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Gear for Adventure Cruise -Juneau - Ketchikan, Alaska in July?

Gear for Adventure Cruise -Juneau - Ketchikan, Alaska in July?

Old Jun 23rd, 2011, 09:29 AM
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Gear for Adventure Cruise -Juneau - Ketchikan, Alaska in July?

Traveling on InnerSea Discoveries Wilderness Adventurer in July. They say it is very wet and chilly (OK COLD - by my Florida girl standards.) I need help navigating this stuff. When is rains in Miami you just grab an umbrella or make a dash for it - so we really dont even own rain gear. Below I pasted what is on their website - Does anyone have any ideas for rain jackets, footwear, and hats and that wont break the bank - especially for the kids that will really only wear them for this trip. Thanks -
Clueless in Miami

This is what the InnerSea folks recommend....
# Rain Gear: Chances are it will rain so you may want to bring your choice of rain slicker and pants. There is a dizzying array of reliable composite fabrics (like Gore-Tex) on the market. The most solid (and affordable!) rain barrier is rubber, but make sure the seams are solid (in some models the crotch seam is weak and allows rain to enter while you’re kayaking.) Our crew wears both rubber and composites, depending on personal preferences. When it's not raining, rain gear is a great wind barrier, especially around cold winds that spill off of glaciers. If you’re in the rainforest without trusty rain gear, you're just going to get wet, but rain should not deter you from having the time of your life! We have a limited supply on board for you to use, but to ensure availability, fit, and comfort, we recommend that you bring your own.

# Footwear: Many activities require getting from the sea to the shore. Because of this, and the rain, bring footwear that allows you to stand in ankle-deep water. Many of our crew wear rubber boots; they are versatile, affordable, can be very comfortable if properly selected, and they dry much more quickly than tennis shoes or most hiking boots. We recommend the brand XtraTuff (often called "the Alaskan tennis shoe") because they're grippy on hikes and keep you dry while standing on the beach or while kayaking. It's a worthy idea to replace the insoles with a comfortable and padded set that you find comfortable. If you opt for hiking boots, a good addition is tall gaiters as the trail can be wet and have snow in the early weeks of the season. Water socks or multi-sport shoes are handy for paddle boarding and kayaking. While aboard, you'll want shoes that have non-marking soles and are comfortable while standing on steel decks. Bring lots of socks, preferably moisture-wicking and quick to dry. Putting on fresh dry socks is a quick way to feel fresh and ready to go.

# Jackets / Hats / Gloves / Scarf: Warm and versatile fleece or hooded jackets and zip-up vests are always good choices. Bring a scarf, gloves, and a quick drying, water resistant hat that covers your ears and shields you from rain or sun. If you bring paddling gloves for kayaking, look for ones with enough dexterity that you don't have to remove them every time you want to access your dry bag or take a photograph.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2011, 12:29 PM
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We went on a similar trip with Lindblad. We needed the rubber boots to get to shore from the zodiacs. It was more than wet, mucky mor like it. Bought cheap ones at Walmart in sporting goods dept I think.
Long underwear for under jeans We bought cheap rain gear but only used it once.
We went early July. Fantastic experience.
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Old Jun 24th, 2011, 11:02 AM
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I wonder if we can buy cheap boots in Juneau rather than lug 4 pairs there and just leave them on there too.
Still so confused on hats and rain jackets. So many choices!!!!!
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Old Jun 26th, 2011, 06:46 AM
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HappyTrvlr - I am going on a Lindblad trip in late July and wasn't planning on bringing rubber boots. Do you think they are really necessary? If only used when getting on and off the zodiac what do you do with them once off? I have regular hiking boots that I was planning on wearing.

Overall, how did you rate the Lindblad trip? What time of year were you there?

MiamiBeachMomma - do you think you are bringing too much stuff for cold weather?

I expect to dress in layers, but gloves and hat????
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Old Jun 26th, 2011, 08:41 AM
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Lolo-I don't know!! I'm just sorting through what they reccommend. I don't like being cold...it's the Florida in me. What kind of jacket are u bringing?
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Old Jun 26th, 2011, 09:15 AM
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Do you have an REI store close by- I would take your list and see what they can put together for you
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Old Jun 26th, 2011, 09:46 AM
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No Rei in the whole state!!
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Old Jun 27th, 2011, 04:57 AM
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I plan to bring a fleece jacket, a waterproof rain jacket and hope to buy a hoodie while in Denali.

I have been looking into flightseeing but am not sure whether to do this while in Denali or in Anchorage.
There's also a flightseeing excursion that Lindblad offers while in Petersburg, but I don't want to count on it. That's the only time they offer it, and if the weather isn't good, we're stuck!
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Old Jun 27th, 2011, 06:50 AM
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I just can't believe there is no store selling arctic outdoor gear in the greater Miami area...
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Old Jun 28th, 2011, 02:10 AM
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We didn't do an adventure cruise. DH chose an inexpensive poncho. I found a set of lightweight rain jacket/pants at an LL Bean outlet store here in New England. You might try Wear Guard which DH uses for durable work clothes
The link is too long. Google Wear Guard and click through to rain gear. The 34"rain parka is similar to what I wore and continued to use at home on rainy days. The longer length keeps your hips dry. Cotton pants will dry faster than denim/jeans and skip the rain pants. You might wear thermal underwear and get the rain parka (it's thin) large enough to wear fleece or sweat shirts underneath. DH really likes hoodies for warmth. Wear knit or polar fleece caps, too. Keep ears warm.
While the above is not the ideal clothing for someone who works in wet all the time, it should be good enough for a vacation trip. Expect to get wet just don't complain. Get dry and have a hot beverage as soon as you can. I liked wearing sweats for warmth while sleeping and they were something I could wear in public for a quick trip to the cafeteria (we did the ferry trip). Avoid tight clothing. You can stay warmer even in wet but looser clothes. Lots of dry socks is a good tip.

Did you see that show where Kate and kids visited Sarah Palin for a rainy camping trip? The kids were having a great time but Kate was cold and whiney and decided to cut the trip short. Lousy attitude. Expect you're not going to be warm and comfortable all the time but decide it's going to be worth it.

Have a great trip.
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Old Jun 30th, 2011, 07:42 AM
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Lolo - I bought rubber boots - they were 25 bucks at target online. I spoke to the Inner Sea peeps are they really recommended it bc its really muddy and wet getting on and off zodiacs and kayaks on shore.
She also recommended wool socks and rain pants that go over jeans - again very muddy.
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Old Jun 30th, 2011, 04:45 PM
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I just got off the phone with REI and ordered 2 pairs of rain boots ($42).
These should do the trick.
I will shop over the weekend to get lightweight rain pants to go over jeans.
All the other gear I already have.

Thanks for the tips.
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Old Jul 7th, 2011, 03:47 AM
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I know that Alaska weather can vary in summer from 50-90 degrees, so your planning will help your experience. On our recent June 19th day in Ketchikan, we used our fleece hats, baseball hats, fleece gloves, fleece pullover, and a waterproof/windproof shell. All of that made each day on the trip so much more enjoyable. My son put a Lands End waterproof shell over his lightweight jacket and that worked well.

Try Sierra Trading Post online for discounts. We always stock up there for our ski trips and got hiking boots there as well.
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