Alaska

How to Prepare for an Earthquake and Other Natural Disasters

March 22, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

In recognition of the anniversary of the 1964 earthquake, I thought it would be important to write a bit about earthquake preparedness. Given the fact that Alaska is a very earthquake prone state, that many of my family members were in Valdez during the ‘64 quake, and the fact that we just had a 5.4 magnitude quake near us a few days ago, I decided there’s no time like the present to write this post and share with you all some items and ideas you can use to prepare for an earthquake or other natural disasters.

How can I prepare for an earthquake?

As with many natural disasters, earthquakes are hard to prepare for. Their timing and strength are unpredictable, and so is their aftermath. There are things you can do, though, to be as prepared as possible for when the next one comes, such as anticipating that one will come and preparing and purchasing gear for it.

There are some ways you can prepare the things around you for the next quake. One of those is to keep your vehicle at least half full with fuel at all times. If you need to leave the area but don’t have enough fuel, chances are you may not be able to get more. If an earthquake is bad enough, pumps may be shut off or not working. And if people can get fuel you can guarantee there will be a lineup of vehicles waiting to fuel up. Keeping enough fuel in your vehicle can help you avoid being stuck in that line.

As far as your home goes, there are some things you can do to prepare it for an earthquake. I’ve been through a few decent shakers. Thankfully, I haven’t had any major property damage in them, which isn’t always the case. Obviously, if an earthquake is big enough, it won’t matter a great deal how you prepare your home, but for smaller quakes these tips can help protect your family and belongings.

It’s best to secure bookcases, TVs, and taller furniture safely to your wall according to their specifications. This will not only keep your furniture safely in place, but it will prevent it from falling on people or pets. Another thing to do is evaluate your house for any other potentially dangerous risks. This could be things such as heavy items on open shelving that could topple, or exits that may get blocked if nearby items fell in front of them. Securing these items and fixing problems ahead of time could literally save you in the long run.

Another essential thing you should do to prepare for any disaster is make a plan with your family and friends. If you end up in an emergency situation and have to leave your home, where will you go? How will you contact your family to see if they’re alright and let them know where you are? How will you call for help if needed? It’s best to plan with people near you and those far away. This way friends and family outside of your area will know you’re safe or if they should be looking for you. Also, it’s important to be prepared with a way to communicate with loved ones should you not be able to use your normal means of communication. The items listed below will help you with survival, communication, safety, and much more.

Southcentral Alaska Earthquake Damage — The 2018 Southcentral Alaska quake did quite a bit of road damage.

What items should I have to prepare for an earthquake?

Emergency preparedness checklists will vary depending on the size of your household and where you’re located. The basic items listed below are essential to have in your go bags for emergencies varying from emergency forest fire evacuations, to summer and winter storms, earthquakes, and more.

You should ensure that you’ll have food, water, and some sort of shelter or way to keep yourself warm or cool, depending on the season. Earthquakes and other natural disasters can occur during any season, so it’s best to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.

Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Medicines-If you are on any prescription medicines don’t forget to have some of those stashed in a go bag. When disaster strikes you won’t have the time to collect them from the cupboard, so keep some ready to go in your emergency bag. Also, add additional medicines you might need such as Advil, Tums, and Tylenol to your kit.
First Aid-To tie into the previous item, you’ll want to pack a first aid kit. You can create your own to your needs and specifications, or grab one of these Adventure Medical Kits.
Water-It would be impractical to keep gallons of water set by your door and ready to go in an emergency. Good thing you don’t have to do that! You can keep some bottles (such as these Made in the USA Liberty ones) full with water in your bag, but otherwise you can use filtration systems to get clean drinking water. LifeStraws are a great option for this as they are lightweight and take up very little space.
Food-Since you won’t be packing your best casserole with you (unless you’re lucky enough to have your own freeze dryer), you’ll want some dehydrated and shelf stable food. Canned goods and freeze dried meals by Peak and Mountain House are good options. (Freeze dried meals are definitely the better option weight wise.)
Jetboil-This handy cooking device is amazing. We have used it countless times to heat up water for our dehydrated meals. Don’t forget to get extra fuel canisters for it as well. It’s also good to pack these matches incase you need to start a fire for cooking or heat.
Communication-As I said above, being able to communicate if at all possible is extremely beneficial. On the chance that you’re phone is charged and working after a natural disaster, you’ll want to keep it charged. You can use a portable power bank and/or solar charger for this. (But, don’t count on there being enough sun to charge everything quickly). Depending on the severity of the incident, though, you may not be able to use your phone. This is where I believe the Garmin inReach comes in handy. We use ours for all our outdoor adventures. If you were to be in a situation where you had no phone service the inReach could save your life. Make sure your devices are charged and ready to go at all times.
Emergency Blankets-Keep these in your emergency bags, first aid kits, backpacks, and more. If you have to spend any time outside in the cold during an emergency, these survival blankets will help you retain your heat.
Toiletries-Having basic toiletries and baby wipes with you is important. You may not be able to go back to your home or it may not be safe to do so. I’m not trying scare you, but it’s a possibility that you should be prepared for. Stashing some travel sized toiletries and wipes in your go bag could prove to be very helpful. It may be a bit until you have access to those type of items again.
Clothes-If you’re able to fit a set of weather appropriate clothing for your family in your bag that would be a huge bonus. Obviously, this will depend on the size of emergency bag storage you have and your household size, but clean clothes would definitely be helpful.
Radio-Hopefully your vehicle will be working, but if it isn’t or you need to shut it off to save fuel, a hand crank radio would be helpful. Having a radio is helpful so you can get emergency updates and any notifications you need to hear. I haven’t tried this one, but it has a radio, power bank, and flashlight in one, and has fantastic reviews! Looks like I’ll be ordering one soon!
Flashlight-I think you should have a flashlight packed for every household member. It’s a good way to signal for help and stay safe in the dark. I haven’t tried every flashlight there is, so I can’t give you a recommendation yet. I’d suggest getting one that isn’t solely battery powered. If it is, bring batteries, but if it has a solar or crank charge option too that would be best.
Tarps and Duct Tape-When do these not come in handy? If you don’t pack them, you’ll need them, and if you pack them, hopefully you won’t need them!
Babies and Kids-Obviously you’ll be brining your actual babies and kids with you. But, don’t forget to pack for their specific needs as well. Formula, diapers, bottles, kid’s medicines, and whatever other special items you would need for them should go in your bag.
Babies of the Furry Variety-Don’t forget to pack for your pet! I just discovered there is freeze dried dog food! This would be a great way to pack your pet’s food in a lighter and smaller way. Also, don’t forget to pack any speciality medicines they may need as well.

