Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

Alaska

5 Reasons to Skip Anchorage on Your Alaska Vacation

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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.

Some of you may look at this title and think I’m crazy. ”I love Anchorage!” ”Anchorage is a must-see part of Alaska.” ”Anchorage was my favorite stop on our last Alaskan vacation.” ”I live in Anchorage, and I love it!” Okay, well I’ll save you some time and say clearly this post isn’t for you. But, if you’re thinking about visiting Alaska, and Anchorage in particular, read on.

When you think of Alaska, you think of traffic, views of multistory buildings, big box stores….. Wait, you don’t? Well, that’s what you get when you visit Anchorage. First of all, I’d like to say not everything about Anchorage is negative, though. There are many great people, restaurants, shops, and activities to do in Anchorage. But, if you only experience Anchorage, you’re not experiencing real Alaska, and these are some of the reasons why.

It’s Crowded

If you’re coming to Alaska, chances are you want to get away from it all and experience the quiet and solitude of The Last Frontier. Anchorage is not the place to do that. It’s population of less than 300,000 may not be large in comparison to where you’re from, but in Alaska that’s pretty crowded. People call it Los Anchorage for a reason. If you’re looking for a peaceful, wilderness experience, why come to the biggest city in the state?

Traffic

As I just said, Anchorage may not be a metropolis to you, but there still is traffic. Why spend your vacation stuck in the hustle and bustle of the city life when you can be out enjoying our great state? Skip Anchorage traffic and explore other areas of Alaska without the hassle of stoplights.

Heading out of Anchorage in the big city traffic.

The View

Unless you enjoy looking at big box stores, you should set your sights on a different area. Don’t get me wrong, there are even beautiful views in Anchorage such as Point Woronzof and Flattop, but you’ll see much more without the obstructions of the city.

Touristy

I guess the fact that the more visited areas of Anchorage are more ”touristy” makes sense, but you’re not coming to Alaska to buy gimmicky souvenirs. Like any other tourist destination, Anchorage has a host of places that cater to visitors. But, if you end up in Anchorage and are looking for real, authentic, made in Alaska gifts, check out the Native Arts Market and other markets, small businesses, and even Safeway and Three Bears for Alaska made goods and food. Also, look for the ”Made in Alaska” bear logo on products as well.

If you’re looking for more genuine, fun, and educational experiences in Anchorage, check out Fur Rondy and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. If you do end up spending time in Anchorage, those are two great places to do it.

The Anchorage Iditarod start. Check out both the Anchorage and Willow restart for different views.

Big City Similarities

I never noticed this until I got to travel more, but all bigger cities tend to look the same no matter what state you’re in. The same chain restaurants, the same box stores, the same big roads, with the same slew of stoplights. If you enjoy that, then that’s awesome. But, if you’re coming to Alaska that might not be your cup of tea during your vacation here.

That isn’t to say there’s not a great number of local restaurants, small business shops, and local activities to do in Anchorage, though. If you do spend time in the big city, please take the time to look up local businesses while you’re there. Skip the chain restaurants and box stores, and shop, eat, and support local Alaskan places.

Chances are if you’re visiting Alaska you’ll be in Anchorage at some point. It’s hard to miss if you’re flying in and not going to Fairbanks or driving up through Canada. If you do find yourself in Los Anchorage on your Alaskan vacation, take time to shop local, avoid the gimmicky tourist traps, and visit educational and fun places while you’re there, but don’t spend your whole vacation in Anchorage. Get out of the city and experience the scenic beauty, local hangouts, and amazing adventures that you’re coming here to see.

My Most-Loved Christmas Traditions

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I love traditions. Seasonal traditions, holiday traditions, cultural traditions. All of them. So, that being said, you can correctly assume that there are many Christmas traditions I love, and I’ll be sharing those with you here!

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.

