has anyone kayaked in glacier bay alaska? did you camp out in the wild and how was the experience?

I’ve sea kayaked in AK, camped out doing it and can tell about that. It wasn’t in GBNP, but was in Prince William Sound. But no one else is answering, so I thought I’d chime in.

I’ve gone out for weekends and a week at a time. I, personally, am less worried about bears than drunk drivers on my hiking and boating in Alaska so I don’t bring a gun or pepper spray. But work to keep a clean camp, relocate camp if I’ve cook fish, and keep an eye out. Over the years, I’ve moved more towards pre-cooked food. Cook at home, freeze or store it and only reheat (or not) in camp. Saves time, fuel, smell (!).

Wear your PFD! At all times on the water! You lose your finger dexterity in a minute and control of your arms within 5 minutes. But with a life jacket on, someone can still pull your hypothermic body to shore.

Dry suit versus wetsuit versus pile under a paddling jacket is a tough call. The most uncomfortable is also the safest if you capsize. I definitely like a wider boat (24-26″ single or any double) in cold water than in warm. Bring one extra paddle for your group.

When I’ve flown with the USFS, they require you to wear a PFD. It has pockets with food, firestarters, mirror, Leatherman, cord, etc. Because if you USE your PFD, where will find yourself? On a shore with no other equipment! After thinking about that, I added pockets to my PFD and stock it with small survival items.

We just picked campsites as we went, it worked fine. I assume you’re going in the summer, so you’ll have tons of light. Be prepared for continuous rain. Only bring clothing that can dry as you wear it. (no cotton!).

Do NOT approach a calving glacier. My in-laws did and as my wife paddled after them to tell them not to, an apartment-building-sized hunk came off. Suddenly they were surfing 20-foot waves. 1/4 or 1/2 mile doesn’t eliminate the waves, but they are reasonable at that distance.

Waves (from calving glaciers, cruise chips or tsunamis) arrived trough first. If the water at the shoreline lets OUT, then QUICK, get your butt and your boat uphill fast. Water going out 20 feet down the beach means it is going to come in about 80 feet in 10 seconds.

We had a great time for that week in PWS. Only one rainy day (very much better than average!), gorgeous scenery. Campsites to ourselves. “Harriman Fjord” and “Harrison lagoon cabin” if you want ot google maps or photos.

I like having at least a few days where you don’t move camp. Just day paddle around an area that you can get to know/explore better. Makes the trip more relaxing.

Strongly consider renting cabins in advance. They have wood-buring stoves, bunks for 6-10 people and are a place you can dry out your clothes. They book up fast, so plan ahead. Something like $40/night and well worth it, at least every few nights.

Have a great time.

WildWeekendTV.com: Kayaking in Galcier Bay Alaska

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