One thing that is vitally important with all these items is that you have them together, ready to go, AND that you know how to use them! Trying to use a tourniquet, inReach, charging systems, or anything else without knowledge of how to use it is useless, so learning about your gear before you use it is very important.

Where should I store my emergency preparedness kit, and what should I store it in?

I’ve listed quite a few items I believe you need to prepare for any earthquake or other natural disaster. Now, you’re probably wondering where you should store all of this. Clearly, this will depend on your discretion and how many people you’re packing for. Depending on how much you pack, you can use a backpack or duffel bag. It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy or special. If you’re able to, a dry bag or other waterproof bag would be best, but any sturdy bag would work.

Where you keep your go bag is really up to you. I think the main exit in a home is best, but wherever you can easily and quickly grab it works. Like I stated before, you never know when or where you’ll be when a disaster strikes, so unless can keep a bag with you at all times, I would just keep one where you and your family spend most of their time. You can also keep a smaller version of your kit in your vehicle, too. A lot of these items are useful in many situations, so it may come in handy. Just keep in mind how the items in your bag will react to temperature extremes, such as water bottles, toiletries, etc.

I not trying to cause alarm, but don’t count on anyone coming to help you or look for you right away after a natural disaster. Assistance won’t be there immediately, and it’s up to you to look out for your family and yourself. Obviously you’re already on the right track if you’re reading this and trying to be more prepared for an earthquake or emergency, so kudos to you, and thank you for reading this! If you have any questions or would like to add your favorite natural disaster preparedness item to the list, please feel free to comment below!

Prepare for roads to be closed after an earthquake. Earthquake damage in Alaska 2018. — Earthquake damage on the Kenai Peninsula.

What to Pack for a Summer Vacation in Alaska

March 9, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Alaska gets millions of visitors a year, and most of those visitors come during the summer. I’m guessing many of those people, including you, are wondering what to pack for summer vacation in Alaska. Check out the packing list below to find out!

What should I wear in Alaska during the summer?

Whether you’re coming to Alaska on your dream vacation, visiting relatives, or coming up for a summer job, one of the main things you’ll need to figure out is what to wear. A lot of this will depend on what activities you’ll be doing, what area of the state you’ll be visiting, and what temperatures you are acclimated to. But, there are a few main things everyone should pack that you’ll see on the checklist below.

Layers

No matter what area you plan on visiting, you’ll need layers. The weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly, even in the summer. You can make some general guesses about weather depending on what area you’re going to (Fairbanks will get hotter than most of Alaska during summer, Southeast Alaska will likely have rain, etc), but layering up will get you through a variety of weather changes. Along with jeans, t-shirts, and everyday clothes, I’d suggest bringing the following items.

