Preparing for Alaska's Wilderness: How to Pack for Katmai National Park

We always love the opportunity to highlight our amazing Ambassadors and their adventures. And this one is absolutely epic: Katmai National Park in Alaska!

Jenn from Wanderblest lives full-time in Alaska and shares everything from fishing to foraging on her channels. She and her husband, Brandon, are about to embark on their trip to Katmai. This destination has long held a place on their bucket list, and they’re making it happen this summer!

Ever wondered what it’d be like to prepare for the Alaskan wilderness? Here are some of her tips for how to pack for Katmai National Park.

About Katmai National Park

First, a little bit about Katmai. If you’re not familiar, Katmai National Park is an expansive wilderness covering over 4 million acres of remote Alaskan terrain.

What makes Katmai so special is its pristine landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique attractions like Brooks Camp and Brooks Falls. For wildlife enthusiasts like us, witnessing brown bears in their natural habitat at Brooks Falls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's been on our bucket list for years!

 

Preparing for Alaska's Wilderness in Katmai

Planning a trip to Katmai requires meticulous preparation, especially since it's completely off-the-road system. Here's how we've prepared:

 

1. Permits: Securing permits was our first challenge. Camping permits for Brooks Camp are in high demand and are released months in advance. Despite a close call with the timing, we managed to snag permits for our preferred dates in August. Pro tip: Set a reminder and be ready the moment permits go live!
2. Travel Logistics: Getting to Katmai involves flying into King Salmon and then taking a floatplane to Brooks Camp. We've booked our flights with Alaska Airlines and Katmai Air, and we're particularly excited about the scenic floatplane ride—it's a chance to soak in the stunning Alaskan landscapes up close.
3. Packing Essentials: We've meticulously packed all our gear, from our Alps Mountaineering tent and Teton sleeping bags to essential kitchen gear like our MSR WindBurner stove. Given the unpredictable weather, we're layering up with moisture-wicking base layers and bringing waterproof clothing.
4. Food and Fuel: For the backcountry, we've opted for lightweight and convenient meals like Mountain House freeze-dried food.

 

Alaska's Wilderness Etiquette and Safety

Respecting wildlife and ensuring our safety are top priorities. At Katmai, this means attending Bear School upon arrival—a mandatory orientation on bear safety and park etiquette. We're committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and following guidelines to keep both ourselves and the wildlife safe.

Capturing Alaska's Wilderness

As a photographer and content creator, I'm eager to document our adventure using my Canon EOS R camera. From close-up shots of bears at Brooks Falls to sweeping landscapes from the floatplane, I hope to capture the essence of Katmai's raw beauty.

Next Up: Camping in Katmai National Park

Our journey to Katmai National Park is more than just a vacation—it's a testament to our love for exploration and wildlife conservation. We're grateful for the opportunity to experience this remote corner of Alaska and excited to share our adventure with you.

Stay tuned for updates! And if you're planning your own Alaska adventure, don't hesitate to reach out for tips and advice. Thanks for joining us on this journey, and until next time, happy exploring!

About the Ambassador: Alaskan Adventurer Jenn

FlipFuel Ambassador Jenn shares what it’s like to live in Alaska on her Wanderblest channels. You can find outdoor gear reviews and recommendations for hunting, fishing, foraging, and more. She also uploads full-length Alaskan adventures on her YouTube.

In addition, Jenn and her husband, Brandon, own Wild Frontier Crafted (https://wildfrontiercrafted.com), which is a small business making laser-engraved cutting boards, wood ornaments and other handcrafted items. The duo even created the FlipFuel® Natural Birch Wood Holiday Ornament in our shop!