Lefse

Does your family have a Christmas tradition that is traditional to your heritage? We do! Making lefse is one of them. Lefse is like a very thin Norwegian tortilla made with potatoes, and my family really enjoys it. Making something from your heritage with your family is a great way to start the Christmas season. Not sure what traditions are associated with your heritage? Check it out on Google, or adopt a fun tradition from a different culture as well!

DIY Your Own Wreath

Start a new Christmas tradition, save money, and have fun doing it! A few years ago I started making my own Christmas wreaths, and it’s so much fun! All I do is use a metal wreath frame, cut some branches from trees on our property, and weave branches through the wire frame. Then, I add a bow, lights, and any additional touches I’d like from the craft store. When Christmas is over, we have a campfire using the branches, and I save the frame, faux berries, lights, and bow for the next year. It’s super simple, takes up virtually no space between seasons, and is very cute and customizable.

Tip: If you don’t have branches near your home to cut, you can use Christmas garland to weave through the frame. You can check out some other great DIY crafts here!

Fontanini

Fontanini is a company that makes beautiful, heirloom quality Nativity sets. My grandma and mom got me started with a set when I was five, and I’ve been collecting pieces to the Nativity ever since. It’s 100% my favorite thing to set up during Christmas, and is a great reminder of the reason for the season.

Part of the Fontanini collection. Mary and Joseph passing the innkeepers home, where they found there was ”no room in the inn”.

Operation Christmas Child

Tis the season to bless and be blessed! Operation Christmas Child sends shoeboxes full of necessities, toys, and more to children around the world. We have been packing shoeboxes for a few years now, and it’s so fun to shop for these items, write letters to recipients, and see what countries they end up going to. Operation Christmas Child is really spreading joy to the world! Follow them on Instagram to see the impact your shoeboxes will make!

If you’re looking to donate locally, there are often many organizations looking for volunteers and donations at homeless shelters, food banks, churches, and more. Also, another great way to donate is to give gifts in someones name. For example, if you have a friend or relative that ”already has enough stuff” and you’ve been told they don’t want a gift, why not give a donation in their name? You can do this in your local area, or around the globe, and it makes for a great gift all around.

Tip: Want to verify that you’re money is going to a reputable charity? Check out Charity Navigator or Charity Watch to verify where your gifts are going before you donate.

Packing some Operation Christmas Child boxes.

Sledding

If you’re spending Christmas in a snowy state, now is the time for all those fun winter activities. One of my favorites is sledding, followed by cozying up inside with a toasty cup of hot chocolate.

Christmas Lights Tour

Another one of my favorites, the Christmas lights tour! Crank up the Christmas tunes and cruise your neighborhood for lights. You never know what you might see!

A camper display at the drive thru light show in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Christmas Movies

Grab the popcorn, blankets, and Christmas classics, it’s movie night! Watch some retro Rudolph and enjoy the fun of your childhood favorites.

Hallmark Ornaments

A fun Christmas collection to start is with Hallmark ornaments. You can collect series of them every year, or choose a little something different each season. They make great Christmas gifts as well.

Cookies

You can’t go through the Christmas season without whipping up a batch of yummy cookies. Ever since I can remember, my mom has been making sugar cookies for Christmas. We’d have my cousins and friends over to decorate, and it was so fun. Baking and decorating cookies with friends and family is one of my favorite Christmas traditions.

Cutting out some sugar cookies to decorate.

Delivering Treats

Once you have those cookies done, it’s time to spread that joy around! Take time to visit your family, friends, neighbors, and others during this season, and bring them some tasty treats, too.

Tip: You can often find cookie tins at 70% off or more after Christmastime each year. That’s the prefect time to stock up for next year’s deliveries!

Fruitcake

Don’t knock it till you try it! And if you’ve tried it and didn’t like it, give another recipe a shot. I really don’t love some fruitcakes, but my grandma’s fruitcake recipe is a Christmas staple. Whether you’re making it, eating it, or both, you’ve at least got to try it once!