Rain jacket-Purchase a rain jacket that is waterproof, not just water resistant, to throw on over your clothes when the rain starts pouring. This will be helpful for the wind as well, especially if you’re on a glacier and wildlife cruise.
Sweatshirt-A hooded sweatshirt or pullover is a great layer to go on top of a t-shirt or other everyday clothes. The Midnight Sun does keep it warm out for much of the day when it’s sunny, but when the sun goes down the temperature really drops.
Shorts-Yes, you can wear shorts in Alaska! It does get hot enough to wear short. Depending on the temperature you’re used to, it might be worth your while to pack some summery clothes like shorts and tank tops to stay cool on your vacation. Just check the packing tips below, and this post about mosquitos, before you venture out with your shorts on.

Summer glacier and wildlife cruise in Seward, Alaska. — A wind/rainproof jacket will come in handy, especially on glacier and wildlife cruises.

Accessories

There are a few smaller things you’ll need to add to your Alaska summer vacation packing list.

Hats-You’ll definitely want to bring a baseball hat with you to shade your eyes from the sun. And, on the opposite end, if you tend to run cold or are from a very warm climate, bring a beanie to wear if you plan on being on or near glaciers as it will be ice, ice cold!
Sunglasses-The Midnight Sun is no joke, so bring a good pair of shades with you!
Eye Mask-This is something I wouldn’t normally think about since you get somewhat used to the 24/7 summer sun living here. But, bringing an eye mask to get some shut eye, and following these tips, will help you get a restful nights sleep on your vacation.

Always pack a hat when packing for summer in Alaska. — Hats are a must-have in the summer sun.

Footwear

What footwear you bring will obviously depend on what activities you plan on doing, but there’s a good chance you’ll be putting on some miles during your trip no matter what adventures you have.

Sneakers-Bringing along the shoes you would normally wear to go for a walk is a good plan. Make sure they’re broken in so you don’t get sore feet while you’re out and about.
Camp Shoes/Flip Flops/Crocs-If you’re going to spend time camping or just want some comfy shoes to lounge around in at the end of the day, I’d suggest bringing some camp shoes. You’ll want flip flops if you need to use campground showers, and Crocs are my daily go-tos for comfort.
Hiking Boots-If you’ll be stepping off the beaten path (and chances are you will be), I recommend bringing some hiking boots that you’ve already broken in. Make sure you have good ankle support and that they fit you comfortably.

A beach on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. — Crocs come in handy when walking on the beaches.

What additional items should I add to my Alaska packing list?

There are a few other necessities that you’ll want to have on your trip to Alaska. Some of these you can just buy here, but others you may want to pack with.

Bug Spray-Avoid the constant fight with Alaska’s state bird, the mosquito, and purchase some bug spray. Following these tips will help you as well.
Bug Net-Are they attractive? Nope. Do they work amazingly well? Yes! This one works great and will be the best few dollars you’ve ever spent!
Sunscreen-Even on the colder summer days it’s always good to use sunscreen (and don’t forget to reapply!). If you plan on being on the water fishing or on a glacier and wildlife cruise it’s especially important to wear sunscreen due to the reflection from the water. The last thing you want to do is ruin your vacation with a sunburn! (Plus, no one will believe you really got a sunburn in Alaska!)
Water Bottle-Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Bring a bottle and fill it up whenever you have the opportunity. Check out this American Made bottle here!
Wet Ones-Wondering why you’ll need to carry wipes around with you? Check out my post on “Things You Shouldn’t Do When Visiting Alaska” to find out!
Binoculars-There are so many thing to see in Alaska, and you’ll likely get to see a variety of them up close. But, for those ones that are just too far away or to see wildlife at a safe distance, I highly recommend bringing binoculars.
Charger-Bring a portable charger/power bank to charge your phone, camera, or other devices when your away from outlets or your vehicle.

Do I need to pack any speciality gear for my trip to Alaska?

Nope, you shouldn’t have to! But, just to be sure, I’d check with any guide services you might have booked with incase you need to bring some extra adventure gear with you. If you’ve booked a fishing charter, glacier jet ski cruise, four wheeling tour, or other activity, chances are they will provide the gear you need for your excursion. To be on the safe side, though, I’d confirm with the company beforehand just to make sure.

I hope this list has helped you figure out what to pack for a summer vacation in Alaska, and has you more excited than ever to prepare for your trip! If you have any question about Alaska feel free to ask them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Heading to the Kenai River to fish. — Check to see if you need to bring waders/wading shoes for any fishing trips you have booked.

14 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Visiting Alaska

March 1, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

I bet you’re a little curious about the title of this article. What would you not want to do when visiting Alaska? Don’t you want to do everything? Well, not quite. There are some things that you shouldn’t do when visiting Alaska, and I’ll tell you about them below.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Don’t Tell Anyone Where You’re Going

I had this towards the middle of the post but decided to move it to the top because this is super important. Tell at least a couple people where you’ll be going when you’re exploring Alaska and when you expect to be back. If you have a medical emergency, accident, or get lost or weathered in, it’s a tremendous advantage for rescue teams to have a solid point to start searching at.

