The stability and comfort of an internal frame pack are a great asset when backpacking in the trailless terrain found in Alaska. I don't suggest this is vital, but for me, it does make a difference. If you prefer an external frame, use it, but be sure to pack it tightly; crossing a casccading scree slope is no place for your backpack to give you balance problems.

I definitely suggest a synthetic sleeping bag, though a down bag works fine IF you can keep it dry -- routes in much of the popular parks like Denali, Gates of the Arctic and Wrangell-St. Elias involve frequent and dangerous river crossings. Be sure to pack your bag inside a plastic garbage bag before packing it in its stuff sack. A good sleeping pad is important, as often you won't have ideal conditions to lay your tent out. I REALLY like my chair kit here too .. I spend as much time just sitting and soaking up the Alaska wilderness as I do hiking. Pack it!

Lightweight, breathable rain gear is invaluable. Keeping dry is so important here, where the temperature can suddenly plummet to sub-freezing conditions in mid-July. I advise strongly against bringing a poncho.

A reliable, dependable stove that you know how to use. Don't weight until your bushplane flies off before you realize you aren't familiar with how it works. Bring extra fuel, and at least 2 extra lighters.

Even in remote Alaska, giardia is a problem, so count on filtering or using Iodine tablets for your water.

This is Alaska -- it gets cold .. bring your fleece pants and jacket, a warm hat, gloves, liner socks, and at least one spare pair of socks. Your feet are bound to get wet crossing and recrossing streams and/or snow fields.

Gaiters work well, and can be very useful if your trudging through wet brush, or over scree and talus slopes. Sturdy durable waterproof boots are a must have, along with a pair of Tevas or old tennis shoes for camp. Do not wear sandals when you cross rivers .. the water is frequently glacial or snow melt, and can be mind-numbingly cold. Secondly, much of the water is so clogged with silt and fine sediment that it runs a putrid brown, and gives no visibility whatsoever into its depths. Some protection for your feet is important when rivers run this fast, carrying small rocks rolling down their unstable beds. Wear your boots!

The best mosquito repellent is brushed nylon clothe, such as grammicci Quik Dry pants, or any longsleeved nylon shirt. Combine this with some DEET-based repellent (used sparingly, and remember to NOT rub it in, keep it on the surface of your skin), you shouldn't have too many problems with the mosquitoes. Depending on where in Alaska you are, you will encounter other bugs, some of which are not so averse to DEET products -- "White socks" found in Katmai NP will continue to bite away, so bring a bug hat, and gloves if necessary.

This is bear country .. hang your food wherever possible, and when you can't, keep it downwind and at least 100 yards from camp and from where you cook/eat. A triangle is best, set-up camp, walk 100 yards downwind to make and eat dinner, then walk 100 yards across wind to store your food sack (preferably in a bearproof cannister) in a very visible place; you don't want to surprise a critter the next morning when you walk into the brush to retrieve your food.

I rarely bring a flashlight/headlamp when backpacking in Alaska. There's more than enough light for most of the summer. If I'm hiking in the shoulder seasons (late April/early March, or late August/early September, I may bring a small lightweight headlamp. I can't recall ever actually using one though.

A polyester t-shirt, sunglasses, sun cream, warm socks, a camera, extra batteries and extra film, and you should be set. Enjoy yourself, and stay outside!