Christmas Plays

Visit Christmas plays, concerts, and more in your area. A church in our town does “Bethlehem Revisited” ever year, which accounts the events of the birth of Jesus. It’s pretty magical to see, and is great for little kiddos, those who may not know the story of Jesus’s birth, and a good reminder of the meaning of Christmas for all of us.

Bethlehem Revisited in Soldotna, Alaska. The Christmas tradition with real meaning.
A little bit of Bethlehem in Soldotna, Alaska.

Matching Pajamas

You can roll your eyes at this one, it’s fine. I just can’t get over how cute matching family pajamas are, especially when we get them for our dog as well. It’s just too adorable, and makes for a good gift to open on Christmas Eve.

Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree

For about seven years now, we’ve been cutting down our own Christmas trees. Are they full, perfect, and beautiful? No. Do we have a fun and memorable time doing it? Yes! If you have property or an area near you where you can harvest your own tree, take advantage of it and start a new Christmas tradition.

Cutting down Christmas trees. One of my favorite new Christmas traditions.
It may not be the perfect tree, but it’s the perfect one for me!

Christmas Breakfast

A tradition I’m hoping to start doing is Christmas/Christmas Eve breakfast. Maybe lingonberry crepes? Maybe fruit soup? I haven’t decided yet, but I’ll let you all know what we end up doing this year!

Hopefully this post has helped you get in the Christmas spirit and added some meaningful and fun traditions to this beautiful season. Share your favorite Christmas traditions in the comments below, and let me know if you plan on starting any of the traditions you read about in this post! Merry Christmas, friends!

The Alaska Winter Bucket List

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Are you new to Alaska or planning a visit during winter? Wondering what the must-do Alaskan winter activities are? Perfect, I’ve got the Alaska winter bucket list for you!

There are so many things to see, experience, and do during Alaskan winters. Personally, I think winters here are way underrated. The shimmering snow, clear blue days, cozy days inside with some tasty hot chocolate. It’s really a winter wonderland, and there’s so much to explore.

As you go through this list, you may begin to wonder how you can accomplish these things. My advice is to not expect to do all of these in one year. Also, check into doing tours to see some of these sights and activities, and look into gear rental shops to help you save money and get the correct gear to stay warm and enjoy your experience.

Also, I have a few safety warnings before you venture out to conquer this bucket list. Please dress for the weather and conditions. Frostbite and hypothermia are real, and you really don’t want that to ruin your excursions. Let a few people you trust know where you’ll be and when to expect you back. If you will be in an avalanche area, take the proper precautions, bring the right gear, and have training for worst case scenarios. If you are going out on the ice, be one-hundred percent sure it’s thick enough. Also, keep in mind the shorter daylight hours.

Believe it or not, I’m not trying to discourage anyone from enjoying winter activities, I just want you to be safe and have fun while you’re out enjoying all Alaskan winters have to offer. And speaking of winter, I know that winter doesn’t start until later in December, but this list of activities will contain ideas ranging from December through February, with some overlap on either side. So, let’s get to it!

Snowshoeing 

Strap on some snowshoes and go take in the sights of winter on foot. There’s nothing quite like seeing the peace and quiet of a crisp winter afternoon via snowshoes.

Trapper loves snowshoeing with us. Don’t forget to bring the HotHands to keep the chill off!

Skiing

Another great way to see the winter sights, while also getting exercise, is by skiing. Checking out a list of groomed trails online is a great place to start.

Sledding

Sledding is one of my favorite activities. It doesn’t even require much gear, just warm clothing, a sled, the perfect hill, and some hot chocolate to enjoy when you’re done!

Bonfires

Hoping to thaw out? A bonfire is the perfect solution. Hang out by the fire and warm up for your next winter activity!

This fire was a bit too big for s’mores, but the perfect size to stay warm.

S’mores

Once you’ve got that fire going it’s time to fuel yourself up with a delicious s’more! Chocolate, gram crackers, marshmallow, yummmmm!