Likely, if you’re vacationing here, you probably haven’t been on the trail you plan to hike before, you may not anticipate bad weather coming in, and/or you’re not as prepared as you thought you were. It happens to all of us, but in a worst case scenario it can be deadly, and many places won’t have cell service for you to call for help. So, tell friends and family where you’ll be, how long you’ll be there, and buy or rent a device like the Garmin inReach to have incase of an emergency.

Fall colors on a side road in Alaska. — Let someone know when you’re taking the road less traveled.

Have Dead Batteries

I know there are outlets, charging stations, and all that jazz basically everywhere now, but have you tried to plug your phone/camera battery/etc into a mountain, berry bush, or ocean? I didn’t think so. Chances are, the batteries on your emergency device, phone, and camera will die at the worst time. Breaching whale? Dead camera. Bogged down in the fog on a trail? Dead inReach. FaceTiming mom on a day you can see Denali? Dead phone. Charging your electronics whenever possible and bringing a portable charger/power bank with you is very important. Honestly, it’s more of a safety issue than anything, but being able to capture miraculous moments on your Alaskan adventure is pretty awesome, too.

Plan a Short Trip

Chances are you’ve traveled a long distance to get to Alaska, so why not stay awhile and enjoy it! There are so many things to do and see. If at all possible, try stay at least a week. I know it’s not a cheap trip, but check out some money saving ideas here that might help you save money so you can stay longer and enjoy our beautiful state!

Forget to Bring Layers

Layers, layer, layers. You’ve probably read many posts by now regarding how to dress in Alaska. I’m guessing they’ve all mentioned needing layers? If so, they’re absolutely correct. No matter what season you visit Alaska, layers are always necessary. Weather is ever changing, and it’s always better to have more layers than too little. But, if you don’t want to pack so much or don’t own proper layers for your trip, you can always shop locally once you’re here at the start of your trip to be prepared.

Skip Sunscreen and Bug Spray

Boy, oh boy. Don’t make this mistake. Trust me. That Midnight Sun and even the bright sun in winter can burn you fast, especially if you’re out on the water or adventuring. Wear sunscreen, and don’t forget to reapply.

You’ll need sunscreen year round, but thankfully you don’t need bug spray for all seasons. But when you need it, you really need it. Mosquitos, no-see-ums, and horseflies are huge bummers during spring, summer, and fall. But, with some help from this handy dandy article I put together, they should be less of a problem for you.

Overplan

I know it’s hard not to do this when you’re going on a dream vacation, but don’t overplan. There are more activities and sights to see here than anyone could in a lifetime, so don’t expect to cram them all into a week’s vacation.

Get Cozy with the Wildlife

Don’t be that person. The wildlife is wild, no matter how adorable or pettable it looks. Don’t pet it, don’t feed it, don’t crowd it. But, if you do want some safe encounters with animals, check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Brown bears AWCC Alaska — Bears view from above on the viewing bridge at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Be Inflexible

As I’ve already mentioned, weather is an ever changing factor here. Chances are, some of your planned activities, tours, and excursions may be delayed or cancelled due to weather. It’s hard to not be disappointed, but try to pivot and find something else. Maybe you have a float plane or helicopter ride planned, but get fogged out? Why not try a train ride or maybe a glacier cruise? There’s always something amazing to do and see in Alaska, so don’t let the weather ruin your trip!

Miss Out on Local Food

Don’t hit up all the same chain restaurants you have at home while you’re here. We have so many great local places, and a variety of tasty foods here. You’d miss out if you didn’t try it! Check out this list of delicious Alaskan food to try on your vacation here, and the best resturants in Soldotna and Kenai!

Bluebird Café in Sterling, Alaska. Blueberry and lemon stuffed French toast. — Stuffed French toast with delicious blueberries and a bacon jam burger, yum!

Rush

Alaska isn’t the place to be in a hurry. In the summer, there are many visitors and places can get crowded and busy. You may have to wait to get seated and try some delicious deep fried halibut. There will likely be long checkout lines a gift shop registers. You may have to wait your turn for a bit to get that photo in front of a beautifully carved totem pole. It’s all totally worth the wait.

Pass Up Bathrooms, Fuel, or Food Stops

Depending on where you’re traveling to, rest stops, fuel, and snacks can be few and far between. Take advantage of them when you see them. Check out maps to plan your next stop, but don’t assume the stop is still open unless you’ve called to confirm as some places are seasonal or closed and information can be outdated.

Outhouse in remote Alaska. — A room with a view! You’ll probably use your fair share of outhouses on your Alaskan adventures.

Forget Toilet Paper, Wet Wipes, and Sanitizer

This kind of goes with the above tip. One thing you shouldn’t do when visiting Alaska is travel without toilet paper, wet wipes, and sanitizer. If you run into a situation where you passed up a bathroom pit stop and really regret it, you may have to use the great outdoors as your own personal restroom, or use an outhouse that might not have tp or anything to wash your hands with, so be prepared.

