Personal items

It is generally recommended that you bring up all your personal items for the summer including medications.  The stores in Utqiaġvik have limited options and shipping takes time (over night shipping is typically 2 to 10 days in reality).

The project will provide bug repellent, kneepads and normal household items (soap, laundry detergent, paper towels, and disposable menstrual products).  If you have special needs, then bring your own. 

Alcohol

Utqiaġvik allows alcohol to consumed in town, but not purchased in town (the airlines have regulations on how much can be brought; ~5 liters).  Alcohol is not allowed in Atqasuk and people that bring it into town may be asked to leave the village permanently.

Essential Items

Rubber Boots 
If you plan to use them in the future it is recommended that you purchase a good pair of insulated boots (800g or more), make sure they are absolutely waterproof and that they reach your mid calf or higher (Bogs® are generally not tall enough). LaCrosse® and Muck® are common brands people have been happy with. 

Jackets 
It is best to dress in layers. A waterproof shell (Gore-tex® or similar) can be worn over top of a warmer jacket on cold days or by its self on a warm day. For example, I have a water proof jacket that I almost always wear, a fleece jacket that I wear underneath, and a fleece vest that I wear over the fleece jacket but under the rainproof jacket. On really cold days, I have a sweater or additional fleece that I also wear. With the three layered jackets, I can mix up what I wear, depending on the weather.  Make sure layers fit with each other (ie outer layers are looser/bigger and under layers are tighter/smaller).

• Waterproof Outer Shell
  It should be large enough to be worn over a winter jacket or equivalent layers.  Do not get a poncho because your arms will get wet.  Do not get a rubber raincoat because it will get too hot, you want something that breaths.  Gore-Tex® or equivalent jackets are best, however they are not truly waterproof and they must be worn with an immediate under layer that does not wick water (no cotton), I would recommend a fleece layer.     
• Warm Winter Jacket (or equivalent under layers)
  It will be in the low 20's and 30's in August. It will be in the high 30's and low 40's much of the summer. This may not seem too cold but when you are sitting in one place during a light rain for many hours you will be happy to have a warm jacket, or better yet, warm layers that fit together comfortably.
• Light Jacket (or a thin layer)
  For the occasional nice day.

Water Proof Pants 
They do not need to be expensive. A pair that is not lined is recommended because they will dry quickly. It is easier to wear long underwear and a thick pair of pants for warmth. Make sure that they have good stitching and that they are truly waterproof; breath-ability is preferred -rubber pants are not recommended.  If you bring two pairs you will be prepared when they rip, which they most likely will.

Underwear 
You need good long underwear pants; two pair are nice to reduce laundry.  For your upper body some people prefer long or short sleeve shirts/underwear; some people overheat and get uncomfortable with thick upper body long underwear, while others find them very comfortable.  The thickness of the material will vary depending on the person, but it is essential that you have material that wicks the water away so that when you work up a sweat walking you are not cold and wet the rest of the day.  The same applies for briefs/boxers and bras; it is silly to spend lots of money on great outer gear and then spend all day with soggy underwear.

Thick Comfortable Socks 
You will want comfortable socks that keep your feet warm. You will find that one good pair is much better than tying to put on multiple pairs. It is again important that they be material that wicks the water away so that if you work up a sweat walking you are not cold and wet the rest of the day, and in case you spring a small leak in your boots, or step in deep water. You want to make sure they also fit well with your boots. Rubber boots in particular have very little give/flexibility and the fit may depend a lot on the types of socks you are wearing.

Head Warmer: Hat and Scarf 
The best way to keep your toes warm when you're working is to wear a good hat! You lose most of your body heat through your head and neck. Thus, a good hat is essential. A scarf or equivalent is also a must. Make sure that you have a waterproof hat or hood. A hat with a big brim will also keep the sun off your face.