The Alyeska Resort and Hotel Alyeska

Hit the slopes, grab a bite, or just relax at The Alyeska Resort and Hotel Alyeska .

The Alyeska Nordic Spa

Speaking of Alyeska, one of the things on my bucket list for this winter is their Nordic Spa. Relax, unwind, and rejuvenate at this new addition to Alyeska Resort. Learn more about it here!

Snowboarding

If you’re more coordinated than I am, hitting the slopes on a snowboard should be on your Alaska winter bucket list. Check out slopes near your area, or look up classes if you’re just starting out.

Fur Rondy

Fur auctions, winter carnival, fireworks, snow sculptures, outhouse races (Yup, you read that right!), running with reindeer (You also read that right!), and more! This ”only in Alaska” celebration occurs during the end of February/beginning of March, around the time of the Iditarod start. Hope to see you there!

Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market

This Alaska Native arts market should be near the very top of your Alaska winter bucket list. Alaska Native artists and craftsmen from many different regions of Alaska gather together at the Dimond Center during Fur Rondy to showcase and sell a variety of items. You’ll see scrimshaw work, furs, paintings, jewelry, carvings, masks, and more. It’s an amazing display of talent, and it’s really interesting to talk to the artisans and learn more about their crafts and culture.

The Iditarod

Watch “The Last Great Race” at the exciting ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage, view the official restart in Willow, or check out the race along different spots on the trail. You can watch mushers, handlers, and the stars of the show, the pups, get ready for their long journey across the vast landscape of Alaska. It an exciting and adrenaline filled time for competitors and viewers alike, and an experience you will never forget.

DeeDee Jonrowe at the Iditarod restart in Willow.

Dog Sledding

You don’t have to be a pro Iditarod musher to get a chance to experience a little bit of mushing! Check out dog sledding tours (You can even do some of these in the summer!), and experience the ride yourself!

The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis. The lights. Whatever you call them, they’re a must-see. It’s a light display like no Vegas show or New Year’s fireworks can ever compete with. There’s really just no way to describe it, so you’ll have to visit Alaska, and see the beauty of the Northern Light yourself! Download this Aurora Forecast app to get notified when the Northern Lights are showing in your area.

Chena Hot Springs

I have been trying for years to check Chena Hot Springs off of my Alaska winter bucket list. It is a natural hot spring in Interior Alaska, located outside of Fairbanks. The Chena Hot Springs Resort has many activities for all seasons, but my main reason for wanting to visit during the winter is to view the Northern Lights from the warmth and comfort of the springs. It just sounds magical to me. I hope you get to check it out for yourself!

Aurora Ice Museum

If you’re visiting Chena Hot Springs, stop on by the Aurora Ice Museum! You can take tour, spend the night, or even get hitched at this year-round ice building!

Snowmachining

Snowmachining, or snowmobiling as many of you may refer to it, is a winter staple in Alaska. If you don’t have one of your own and/or haven’t been on one before, a snowmachine tour may be the perfect route for you to experience this Alaska winter activity.

Snowmachining on a blue bird day.

Alaska Snow Cone

Ok, so maybe this is just on my winter to-do list, but it’s kind of fun. Grab snow fresh fallen snow (No yellow snow!), put it in a bowl, and top with some maple, or other variety, of syrup. Boom, you have yourself a fresh snow cone! It’s a pretty tasty winter treat.

Snowball Fight

Speaking of snow, why not have a good, ol’ fashion snowball fight! It costs zero dollars and is probably one of the most fun things you can do for free these days. Just no head shots and no yellow snow, and you’re good to go!

World Ice Art Championship

Head up to Fairbanks and check out the mesmerizing sculptures that artist’s carve from mammoth blocks of ice. It’s incredible what they can create; you won’t believe you eyes!

Ice Fishing

I’ve saved my favorite winter activity for last. If I could only choose one thing to be on my Alaska winter bucket list, it would be this. The excitement of not knowing what fish you’ll pull through the ice, the time on the ice, the views. It’s truly the best.

