Embarking on a year-round expedition in the challenging wilderness demands meticulous planning, especially when it comes to the gear you carry. This comprehensive gear list provides a detailed breakdown of worn/carried items, clothing, packing essentials, sleeping and shelter gear, hydration and cooking tools, ski systems, packrafting equipment, recording devices, hygiene and medical supplies, lighting, safety measures, and miscellaneous items. This exhaustive breakdown caters to the varying demands of late winter, spring, summer, and early fall conditions.

Sleds are being carefully packed and checked this week.  Iditarod rules 15 and 16 concern mandatory gear to be carried in each musher’s sled.  Sled bags line the sleds and close to waterproof the contents.  These are unfastened at the checkpoints and mushers must be ready to show they have all their required gear.  One musher once shared that she ties her ax to the sled because a musher simply cannot lose it in deep snow!  Here is a list of mandatory gear:

1.  Proper cold weather sleeping bag
2. Ax
3. One pair of snowshoes
4. Any Iditarod Trail Committee promotional material – this used to be “Trail Mail” in honor of the Iditarod Trail being the route dog teams would help deliver mail to the interior of Alaska
5. Eight booties for each dog in the sled or in use
6. One operational cooker and pot capable of boiling at least three gallons of water at one time
7. Veterinarian notebook, to be presented to the veterinarian at each checkpoint
8. Functional, non-chafing harness for each dog in the team and a functional neckline
9. When leaving a checkpoint, adequate emergency dog food must be on the sled

Worn/Carried Items: Late Winter, Spring, Summer, Early Fall

Pre-Trip Comments and Post-Trip Comments:

