.

DIABETES

Medications: As prescribed by a physician.

HEART CONDITIONS

Medications: As prescribed by a physician.

SEIZURES

Medications: As prescribed by a physician.

TRIP SPECIFICS

Trip costs do not include hotel accommodations or travel arrangements to Seward. We recommend a rental car as the drive from Anchorage to Seward is spectacular and filled with trails and great views. The Park Van Connection or the Alaska Railroad (800-208-0200) is also available from Anchorage for those not needing a vehicle. Storage of personal/ extra luggage items is available through Sunny Cove. If you are traveling with clothes and other items that will not be needed on your kayak trip, we can store them for you at our office. Sunny Cove does not have secured storage space so please take valuables on the trip with you or make other secure storage arrangements. Sunny Cove takes no responsibility for personal belongings that are stored at our premises or taken on Sunny Cove tours. 

Location Accessibility 

AIALIK BAY

Aialik Bay is only accessible by boat and is approximately 55 miles from Seward.  There is a ranger station one-half mile south of Coleman Bay. Wind, williwaws, and chopping waves can occur on weather days. If available, the Park rangers may be contacted on VHF 16.  There are several tour boats that run into Aialik Bay daily (based on weather/tour operated that specific day, although no commercial boats in the evening hours. The closest medical facility is Providence Hospital in Seward, but you may be referred to Anchorage for critical care. Anchorage is accessible by road/helicopter or plane from mainland Seward and is 130 miles north. There are several days each season when the weather prevents boats and air transport in and out of Aialik Bay.

NORTHWESTERN FJORD

Northwestern Fjord is only accessible by boat and is approximately 75 miles from Seward.  Wind, williwaws, and chopping waves can occur on weather days. There are two tour boats that run into Northwestern Fjord daily (based on weather/tour operated that specific day, although no commercial boats in the evening hours. The closest medical facility is Providence Hospital in Seward, but you may be referred to Anchorage for critical care. Anchorage is accessible by road/helicopter or plane from mainland Seward and is 130 miles north. There are several days each season when the weather prevents boats and air transport in and out of Northwestern Fjord.

Cancelation Policies

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION BY CLIENT

All multi-day tours require a 50% deposit at the time of booking with the balance due 30 days prior to tour departure. If you cancel the reservation more than 30 days prior to the departure date you will receive a refund, less a 3% credit card processing fee.  If you cancel the trip within 30 days of the departure date, there is no refund. If for any reason you do not arrive prior to the boat departure on the trip date, there will be no refund.

WEATHER DELAY/MODIFICATION

Access to Aialik Bay / Northwestern Fjords in Kenai Fjords National Park requires rounding one or more capes and exposure to the Gulf of Alaska.  Although trips are rarely canceled there is the possibility of a delay or rerouted trip due to rough seas and wind conditions. Weather modifications will be left to the discretion of Sunny Cove and the water taxi operator based on field experience.

Please plan your travels to allow a buffer day to reschedule a departure due to rough seas or in the event a water taxi pick-up is delayed due to bad weather.

There will be no refund or pro-rated fees for trip starts or pick-ups that are delayed or altered due to weather. If weather prohibits the trip from getting outside of Resurrection Bay and instead becomes a multi-day trip inside the bay, we will refund the difference between the two tours.  We will paddle rain or shine so please come prepared.

Sunny Cove highly recommends the purchase of travel insurance for all your Alaskan travels. We will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by you in preparation for the trip including airfare, lodging, travel expenses, and other expenditures. 

Gratuities

Sunny Cove is proud to employ some of the best guides in the industry.  Our kayaking guides enjoy sharing this beautiful place with you and strive to make each kayak tour unique and fun.  If you feel your guide made your time on the water more enjoyable, please express your thanks with a tip – this is greatly appreciated by your guide.  The general rule of thumb for the adventure industry is 10-20%.  We would appreciate if you would tip your guide directly.