I wanted to ask more about the personal protection side. I’ll be going solo and will be mainly hiking and doing some water sports. I’ve also read up on wildlife and I do have common sense!
Reason for asking: The guide book I got (lonely planet) suggests pepper spray for female travellers but it’s illegal here so I don’t know much about it.
18 comments
You will want bear spray, not just pepper spray. You can’t fly with it, to my knowledge, so you’ll buy it on arrival. Its available in a lot of stores.
Depending on where you are or where you are staying, it isn’t uncommon for previous visitors to leave some behind for future guests, but don’t count on it.
You’ll also want the strongest mosquito repellent.
r/Alaska can also help if you havent asked there but, bring strong mosquito repellent, the green gerbers lotion works as mosquito repellent but is usually sold out during spring/summer and you can also find pepper spray around here or bear spray if you’d want it for hiking in walmart
If you are headed to a national or state park ask the park ranger at the visitor’s center about the hikes you plan on doing. They know the area and the typical things tourists don’t even think about. They also will know the current conditions of where you are thinking of heading. In my experience they are incredibly helpful.
Also bring a small bag with you to pick up trash if you find some. It helps.
Since you are asking – as a woman I would be careful in [Alaska.](https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/rape-statistics-by-state)
I traveled quite a bit solo and went out nights. I’d be really cautious drinking or partaking in drugs there.
And as for bear safety? I’d wouldn’t look on a general page like this – ask over at r/Alaska. I’d get bear spray (you can get it when you land) and google “bear aware” and read up. Also find out about specific areas where you are planning to hike about bear activity.
Back when I was 18 I drove to Alaska and, while up there, got real close to a grizzly and her cubs during a hike. They were further down the trail that I was hiking on and the only reason I knew not to keep going was because some guy on an ATV came and warned me to turn around. Alaska’s no joke, it’s rugged as hell and I would definitely not hike alone up there again. If I were you I would look into guided hiking tours or at least hiking groups wherever you’re going. It’s beautiful but that beauty comes with a fair amount of danger.
Make sure that someone always knows what hike you’re doing, and when you expect to be back. At least in WA, most trailheads will have a logbook that rangers check, I would assume AK is similar. You will almost certainly be going places w/o cell service. If no one knows that you’re out there and you slip and break a leg, you will very quickly be in serious trouble. Related to this, if you’re going anywhere that isn’t an extremely well traveled hike, you should be prepared with enough food, water, and a sleeping bag to survive a few days on your own. People are referencing wildlife, but a far more likely scenario for getting in trouble is not respecting the wilderness, and assuming that if you get in trouble you can call for help.
I’m sure you’ll have a great time, and I don’t mean to make it sound more dangerous than it is. Just respect nature for what it is and be prepared!
Legit buy bear spray for Alaska. The wildlife will kill you without mercy if you’re not prepared.
Also, stay in communication with someone and make sure you give them your itinerary, and keep it detailed. Make sure to stick to it. As beautiful as Alaska is, it’s VERY remote, meaning that law enforcement is minimal, if it exists at all, for large swathes of it.
… what do you mean by water sports? Because if it’s anything other than canoeing, kayaking, or fishing, you’re probably going to need a wetsuit or dry suit. The water doesn’t really warm up. Even then, good idea to have an emergency blanket and waterproof matches or similar in case you fall in and need to get dry in an emergency.
In general, a robust survival kit is essential, especially if you’re going solo out there.
Hi! I have worked in Alaska as a park ranger and traveled a bit as a solo female. You’ll love it!
– Be prepared for potentially shit weather. Rubber boots are super nice to have. Xtratufs are all the rage. A rubber jacket is also nice.
– Plan to make one of your first stops an REI or an outdoors store for bear spray, bug net (head net), and mosquito repellent. The mozzies can be horrible. Depending where you are, you’ll probably mostly want to wear lightweight long sleeves and pants to help with the bugs.
– I usually feel quite safe traveling and recreating solo here. It’s good to stay vigilant and aware, of course, but don’t let your fear stop you from experiencing Alaska.
– Eye cover/mask for sleeping at night when the sun is out is super helpful! Also, you might feel a huge energy surge when you’re here. I find that in the summer I don’t sleep as much, but I’m also not that tired.
– Do some cursory research on food storage and what to do if you encounter a bear.
Where exactly are you planning to go? I would be super happy to give more specific recs on places to visit, food, or things to do if you’re planning on being in Anchorage, Katmai, Lake Clark, Bristol Bay, or the Kenai Peninsula at all!
I think its very cool that you’re traveling beyond the mainland US. Most of the Brits I’ve run into in the states have been more of my own country than I have.
There’s some good Vice/Muncies videos on YouTube about food in Alaska.
If you’re going to Alaska into the wilderness, bring a .44 magnum. Bear spray wont help you if a grizzly bear decides to make you lunch
Bug repellent, bear spray, and a good attitude if it rains.
If you’re talking about personal protection from other people, pepper spray should do the trick tbh.
I don’t ever feel threatened and see many females walking by themselves at night but people are people and do shitty people things.
Also, outdoor equipment rental stores can rent you bear spray at a cheaper price. Like $10 I think? So consider that, or plan to donate your bear spray if you don’t use it.
Respect the land and others and prepare to have a blast! Alaska will change your life.
Denali is definitely a place I wouldn’t want to go without the 10 essentials: https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm
Not pepper spray
Bear spray. Buy it there and keep it accessible at all times while hiking.
If you plan on camping, eat and store your food 100 yards from where you sleep. Bring a rope and tie it high in the trees.
Moose are the most dangerous animal in North America
Do not travel/ hike alone. Alaska is ten times the size of England.
Notify park rangers of your hiking route. It’s not a good idea to venture off to go explore.
Black flies and mosquitoes may be horrific.
I read that Alaska has twice the national average for missing persons. So maybe read up on that?
I’ll second the bear spray requirement. You can get in 3 Bears and other outdoor stores. I would consider buying or renting a satellite phone or texting device in case you do yourself alone and needing help.
You might also consider insurance for medical air evacuation. I’m not sure if your NHS covers this outside of the UK, but you don’t want to get a $100,000 plus bill.
Bells on your backpack to warn bears that you are in the area might be a good idea, too.