1. Base Layer Shirt 1: Ibex Indie Hooded L/S
   • Late Winter: 9.6, Spring: 9.6, Summer: -, Early Fall: 9.6
   • Preferred for cold-and-wet conditions, excellent for winter & shoulder-seasons.
2. Base Layer Shirt 2: Ex Officio Insect Shield Halo L/S
   • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: 8.5, Early Fall: –
   • Effective bug protection, especially in warm temperatures.
3. VBL Jacket: GoLite Storm (Treated with McNett Thundershield)
   • Late Winter: 8.2, Spring: -, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
   • Prevents insulation failure due to perspiration; Thundershield effectiveness uncertain.
4. Underwear: GoLite Stride Shorts
   • Late Winter: 4.7, Spring: 4.7, Summer: 4.7, Early Fall: 4.7
   • Form-fitting, versatile as shorts, too warm for summer undees.
5. Tights 1: Sugoi SubZero
   • Late Winter: 7.8, Spring: -, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
   • Provides warmth when moving, suitable as a buffer for VBL.
6. VBL Pants: GoLite Storm
   • Late Winter: 7.1, Spring: -, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
   • Applied McNett Tent Sure; VBLs crucial in cold temps.
7. Trekking Pants: GoLite Yunnan
   • Late Winter: -, Spring: 10.4, Summer: 10.4, Early Fall: 10.4
   • Light, stretchy fabric, quick-drying; fit improvement needed.
8. Tights 2: Nike Dri-Fit Thermal
   • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: -, Early Fall: 5.7
   • Adds lower-body warmth for late Fall, comfortable under rain pants.
9. Liner Sock 1: DeFeet Wooleator High Top
   • Late Winter: 1.7, Spring: -, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
   • Thin moisture buffer, longer ankle cuff preferred with boots.
10. VBL Socks: RBH Designs VaprThrm Liner Sock
    • Late Winter: 1.2, Spring: -, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
    • Stops sweat, lightweight for versatility and flexibility.
11. Insulating/Liner 2: DeFeet EcoTrekker 3.0
    • Late Winter: 3.0, Spring: 3.0, Summer: -, Early Fall: 3.0
    • Warm, simple, durable; merino wool ideal for shoulder-seasons.
12. Liner Sock 3: DeFeet Wooleator
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: 1.7, Early Fall: –
    • Low absorbing, go-to 3-season sock.
13. Ski Boots: Crispi Mountain 3-pin Telemark (Size 11)
    • Late Winter: 71.4, Spring: 71.4, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
    • Classic construction, excellent fit; waterproofing issue in Spring.
14. Backcountry Skis: Asnes Sondre – 205 cm, 67-57-62, Full Metal Edge
    • Late Winter: 82.3, Spring: 82.3, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
    • Optimal balance of glide, weight, float, and control.
15. Bindings: Rottefella Super Telemark 75 mm
    • Late Winter: 13.1, Spring: 13.1, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
    • Secured with threaded insert/Helicoil; telemark boot preferred for hiking.
16. Shoes: La Sportiva Fireblade (Size 11.5)
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: 28.1, Early Fall: 28.1
    • Lightweight, durable, excellent on technical terrain; forefoot plate improvement suggested.
17. Overboots: Forty Below Light Energy Shortie (Modified)
    • Late Winter: 10.2, Spring: -, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
    • Additional warmth, critical for sub-0 conditions; Velcro icing issue.
18. Ski Gaiters: Outdoor Research Flex-Tex Gaiters (Modified)
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: 4.0, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
    • Stretchy, breathable fabric; excellent but with a design flaw.
19. Trekking Gaiters: Simblissity LevaGaiter
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: 1.8, Early Fall: 1.8
    • UL, breathable; beneficial but less necessary with pants.
20. Liner Gloves: DeFeet Duraglove Wool
    • Late Winter: 2.3, Spring: 2.3, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
    • Perfect liner for all seasons, durable, versatile.
21. Headband: Smartwool Headband
    • Late Winter: 1.0, Spring: 1.0, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
    • Very versatile, used extensively in winter through late-spring.
22. Balaclava: Komperdell Bamboo-Fleece
    • Late Winter: 1.6, Spring: -, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
    • Critical in frigid temps; shirt hoodie sufficient for cold.
23. Visor: Headsweats Supervisor
    • Late Winter: 1.8, Spring: 1.8, Summer: 1.8, Early Fall: 1.8
    • Great ventilation, useful in all seasons.
24. Bandana: El Cheapo Wal-Mart
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: 0.7, Early Fall: –
    • Mid-trip purchase; versatile in combination with visor.
25. Ski Poles: Asnes Holmenkollen (145 cm) w/ Baskets
    • Late Winter: 13.8, Spring: 13.8, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
    • Light, stout poles; baskets susceptible to brush damage.
26. Trekking Poles: Leki Super Makalu (120 cm)
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: 17.4, Early Fall: 17.4
    • Proven durability, effective for stream crossings.
27. Sunglasses: Native Grind w/ Extra Lenses
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: 1.0, Early Fall: 1.0
    • Durable, clear lenses for optimal visibility.
28. GPS: Garmin eTrex 20
    • Late Winter: 5.9, Spring: 5.9, Summer: 5.9, Early Fall: 5.9
    • Lightweight, efficient battery use, basic features sufficient.
29. Compass: Suunto M-3 D/L Compass
    • Late Winter: 1.3, Spring: 1.3, Summer: 1.3, Early Fall: 1.3
    • Precise, reliable navigation aid.
30. Maps: Custom Waterproof Maps