Ice fishing with our Eskimo tent in January.

I know this is a long list, so if you’re visiting and think you should cram all of this into one trip, or if you’re local and want to check everything off in one season, don’t. What I’m saying is if you get the opportunity to have all of these amazing adventures in one winter and check them off your bucket list, that’s amazing. But, don’t cram your schedule with so many fun things that turns it into a chore. That’s not what bucket lists are about. Enjoy the activities. Enjoy the people you’re with. Enjoy winter. And be safe out there, folks.

What do you have on your Alaska winter bucket list? Add it in the comments below!

Jewelry by Johan: My Experience with Custom Jewelry

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Weddings can be pretty stressful. There are so many decisions to make. What type of cake to serve? What shoes to wear? What songs to play? What ring to buy? And that question is how I happened upon Jewelry by Johan.

I’m a pretty sentimental person, so I knew I wanted to get something unique and custom for my husband’s ring. Something that fit his personality and was memorable. When I found out I could use a moose shed he found to make his ring, I was hooked. That’s when my experience with Jewelry by Johan began.

My husband’s moose antler shed wedding band turned out even better than expected.

Jewelry by Johan

Jewelry by Johan is a custom jewelry designer. They make their jewelry in America, using a variety of unique materials to create one of a kind, heirloom pieces.

Materials

Is your loved one interested in more traditional diamond pieces? They have that! Do they love space? Meteorite jewelry may be the perfect out of this world gift for them! Outdoorsey? Try an item made with antler! Are they musically inclined? Check out their guitar string rings! Going for a prehistoric vibe? Dinosaur bone might be just the ticket! There is really a material that will fit any interest and personality.



These custom crushed antler earrings from Jewelry by Johan turned out beautifully.


As I mentioned, I chose a moose shed that my husband found to create the pieces of jewelry that Jewelry by Johan made for us. JBJ does have antler that they can supply, but if you have your own piece that is large enough to use, you can send it to them and they will use it to create your custom piece. If your piece is too small, they can still use it by turning it into crushed antler. They then use the pieces of it to create your unique accessories.

Additional Customization

In addition to the variety of materials you can choose from, there is also the option for text and image engraving for certain sizes and materials of rings. Since I chose to use antler for my items, I was not able to use this service, but if you are able to do so it adds an additional personal element to your pieces.

The antler in this band really created the classic look I had hoped for.

Pieces

There are many possibilities when it comes to what jewelry you can create with JBJ. They make and design rings, earrings, necklaces, tie clips, and more. I purchased my husband’s wedding ring, two sets of earrings (one for me and one for my mom), and three tie clips (one each for my husband, dad, and father-in-law) from them. All of the pieces turned out incredible and came in beautiful boxes. I couldn’t have been happier with them, and my experience of dealing with JBJ was absolutely awesome.

Customer Service

I didn’t go full bridezilla during wedding planning, but I was pretty darn picky about what ring I was going to get for my husband. I had so many question about how ring sizing with antler worked, if my antler sample would work, and more that I called and emailed wayyy too many times. Each time I got the best, most polite customer service, and got all of my questions answered. They do a great job of walking you through the process of custom jewelry design and explain all you need to know. I was so impressed by their professionalism and kindness, and can’t recommend them highly enough for both their products and great customer service.

Whether you’re looking for a wedding ring, earrings for mom, or a bracelet for a friend, Jewelry by Johan has it all. Their mix of high quality, unique, custom jewelry and exceptional customer service has earned them a lifetime customer in me, and I hope they can do the same for you.

For any questions about my experience with JBJ or about what I had made, please comment below and I’ll answer as soon as possible. Also, don’t forget to check their website for discount codes and sign up for their email list to see current sales! Thanks for reading and happy shopping, folks!