Use the Turnouts as Your Restroom

Okay, I know just said you’ll probably have to pee outside at some point if you’ll be roadtripping, but there is some roadside bathroom etiquette to abide by. 1. Make sure you’re out of view from the highway. Shockingly, not everyone does this. 2. You’ll probably have to do your thang at a turnout, but just step out of the area of traffic and foot traffic a bit. People stop there to take photos, let their dogs out, and stretch their legs. The last thing we want to see is anyone’s business. BUT, also be aware and on the lookout for wildlife before you step off the side of the pavement. Not trying to scare you, but wildlife is everywhere and it’s best to be safe. (Also, don’t lower your tushy into any devil’s club!) 3. Don’t toss your hand wipes and whatnot all over. It takes longer than you’d think for that to disintegrate and is just disgusting. Having little trash bags (or even doggie trash bags) with can be handy for that, and for vehicle trash as well.

A beautiful stop at the rest area in Turnagain Pass.

Trash Alaska

I’m sorry we don’t have enough trash cans in frequently visited places, and the ones we do have are always full. Trust me, I know it’s annoying. But, we’d all really appreciate it you’d use the above mentioned bags and take your trash with you until you find a public dumpster. Since you’re reading this, I’m guessing you must be a pretty awesome, considerate, and intelligent person, so I really don’t need to include this or the above rule anyway, but it’s not a bad reminder.

There you have it, a list of some easy peasy things you shouldn’t do when visiting Alaska. This list will help you enjoy your visit more, plan better, and hopefully have the Alaska vacation of your dreams! Happy traveling, friends!

Do you have questions about traveling to Alaska? Leave a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

7 Reasons to Get Married in Alaska (And One Reason Why You Shouldn’t!)

February 27, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Are you stressing about where to get married? Don’t fret, Alaska is your place! Check out the reasons below to see why you should get married in Alaska.

Beautiful Views

No matter what season you choose, you’ll always have beautiful views. Maybe you want to fly to a glacier and have that as your backdrop? Awesome! Hoping for a ski resort wedding with mountain views? We’ve got that, too. Or, how about saying “I do” at a historic mining area? Whatever view you can imagine, you can find it here.

Glacier in Alaska — Why not have a glacial backdrop or even be on a glacier when you say your “I dos”?

The “Off” Season

Alaska is a popular tourist destination year round, but things start to slow down during fall and throughout the winter. Alaska has all four seasons, although some are much different lengths than average. Summer and fall are short, and winter takes up about half the year. A great benefit to that, though, is that there is a long “off” season, AKA winter. During this time, and towards the end of fall, you’ll find better deals on venues, hotels, travel, and more, making it easier to stay within a wedding budget. Plus, it’s a beautiful time of year with plenty of activities still available (glacier and sled dog tours, and the aurora anyone?), you’ll just need to pack some warmer clothes.

Great Vendors

There are many talented and helpful vendors and resources to use if you decide to get married in Alaska. There are a vast amount of talented photographers (Narrow Road Productions, Sarah French Photography, Donna Marie Photography), bakers, venues, dress shops (I had a perfect experience at Bateau Bridal!) and more. And with Alaska as your backdrop and wildflowers as your bouquet, you’re set!

Bateau Bridal in Anchorage, Alaska. Best place to get a wedding dress. — Bateau Bridal will give you a one of a kind dress shopping experience.

Unique

Getting married in Alaska is a unique experience. Not everyone can say the got married in The Last Frontier. With the variety of unique areas to get married, including an Ice Museum, on glaciers, and surrounded by some of the tallest peaks, the 49th state will give you and your guests an extraordinary and unforgettable wedding experience.

Eloper’s Paradise

Hoping to elope and get away from it all? Perfect! It sound like getting married in Alaska would be a great plan for you! There are many many ways to escape the hustle and bustle of wedding planning and get married in the quiet and solitude of Alaska’s most beautiful locations. Plus, many of Alaska’s photographers do unique elopement sessions, and can give you tips and advice on planning and more.

A DIY bouquet from Alaskan wildflowers can be made for a wedding. — DIY your bouquet with some of Alaska’s beautiful wildflowers. P.S. Those aren’t dandelions. 😉

Destination Wedding

Alaska makes a great place for a destination wedding. If you’re a U.S. resident, you don’t need a passport to fly to Alaska, you only need one if you plan on driving through Canada. If you choose to get married in Alaska, chances are that people will make the trip up and spend extra time here vacationing in a place many people dream of visiting.

Start Your Honeymoon Here

Whether you’re an Alaska resident or just planning on having your wedding in our beautiful state, Alaska is a great starting point for many honeymoon adventures. We live in Alaska, but had our honeymoon here as well before taking a vacation a few months after the wedding, and Alaska is really a beautiful spot to honeymoon. You can spend your honeymoon roadtripping around the state, zip lining in Southeast Alaska’s rainforest, relaxing at Alyeska’s spa or Chena Hot Springs, visiting some of our many National Parks, and more. But, this is where the reason you shouldn’t get married in Alaska comes in: chances are, you may never want to leave!

