Arctic Hive Packing List

Wondering what you'll need to visit Arctic Hive? We have a packing list that we send out to guests that is a reflection of the clothing and gear that we use, living here! 
​

CONSIDER GETTING TRIP INSURANCE
We recommend you get some sort of trip insurance and emergency medical insurance, should the weather or other things out of your control impact your adventure. Of course, this isn't required, but just a recommendation. Because transport to and from the arctic is... complicated, if you were to miss the charter, you would have to charter your own vehicle (~$1400) or hop a flight the following day (about ~$230 one way) from Fairbanks up to Coldfoot Camp. If things are delayed slightly, we will do everything we can to help your trip run smooth... but again, always good to have a backup policy to protect your investment. 

We recommend limiting yourself to just one checked bag, and one carry-on for the trip. Space is limited! Ideally, your checked bag is a duffel that converts to a backpack or has a strap for carrying. Suitcases with wheels (unless they're the hardshell Pelican cases) would NOT be ideal for carting around the Arctic. Duffels make life much easier. We recommend Osprey duffels — this is what we use to transport gear into camp, and we've had our duffels for over 8 years, and they're still solid.

• A day pack to carry around on adventures. We usually carry around a 46L osprey pack when we're trucking around places... but a 36L or smaller will be fine. You'll carry water, food, extra layers, camera, etc. We recommend having this pack be your carry-on during your travel to Alaska to cut down on extra luggage.

---

Winter Layering Recommendations

LAYERS ARE YOUR BEST FRIEND! *Note this is season-dependent. For a more precise idea of which of these layers you'll need, we'll be in touch once you book your retreat and can provide more specific advice.*

*As a part of our long-term partnership with 686 Outerwear, Arctic Hive guests will be sent a 25% coupon code to use on 686.com once registered for an upcoming retreat*

Four layers on top:

• Thin baselayer that wicks moisture like smartwool or icebreaker brands. Costco sells super inexpensive synthetic options.
• Warm fleece layer — like a half or full zip. 
• Down / synthetic down puffy jacket layer
• A wind-breaking (ideally GORTEX) layer on top like a ski/snowboard jacket: Here is a women's "Smarty" jacket, which comes with an inner liner!

Three layers on the bottom:

• Baselayer bottoms (same as above). Mollie specifically wears Youer "Go There Fleece Yoga Pants" as they're colorful and super warm. 
• Down/fleece pants on top of those
• Snowpants on the top — bib snowpants are the best because they're easier to move in, but regular snow pants are fine, too

​
Below: Mollie, pumping water from the river and keeping warm in Steger Mukluks!

• Winter boots - you will be wearing these for pretty much the whole trip!
  — For a wallet-friendly option, we like super insulated Bogs (with room for your feet to move!)
  — If you’re willing to spend money on the warmest boots you’ll ever own, we recommend Steger Mukluks. No guest who has ever invested in Mukluks has regretted it. We cannot say the same for BOGS!
  — Regardless, something that is high on your calves is a MUST due to potential deep snow. Sorels can work but we haven't had much success with actually keeping feet warm in these.
  — You will be wearing your boots snowshoeing, dog sledding, etc. 

Winter Accessories:

• Mittens - best to bring two pairs. 686 makes awesome Gortex mittens that we wear. At least one pair should be ultra warm like those. (We don't recommend gloves... mittens are warmer.) A separate pair could be a thinner glove that is easier to operate a phone — Costco sells these during winter.  We will have lots of hand and foot warmers provided for you!
• Winter Hats - we usually wear beanies 24/7 (again, 686 is our preferred brand). It's nice to have a spare if one is damp from a day's adventures!
• Facemask — this is SUPER important! Merino wool or something insulated against your face is ideal. This is the exact one Mollie uses from 686.
• A few pairs of warm wool socks — wool is key! Costco sells some good ones that act just like smartwool socks do — get them while they're in season.
• Some sort of lightweight slippers that can travel with you in your pack — this is probably the MOST IMPORTANT indoor item to bring for yourself, as the cabins have cold floors. We have some rugs, but due to the cabins being lifted off the tundra and the base below the platform not being enclosed. If we enclosed them, the permafrost would melt, which doesn't make for an ideal spot for a house! These are are great lightweight option from REI

Odds and Ends:

• Camera or phone for documenting your trip! Bring charge cables - every cabin will be able to charge your USB devices and small plug-in devices. If you have a new iPhone that uses USB-C, make sure you bring an old regular USB cable to plug into our solar system. The systems in the cabins also have regular outlets where you can plug to charge, too. Each cabin has 600 watts of power, which can get recharged every few days. That is more than enough power to load up your phones/small devices. Just please no large computers. Tablets may be OK if you want one for reading, etc. If you have your own personal battery bank charger (the small ones), feel free to bring it! We will have run time on our gas generator daily to help you get charged up, too.
• Toothbrush/paste
• 2 lightweight water bottles (Nalgenes or the equivalent - ideally not the heavy stainless steel ones, which are heavy to travel with)
• Headlamp and extra batteries
• An insulated coffee mug... this isn't required, but could be a bonus if you like hot drinks in cold weather! Our favorite mugs are Yeti Travel mugs.
• Clothing to sleep in + undergarments: T-shirt and lightweight pants. Cabins are warm (usually 65F-75F depending on your desired sleeping temperature) so you'll be plenty comfortable! A hoodie/fleece is always nice too.​​
• Chapstick
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (unless you’re here in December/January, ha!)
• A set of 2 COVID rapid tests to take the night before departure to the arctic, and the morning of departure before getting in the van!

Here are a few things you DO NOT need, as we will provide: 

• You do not need any drinkware or eating utensils/plates
• Linens or pillows
• Dry Shampoo — we have some great Aveda dry shampoo in every cabin
• Baby Wipes — each cabin has an abundance of unscented baby wipes for a quick refresh if you need it! So many folks are surprised by how fresh they feel after 5+ days keeping clean with baby wipes. You won’t be disappointed!
• Coffee for your cabin — each cabin will have a pour-over coffee maker and filters, a Jetboil for heating water and fresh ground coffee - we will show you how to work this if you've never done it before!
• Face wipes — we have face wipes in every cabin
• Water filter or water — we have Berkeys in every cabin for your use and will show you how to use it. You’ll have access to all the clean mountain water you could ever need
• A yoga mat, meditation cushion, yoga props — we have B-yoga Mats and Halfmoon bolsters, cushions, blankets, blocks and straps for your use
• Handwarmers and toe warmers - we have tons in every cabin
• Hand towels - if you need one for washing your face, etc, we provide!