As First Vice President at RBC Wealth Management, Jake Gaskell combines nearly two decades of strategic financial planning with a lifelong passion for the outdoors. A former flight instructor who trained international pilots on high-performance aircraft, Jake applies the same precision and preparation in his approach to backcountry travel.
Having explored Alaska extensively, he understands the importance of planning, navigation, and situational awareness in the wild. His experience both in the cockpit and on the trail lends unique credibility to this guide for staying safe while backpacking in one of America’s last untamed frontiers.
Alaska’s backcountry offers unparalleled adventure, but it requires preparation beyond what many experienced hikers might expect. The remote wilderness presents unique challenges that demand specific skills and careful planning before embarking on your journey. Unlike more developed regions, Alaska rarely offers suitable routes for complete beginners.
Before tackling an Alaskan expedition, gain experience closer to home to develop fitness, backcountry skills, and familiarity with your equipment. When you’re ready for Alaska, you’ll discover hundreds of potential routes, each with distinct characteristics and challenges.
Off-trail travel constitutes a significant portion of Alaskan backpacking. This might mean following worn caribou paths or navigating tussocks — lumpy bumps in the tundra comparable to “walking over a pile of wet mattresses.” Expect to move at roughly half your normal pace during off-trail sections, and prepare for increased physical demands as your body’s stabilizer muscles work overtime on uneven terrain. Every step requires conscious decision-making, preventing the “auto-pilot” hiking common on established trails.
Navigation skills become paramount in the backcountry. Practice using topographic maps, compasses, and GPS before your trip, particularly if extensive off-trail travel is planned. The more remote your destination, the more critical these skills become for your safety.
Filing a detailed trip plan represents perhaps the most crucial safety measure. The Alaska State Troopers offer downloadable templates that prompt for essential information: departure and expected return times, planned route, vehicle details, gear colors, and supply inventory. Share this plan with a reliable person who will alert authorities if you don’t return as scheduled. If your plans change, update your contact person if possible — a satellite communicator like a Garmin InReach can facilitate this even beyond cell coverage.
Weather awareness requires special consideration in Alaska. Check forecasts for temperature, wind, precipitation, and visibility before departing. Conditions can change dramatically with little warning, even during summer months. Layer your clothing appropriately, always bringing extra layers for unexpected stops or weather changes.
Water is abundant throughout most of Alaska, but purification remains essential. Options include boiling water for one minute, using filters (though these can clog with glacial silt), employing ultraviolet purifiers, or treating with chemicals. Each method has advantages and limitations depending on your specific route.
Nearly all of Alaska constitutes bear country, necessitating proper precautions. Carry and know how to use bear deterrents, store food in bear-resistant containers (required in some areas), and familiarize yourself with bear behavior guidance. Remember: never run from bears, but do give moose considerable space, and climb trees or place solid objects between yourself and these large ungulates if necessary.
Equipment selection requires balancing weight against safety and comfort. Invest in a professionally fitted backpack that transfers weight to your hips rather than shoulders. Consider trekking poles for balance on uneven terrain and to reduce strain during stream crossings. Practice setting up your tent before departure — a skill you’ll appreciate during inclement weather.
Never depend on fires for cooking; instead, bring a reliable backpacking stove and practice using it beforehand. Carrying the “ten essentials” provides insurance against emergencies: navigation tools, headlamps, sun protection, first aid supplies, a knife, a fire starter, shelter, extra food, extra water, and extra clothes.
A basic first-aid kit should include gloves, CPR mask, medications, wound care supplies, and materials for managing cuts and scrapes. If you take prescription medications, bring extra doses and ensure companions know their location and administration.
For remote travel, consider carrying an emergency beacon or satellite communicator — ensuring it’s charged, actively subscribed if necessary, and that you understand its operation before departure. Research which devices function effectively in Alaska’s northern latitudes, as coverage maps for some services terminate surprisingly far south.