The Best Ways to Enjoy Fall in Alaska

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Are you looking for the best things to do during fall in Alaska? Perfect, I’ve got the list for you! Whether you’re a local or coming to Alaska on vacation, these places and activities will fill your fall with happiness and adventure!

First things first. If you want to get the most out of any season in Alaska, you need to get outside. The beauty of Alaska is there is always something to do outdoors during any season. You just need the right gear for the season you’re out in. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy as well, which I’ll be sure to include!

I know that technically fall doesn’t start until the end of September. I’m not very precise with my seasons, though, so for the sake of this list we’re going to call all of September, October, and November “fall” because that’s basically when it’s occurring here. So, lets get on with our list, shall we!

Berry Picking

Ripe berries and bloomed out fireweed are signs that my favorite season is upon us! Many people spend their fall picking, foraging, and canning. This year berries weren’t as plentiful and seemed to be ripe earlier in the season, but normally you can pick a variety of berries throughout September. People often pick after the first frost as they say it makes the berries sweeten up.

If you plan on berry picking be sure to identify the berries you’re picking correctly as some are poisonous. It’s best to go with an experienced berry picker, grab a berry identification guide like this one, and use the Seek app to confirm the berry type before picking. There are really a variety of things you can do with the berries, and it is a really enjoyable hobby.

Lingonberries ready for the picking.

The Alaska State Fair

The Alaska State Fair ends during the beginning of fall. If you find yourself in Alaska while the fair is going on, you should definitely make the trip. The Alaska State Fair takes place in Palmer, Alaska, and has a fantastic combination of foods, rides, games, Alaskan vendors and artists, a giant vegetable competition, livestock, concerts, shows, displays, and much more.

If you’d like to go to a fair or festival but won’t be making it to the Alaska State Fair, there are many other options. A quick search about events going on in the town you’ll be in should show you all the fall activities.

Fall Photography

I know the East Coast is the hot spot for beautiful autumn colors, but don’t count us northern places out! In my opinion, fall is the most beautiful time in Alaska. The mix of warm fall colors contrasting with the cold blue of glacial ice and the white caps on the shadowy mountains makes the views look surreal. It’s a photographers dream, and if you visit Alaska in fall you’ll get to view this scenery not only in photos but from behind the lens as well.

Fall in Alaska bringing out colors in the mountains.
The oranges, chocolates, and rusts of fall displayed on the mountains.

Garden Harvest

If you’re a local and have been dutifully tending to your garden all summer, now is the time you can reap the benefits of the rest of your work before winter comes. There’s nothing like that satisfying carrot pull after a long summer of growing, or picking potatoes for stew to start fall off right.

Scenic Drives

Fall drives in Alaska are my favorite. Of all the drives I’ve taken, the ones from Anchorage to Valdez and Anchorage to Denali are by far the best. Glaciers, mountains, lakes, tundra, rivers, and more span the sides of the highways, and give you breathtaking views that you won’t soon forget.

The Alaska Railroad

All aboard! Are you hoping to see Alaska’s fall colors without having to make the drive yourself? The Alaska Railroad might be the perfect option for you! Although I haven’t taken it yet, the railroad is definitely on my Alaska bucket list, and I hope to travel on it soon .

The Alaska Railroad chugging along near Cantwell, Alaska.

Hiking

Another great way to experience fall in Alaska is on your own two feet. There are an abundance of trails, many close to towns and cities, so you can easily find trails for any level of hiking experience. Fall weather brings cool hiking temps along with the views, so be sure to be prepared and layer up. Also, be bear aware! Don’t go if you don’t have proper bear protection that you know how to use, and follow the usual hiking safety rules (have first aid, let people know where you’re going, etc).

Fishing

There’s always good fishing in Alaska no matter what time of year. During fall you’ll be able to get silver salmon, rainbow trout, and more. If you want to fish but don’t want to invest in gear quite yet, or are just up visiting, check out the ”rod loaner program” with Alaska Department of Fish and Game. I’ve also heard that there are libraries that loan gear, too, but haven’t confirmed this yet, and there are businesses such as The Bait Shack that rent fishing gear, too.