    • Late Winter: 4.2, Spring: 4.2, Summer: 4.2, Early Fall: 4.2
    • Comprehensive, crucial for navigation.
31. Watch: Casio Pathfinder PAG240-1CR
    • Late Winter: 2.9, Spring: 2.9, Summer: 2.9, Early Fall: 2.9
    • Altimeter, barometer, thermometer, sunrise/sunset data; durable.
32. Satellite Phone: Iridium 9555
    • Late Winter: 8.4, Spring: 8.4, Summer: 8.4, Early Fall: 8.4
    • Reliable communication; critical in remote areas.
33. Camera: Canon PowerShot G12
    • Late Winter: 12.4, Spring: 12.4, Summer: 12.4, Early Fall: 12.4
    • Excellent image quality; lacks advanced features.
34. Camera Case: Pelican 1040 Micro Case
    • Late Winter: 6.4, Spring: 6.4, Summer: 6.4, Early Fall: 6.4
    • Rugged protection for the camera.
35. Camera Tripod: Pedco UltraPod II
    • Late Winter: 4.4, Spring: 4.4, Summer: 4.4, Early Fall: 4.4
    • Lightweight, versatile, adequate for a compact camera.
36. Camera Accessories: Extra Battery, Memory Cards
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
    • Essential for extended trips; varies depending on the trip duration.
37. Repair Kit: Multi-Tool, Duct Tape, Therm-a-Rest Repair Kit
    • Late Winter: 8.6, Spring: 8.6, Summer: 8.6, Early Fall: 8.6
    • Essential for equipment repairs; duct tape for temporary fixes.
38. Repair Parts: Spare Binding Screws, Pole Repair Sleeves
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: -, Early Fall: –
    • Vital for field repairs; weight negligible.
39. First Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight .9
    • Late Winter: 4.9, Spring: 4.9, Summer: 4.9, Early Fall: 4.9
    • Basic medical supplies; supplemented as needed.
40. Foot Care Kit: Leukotape, Blister Pads, Neosporin, Tweezers
    • Late Winter: 2.2, Spring: 2.2, Summer: 2.2, Early Fall: 2.2
    • Crucial for blister prevention and treatment.
41. Hygiene Kit: Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, TP, Hand Sanitizer
    • Late Winter: 4.3, Spring: 4.3, Summer: 4.3, Early Fall: 4.3
    • Minimalist hygiene essentials.
42. Sunscreen: Banana Boat SPF 30
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: 3.2, Early Fall: 3.2
    • Essential for sun protection; frequency varies.
43. Bug Protection: Ben’s 100% DEET
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: 2.2, Summer: 2.2, Early Fall: 2.2
    • Necessary during bug-heavy conditions.
44. Water Treatment: Aqua Mira Water Treatment Drops
    • Late Winter: 3.4, Spring: 3.4, Summer: 3.4, Early Fall: 3.4
    • Lightweight, effective water purification.
45. Cooking System: MSR WindBurner Stove System
    • Late Winter: 15.8, Spring: 15.8, Summer: 15.8, Early Fall: 15.8
    • Efficient, all-in-one system; critical for hot meals.
46. Fuel: MSR IsoPro Fuel Canister (8 oz)
    • Late Winter: 8.0, Spring: 8.0, Summer: 8.0, Early Fall: 8.0
    • Variable consumption based on cooking frequency.
47. Pot/Mug: MSR WindBurner 1.0L Pot
    • Late Winter: 6.5, Spring: 6.5, Summer: 6.5, Early Fall: 6.5
    • Lightweight, versatile; mug and pot in one.
48. Spork: Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork
    • Late Winter: 0.4, Spring: 0.4, Summer: 0.4, Early Fall: 0.4
    • Durable, lightweight; utensil of choice.
49. Bowl: Orikaso Fold-Flat Bowl
    • Late Winter: 1.2, Spring: 1.2, Summer: 1.2, Early Fall: 1.2
    • Compact, versatile; folds flat for efficient packing.
50. Water Bottles: Platypus SoftBottle 1L (2)
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: 2.2, Early Fall: 2.2
    • Lightweight, collapsible; spare for extra capacity.
51. Water Bladder: Platypus Hoser 3.0L
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: -, Early Fall: 3.9
    • Additional water capacity for dry stretches.
52. Water Bladder Insulator: Homemade Reflectix Sleeve
    • Late Winter: 0.9, Spring: 0.9, Summer: 0.9, Early Fall: 0.9
    • Provides insulation in cold temperatures.
53. Bear Canister: BearVault BV500
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: 39.2, Early Fall: 39.2
    • Required in bear country; essential food protection.
54. **Umbrella: Swing Body Hands-Free Umb
    • Late Winter: 9.6, Spring: 9.6, Summer: 9.6, Early Fall: 9.6
    • Protects against rain and sun; allows hands-free movement.
55. **Chairs: Helinox≈ Chair Zero
    • Late Winter: 16.4, Spring: 16.4, Summer: 16.4, Early Fall: 16.4
    • Minimalist, lightweight backpacking chair.
56. **Books and Notebooks: **Kindle or Physical Book, Rite in the100er Field Flex
    • Late Winter: -, Spring: -, Summer: 4.country, and Early Fall: 4.12
    • Leisure and 1reference during downtime; journal for recording thoughts.
57. **Portable Charger: 30.101, Summer: 30.101, Early Fall: 30.101
    • Essential for charging electronicUPLOAD devices.
58. **Cords and Adapters: **Extra batteries with chargingREPLACEABLE PAD capabilities.
    • Late Winter: 2.4, Spring: 2.4, Summer: 2.4, Early Fall: 2.4
    • Essential for power bank charging.
59. **Headlamp: Petzl Schlera Headlamp
    • Late Winter: 3.2, Spring: 3.2, Summer: 3.2, Early Fall: 3.2
    • Reliable, hands-free lighting.
60. **Lantern: Black Diamond Moji Lantern
    • Late Winter: 3.1, Spring: 3.1, Summer: 3.1, Early Fall: 3.1
    • Ambient lighting for the campsite.
61. **Multimeter: Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter
    • Late Winter: 14.4, Spring: 14.4, Summer: 14.4, Early Fall: 14.4
    • For electrical repairs and diagnostics.
62. **Repair Manual: REI Backpack Overload Manual
    • Late Winter: 8.3, Spring: 8.3, Summer: 8.3, Early Fall: 8.3
    • Reference for equipment repairs and improvisation.