Packing Tips for your 1st Alaskan Adventure

I remember preparing for my first year at Leader Creek, following the packing list, making sure I had a jumbo bottle of ibuprofen, getting nervous about the weight of my suitcase, then taking out the jumbo bottle of ibuprofen. Do I want this sweatshirt to smell permanently like fish? Are jeans warm enough? Where do I buy long underwear in June? (This was before Amazon, consider yourself lucky…) After YEARS of packing anxiety, I’d like to share some of my favorite packing tips for a successful season at Leader Creek Fisheries! And for those of you who have struggled with your own packing problems for a season at LCF, please do comment your best suggestions as well!

• Embrace the Care Package. 

  • The cost of an overweight suitcase can be $50-$75 depending on which airline you choose. Don’t risk it! The cost of a large flat rate box is $19.95 (even to rural AK). Enlist your friends and family early on with some supply lists (make sure you advise them to send it early as it takes a while to get to Naknek. You could be long gone before that package mailed out July 20th from your Aunt Jan in Minnesota ever arrives!). Also, don’t be afraid to send yourself a care package (or two) before you head up for the season either (Pro Tip: Send all your toiletries so you don’t have to worry about luggage leaks!)

  • The address for receiving care packages at LCF:

    • Your Name
      ℅ Leader Creek Fisheries
      PO Box 449
      Naknek, AK 99633

• You Can Never Pack Enough Socks. Never.

  • Wool socks, not cotton. Change your socks every break. Dry feet = happy feet. Trust me on this. You can find fairly reasonable packs on Amazon or check out a Goodwill/Salvation Army for great deals.

• Bring that blanket that you love but aren’t sure if it’s practical. 

  • Listen, space will become tight and you’ll want to toss that blanket out of the suitcase...don’t. At LCF, we provide you with bedding but having that extra bit of warmth (and comfort from home) goes a long way. The small creature comforts make a huge difference after a long 16 hour shift.

• Bring a waterbottle and reusable coffee cup. 

  • At LCF, we are going green. We won’t have single use plastic water bottles for love or money, so make sure you are prepared. Also, having an insulated cup with a lid that keeps your tea, cocoa, or coffee warm helps reduce those paper cups in our messhall AND keeps your beverage hot for hours after you leave your meal. It’s a no-brainer! 

We’re so grateful that you’re joining us for Salmon Season 2020 and we want to make sure you have as successful a season as possible, so good luck on your packing adventures and contact us with any and all questions!