Soaking in the views along the water.

Hunting

Fall in Alaska is when many residents look to fill their freezers with delicious, organic meat. The season is filled with packing (as I’m doing this weekend), scouting, hiking, processing game, and more. Many of the people who visit Alaska during this season have traveled to hunt, but other than that the tourist season begins to quiet down, so wherever you go is a bit less crowded than it is in the summer. This makes traveling around much easier, and you can get into places without a wait.

Preparing for Winter

This might sound like more of a chore than a fun activity, but really it’s both. Some of these things really are just chores, but others become hobbies. The things we need to do, such as filling our freezers, cleaning up gardens, storing away outdoor furniture, canning berries and vegetables, and more, just build excitement for the next beautiful season in Alaska.

Have I convinced you to visit Alaska in the fall yet? I hope so! Alaska is beautiful year-round, and especially so in fall. If you get the chance to visit our beautiful state and have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below!

A Jetboil Review

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Are you considering purchasing a Jetboil, but are hoping to learn a bit more about what it is and if it’s worth getting? Perfect, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been using a Jetboil for years now and am going to give you the lowdown in this Jetboil review.

What is a Jetboil?

The Jetboil is a super speedy water boiling system. This system has a tall container to hold water, supported by a stand with an igniter, which attaches to a small fuel canister. You light the flame, watch the indicator on the outside for boiling progress, and before you know it you’ve got boiling water! I know it’s a simple explanation, but that’s just what it is. Jetboil has expanded their line to include other cookware such as a skillet and cook pot. For now, I’ll be reviewing the stove cooking system/super speedy boiling system as I haven’t yet tried the other cookware.

A Jetboil heated up in fall. The Jetboil gets a great review for ease of use.
The full orange ”flame” under the clear overlay indicates that the water is boiling and ready to use.

Who would benefit from having a Jetboil, and when would it be useful ?

Honestly, I think everyone should own a Jetboil, and this is why. First of all, they are great for emergencies. If you go through a natural disaster or some other event where you may not have access to clean water, you’ll want a Jetboil. Having one in your emergency preparedness kit can give you the ability to boil water for purifying, keeping you hydrated and hopefully preventing you from getting a water born illness.

Secondly, Jetboils are great for the outdoorsey folks. If you’re into hiking, biking, camping, hunting, or other outdoor hobbies, a Jetboil is for you. You can heat up water for coffee, dehydrated meals and more. The Jetboil is so compact and easy to carry that you’ll want to bring it on all your adventures.

A cozy lunch. You can take the Jetboil on all your adventures.

What are the pros of having a Jetboil?

The Jetboil is a must-have addition to your emergency preparedness kit and outdoor gear. It’s compact, convenient, lightweight, portable and easy to use. They now have the ”Stash”, which I haven’t tried yet, that is even more compact and lightweight. Jetboils are also easy to clean, which is handy when you are out in the mountains and quite far from the nearest sink! It’s a bit of an investment, but well worth it for warm food and drinks while enjoying the great outdoors.

Breakfast with a view. Nothing like oatmeal straight from the Jetboil.

Are there any cons to the Jetboil?

Clearly, this is a very positive Jetboil review, but there are cons to even the best of gear. Thankfully, I really only have one thing I’d consider a con for the Jetboil. During our most recent use of our Jetboil, we had problems with the igniter. Luckily, we had plenty of matches (as you should while you’re in the wilderness) to start it with. There is a troubleshooting video on their YouTube, though, and it looks like an easy fix, but as with all gear, we should have made sure it was in working order before we left.

I hope this review has helped answer your questions about the Jetboil. I really believe that you can’t go wrong with purchasing this cooking system. There are so many benefits to having one, and it comes in handy during a variety of different activities. If you have additional questions about the Jetboil, please feel free to ask them in the comments, and I’ll get back to you with an answer ASAP.