A moose shed ring from Jewlery by Johan on ombré purple lupin in Alaska. — Add the detail of a moose shed ring from **Jewelry by Johan** to really bring out the Alaska vibe.

You may have started off reading this post and wondering why on earth you should get married in Alaska. Well, now you know! Having your wedding in Alaska can provide you with some of the most breathtaking views in the world on your special day, give you access to talented vendors, show your guests a magical time, and even be the spot for your honeymoon! If you’re considering having your wedding in our beautiful state, feel free to put any questions you have in the comments.

Snowdog Versus Snowmachine: Which One is Best for You?

February 17, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

If you’re looking to add a new machine to your lineup of winter toys, or just looking for a the best way to get around during winter, chances are you’ll be looking into getting a snowmachine (or snowmobile as everyone in the Lower 48 refers to them). But have you ever looked into getting a Snowdog? Chances are, maybe you haven’t, or you’re deciding which one of the two to get. I’ve used both machines, and below I’ll give you my perspective and some facts on the Snowdog versus snowmachines to help you decide which would best fit your needs.

What is a Snowdog?

A Snowdog is basically the machine version of an actual sled dog team. It’s a compact tracked machine that pulls a connecting sled(s) behind it to hold people, supplies, gear, and/or whatever else you may need to carry. The Snowdog is basically acting as the sled dogs. The machine itself is giving you the muscle to go, and the sled behind it acts as a musher’s sled would. Unlike a snowmachine/snowmobile, it is much shorter, has no connected seat, and does not have skis. Snowmachines, commonly known as snowmobiles, are much larger, heavier, tracked vehicles with skis.

The Snowdog at sunset on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. — The Snowdog at sunset.

What can Snowdogs and snowmachines be used for? Can they only be used during winter?

Snowmachines are solely winter vehicles. They are used for transporting people and goods, riding for enjoyment and exploring, ice fishing, hauling wood, trail grooming, hunting, chores around property, and whatever else you choose to do outdoors during winter. Snowdogs, however, are multi season vehicles. They are used for the above activities during winter, but can also be used for these applications during other seasons. This makes Snowdogs quite useful, multi-season vehicles. You won’t be using the Snowdog for hillclimbs or highmarking though. Although they do great in fairly deep snow, they can’t compete with the big dog snowmobiles when it comes to tons of powder and racing up steep mountains.

How much can I tow and how far can I go with a Snowdog versus a snowmachine?

How much you can tow with a snowmachine will depend on what type of one you get. Are you buying a snowmobile for hill climbing or trail riding? Will you have a sled you’ll be towing behind it? What kind of horsepower do you have? All of these various elements and more will determine how much you can tow.

The same goes for how far you can travel on a tank. There are a couple different things to consider when figuring this out. How big is the tank? What’s your MPG like? Will you have room to take extra fuel with you? This will vary, and checking individual specifications for the machine you’re looking at is the best way to find out. Most snowmobiles can go quite the distance on a full tank.

Snowdogs have some pretty specific stats on towing compactly and MPGs. According to the Snowdog website “the top power models of 14 hp haul up to 660lbs on snow” and “average fuel consumption is only 0.7 gal/h (41 MPG)”, which gives you an idea of how long and hard you can push it. Obviously there is a big difference in horsepower between the two, so that’s something to consider.

Polaris Indy Voyager in Eureka, Alaska. Snowmachines can climb and travel distances better in the case of Snowdog versus snowmachine. — Eureka, Alaska. Snowmachines can take you to some beautiful heights.

How does a snowmachine handle when riding compared to the Snowdog?

A lot of this is based on personal opinion since experiences will just depend on the rider. I think both the Snowdog and snowmachines are really enjoyable to ride. They each have their perks and quirks, though. Personally, I think the Snowdog is harder to steer. I don’t feel like I have the control with it like I do when I’m snowmaching. That being said, I have ridden snowmachines for decades, so I’m much more comfortable with them in general. Also, my husband just made a seat for our Snowdog sled, and sitting while operating the Snowdog rather than standing gives a much better rider experience and more control. You can also go faster on a snowmachine compared to a Snowdog, but depending on what you’re using it for speed might not matter as much.

Depending on how heavy your snowmachine is, they can sometimes be a pain to get unstuck, and you might need a little help. Snowdogs by themselves weigh only 286-440lbs depending on the model, so a solo rider likely can easily get unstuck without help.

Riding a Yamaha Phazer in the 90s in remote Alaska. — You could say I’ve got a few decades of riding in. Changed the brand of machine, but not the color!

What’s the best way to transport each machine?

There are a few different options when moving either machine. Snowmachines can be trailered, put on a sled deck, or fit in a longer bed of a truck. Snowdogs are compact enough that they can fit in the back of a larger SUV or truck easily. Of course you can always trailer them as well, but their compact size makes them convenient to load up take to the trail. However, our model of Snowdog does not have reverse, which makes it a little more difficult to unload. This is something to consider when deciding which model of Snowdog to purchase.

Snowdog being loaded into the bed of a truck. — You can easily load up a Snowdog by just walking it into the bed of a truck.

What is the cost of a Snowdog versus a snowmachine?

Now we’re getting to the part that determines many purchases in life, money! The cost of either of these machines is dependent on many things; one being where you purchase them from. If you buy either of them brand new from a dealership, you’ll pay top dollar. If you purchase them used, chances are you’ll likely get a better deal, but they may need repairs or have other issues. Both my snowmachine and Snowdog were purchased used, which saved a good sum of money. But, unless you get a very old snowmachine or a killer deal, you’ll likely be paying a lot more if you buy a snowmachine than a Snowdog, even if it’s used.

Secondly, prices are dependent on the model. We’re a Polaris household, so I’ll use their pricing as an example. If you want to buy a new model snowmobile to trail ride not get too crazy with, you might be paying $15,000-$16,000 and up. If you want to hill climb and brrrrap brrrrrap your way around, expect to pay at least $18,000, but likely $20,000 for a brand new machine. Pricy, right!?

Snowdogs, on the other hand, start out at about $4,000 brand new and go upwards of $6,200 with all the bells and whistles. What model you choose will depend on your use of it, just like with snowmachines. But, you also have to consider you’ll need a sled(s) and a seat if you’d like one, and the accessories for Snowdogs aren’t cheap. Adding in a sled and seat increases the cost by upwards of $600. Overall, though, you will pay less for a brand new Snowdog than you will for a new snowmachine, and you won’t need to buy a trailer for it if you can fit it in the back of your vehicle.

After considering the cost of new versus used, and the cost of accessories, there is the cost of repairs. There’s really no way for me to give you a good estimate of this. A lot of this cost will depend on how handy you are at troubleshooting problems yourself, how reliable your machine is, and how much replacement parts are.

Another thing to account for in your budget is insurance and registration. This will vary depending on your area, but snowmachines may require registration and insurance, while Snowdogs likely will not.

Polaris Indy Voyager on the Kenai Peninsula. — The Polaris Indy Voyager on a blue bird day on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.

So which one should I choose?

Honestly, one machine is not better than the other, it’s just about what’s best for how you want to use it. They’re fairly similar, but have enough differences that you can’t replace one with the other. Each has their pros, cons, and uses in the great outdoors. But, to try simplify things, below is a little list of who, what, when, where, and how they are best used to help you decide.

What do you plan on using your machine for? If you want to puts around the woods, do trail grooming, go ice fishing, and do some chores around the property, a Snowdog might be right for you. If you want to climb mountains and race your friends up hills, get a snowmachine.
Do you want to use it during multiple seasons? You’ll need a Snowdog if you want to make use of you machine during more than just winter.
Are you going on long rides, and how much are you bringing? If you can bring extra fuel and tow two sleds behind, a Snowdog will get you a ways in semi-deep snow. For longer distances, deeper snow, and a more comfortable ride, a snowmachine is the way to go.
How many people are riding? No matter which you choose, you’ll likely fit a maximum of two people on either the Snowdog or a snowmachine.
Which is a more comfortable ride? If your Snowdog has a seat you’ll have a much better ride than when standing. But, overall, a snowmachine will be more comfortable, especially for longer distances.
Is the Snowdog easier to transport than a snowmachine? Yes, Snowdogs are so easy to bring to trailheads and load into the back of your truck.
What’s your budget? If a lower price is a final deciding factor for you, the Snowdog will be more budget friendly.

Overall, if I had to choose, I would just pick both! But, the reason you’re reading this is to decide between two, so here is my final opinion. Honestly, it just depends on what you’d like to use it for, your capabilities, budget, snowload, and more. If you’re doing easy riding, don’t have extremely deep snow, want to use it all year, add a seat to the sled, want an easy way to load and unload, and are on a budget, choose the Snowdog. If you’re doing any hardcore riding, have deeper snow, don’t mind trailering a machine, have a place to store it half the year, are doing longer rides, and have a bigger budget, get a snowmachine.

I really hope this Snowdog versus snowmachine comparison has helped you determine which machine would best suit your needs. Any questions? Ask them in the comments below, I’d be happy to answer! Happy riding, friends!

The 5 Best Winter Boots

January 27, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Winter fun can end in a hurry if you get cold feet. Beat the cold and turn up the toasty on your toes with these five winter boot options. Below, I’ll list my favorite winter boots, the best activities for each type of boot, and the pros and cons of each option.

Bunny Boots

Lets start off with the winter boot of all winter boots: the bunny boot. These large, insulated, rubber boots were designed for the United States Military, and are the best winter boots I’ve ever had. Bunny boots are great for prolonged time outdoors in snow and/or frigid temperatures. They are a bit hard to find though, so look at garage sales, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, local sales pages, and military surplus stores to find them.

The white version of these boots keeps you warm to lower temperatures, and the black ones have a slightly less frigid rating, but I have the black ones and they work great. Although they are bulky and a bit heavy, the warmth they provide is unmatched, and the fact that they are waterproof is a lifesaver. I’ve had instances where snow has got in the top of my boot and melted (I should have been wearing gaiters or snowpants!), and with bunny boots my feet stayed perfectly warm although they were wet. If you find a pair of these in your size, be sure to snag them up!

Even our pup agrees that bunny boots are the best winter boots!

Tall Sorels

I was lucky enough to get a great pair of hand-me-down Sorels, and they have held up well for years now. I don’t believe they make the exact style of boot I have anymore, but they do make a pair that looks very similar and has one handy improvement. The lower part of these newer Sorel boots have rubber on them, which will help keep your feet warm and dry when walking through snow and slush. Also, this style of boot, along with my current pair, has a removable liner. Removable liners are fantastic to have on winter boots so you’re able to wash them or put them on the boot dryer if necessary.

These boots are great for milder winter weather, lower amounts of snow, and activities like sledding, walking, shoveling, etc. If you need a little extra warmth, they would pair well with toe or foot warmers. They make men’s, women’s, and kid’s versions of these boots, so you can outfit the whole family! Plus, they look great, too!

The tall Sorels are so cozy, mismatched socks and all.

Salomon

I have had a pair of Salomon boots for years now, but just started using them this season. They are cute, comfy, surprisingly lightweight, and warm. They work great for walks, snowshoeing, and more. I found these on sale at a large sporting good store, so I would suggest checking your local sporting goods shops for them before looking online.

Short Sorels

Living in Alaska, and being from Valdez, I’m used to quite a ton of snow. Literally. Tons. But, not every area or time of year requires hardcore snow boots during winter. That’s when the short Sorels come in handy! These are so easy to slip on and get out the door. They are great for keeping your feet warm and toasty on grocery store trips, while out walking the dog, running errands, and more. They are lightweight, come in a variety of colors, and are a stylish and fashionable winter boot. Grab yourself a pair of these today!

UGGS

Never did I think I’d say this, but UGGS are awesome. I was given a pair for my birthday two years ago, and have worn them constantly since then for everyday errands and more. They are incredibly warm, comfortable, and come in a variety of heights and styles. I have a sorter, classic pair, and get a lot of use out of them. The downside is they are not waterproof. I haven’t tried to use waterproofing on mine, so I can’t say how that would work out, but it may be possible to do that if necessary.

Is there anything else I need to keep my feet warm this winter?

Great question, and the answer is yes! Not only do you need the best winter boots to keep your feet warm and comfortable, they are also a few key accessories to help you enjoy winter.

Socks

Under every pair of great boots is a toasty pair of socks. If you are just doing errands in a lighter pair of socks and short Sorels, you should be fine. But, if you’re out in the elements all day, you’ll want to grab some pairs of winter socks. Some of the best brands are Darn Tough, Fox River, and Heat Holders.

Toe and Foot Warmers

Toe and foot warmers from HotHands help give you that extra bit of warmth if you tend to have colder feet.

HotHands are the perfect way to stay toasty.

Gaiters

My husband frequently wears gaiters over his boots when snowpants aren’t necessary. Even the tallest winter boots aren’t always tall enough to avoid snow getting into them. They give that extra protection so you don’t get any snow going over the tops, thus keeping your feet warm and dry.

Ice Cleats

Ice cleats, crampons, snow grips. Whatever you want to call them, they are sometimes very useful and necessary. Winter boots might not always have the traction you need to be on ice, so adding ice cleats to them can make walking in winter easier and, more importantly, safer. And, if you want a permanent traction solution, you can sometimes even get your boots studded!

Boot Dryer

I feel like my boots were always on the dryer when I was little. After coming in from playing all day, I’d have snow in my boots and wet feet. These Peet dryers would dry them out, and they next time you put them on they’re toasty warm! They even make ones from drying gloves, too!

Storage

If you’re like me, you’ll end up with a variety of winter boots for the different parts of the season, and for different activities. I store mine on this handy shoe rack. Just make sure before you store them that they are completely dry, removable liners have been washed, and you’ve added boot deodorizer if necessary.

Being a life-long Alaskan has taught me many things, one being that wearing the best winter boots possible is a must. Hopefully the list above helps you pick out the perfect boots for your next winter adventure, and if you need more information on what clothes and gear to wear this winter, check out post on how to layer clothes for winter weather!

The full lineup: bunny boots, tall Sorels, Salomon’s, short Sorels, and UGGS.

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