Fingerless & Regular Gloves 
It is difficult to balance keeping your hands warm, yet still dexterous enough to take measurements efficiently.  Some days will be colder and wetter than others, and on some days you will need more finger dexterity. Remember, gloves get wet easily, so it is good to always have a second pair that is dry. On cold days you may want a thin pair of glove liners to wear under your fingerless gloves; this will keep your hand warmer yet still allow some dexterity. Numb fingers are less dexterous than fingers with some covering, but no one can measure plant lengths, type or write efficiently while wearing ski gloves.  It is important to find the happy median that works for you. You may find a ski glove or even mitten works great for your left hand, but that you need more freedom for your right hand.  Rubber gloves or dish washing gloves also work on really wet days.  You will also want a pair of thicker gloves for driving a 4-wheeler and carrying equipment. 

Extra Layers 
It is good to have an extra layer of clothes in your backpack or stored in the tent for when the weather changes. 

Backpack / Book bag
This will be used to carry your scarf, extra gloves, hat, binoculars, camera, lunch, water, and field equipment.

Clothing for Warm Days
You will want a set of cooler clothing for a warm day, but it must be able to stop mosquitoes from biting you. In Atqasuk it can get as warm as the mid 70's, but during these days people generally wear long sleeves and head nets to protect against mosquitoes.  Mosquitoes can bite through thin materials.  Mosquito proof clothing is generally overpriced, all that is necessary is a tight weave, or thicker material.  I wear Carhartt® pants and a work shirt with a collar because bugs can not bite through it. 

Head Net 
A must for Atqasuk in mid summer. Try several different types and decide for yourself, which is most comfortable. Black netting is strongly recommended.

Sunglasses
The sun is low on the horizon and there is often a glare.  Before the snow melts sunglasses are necessary to prevent snow blindness.

Knife/Leatherman etc.  
You will be amazed how many times you may need a Swiss-Army-type knife while working in the field.

Alarm clock 
You will want an alarm clock for your room. Your phone works too.  

Sun protection 
While the sun is low on the horizon and of relatively low intensity you will be outside for many hours and will want sunscreen for your face and hands and chapstick with SPF.  A hat with a brim helps too.

Optional Items

Cell Phone  
Check with your service provider.  Most carriers do not provide service in northern Alaska. There is wireless service and data available in Utqiaġvik and Atqasuk, but only if your service provider has an agreement there.  It is very convenient to have your cellphone work.  When your phone works, it is easy to call from the field to ask questions.  AT&T has always worked, but most importantly contact your service provider. It may be worth the extra cost to temporarily change providers.

Sandals 
It is nice to have two pairs of sandals.  One for the lab and another for the living quarters.  You will need to take off your boots whenever you walk in the door.  Sandals are nice because they slip on easily and they give your feet a chance to breath through thick socks. 

Comfortable Boots 
There are some dry areas where you can hike. The field sites also have boardwalks making it possible to take off your rubber boots and wear something more comfortable while working. In town boots are generally desirable because it is often muddy. There is no pavement, the roads, parking lots and walkways are gravel and mud. 

Swimsuit & Workout Clothes
You will also want a swimsuit for a the annual plunge into the Arctic ocean. There is a gym in Utqiaġvik with weights, basketball, stair machine, swimming pool etc (the gym has not been available every year so do not count on it); if available, you will need sneakers (not hiking boots) to enter. 

Thermos Flask 
It is nice to drink something warm when you are cold.

Camera and Binoculars 
There are lots of animals and plants to see and photograph.

Earbuds or Speaker
You may want to listen to music while working particularly when the mosquitoes are bad and you are working alone. A speaker may be nice to listen to in your room or in the lab (so you are not anti-social with earbuds).

Earplugs and Eye mask 
Ear plugs can be nice if you are a light sleeper, the housing options occasionally change.  But the housing typically has very thin walls.  You may also want an eye mask to sleep through the 24 hour daylight.

Fishing Gear 
There are fish if you are interested, but it is not great fishing.

Books & Videos
Many people take novels to read in the evenings and there is generally a DVD available (streaming is not reliable due to slow internet access).  There is a good library in Utqiaġvik with books and DVDs.

Comfy Clothes 
You want to be comfortable.  I get itchy when wearing performance clothing all day and it is more enjoyable to have comfortable clothing for hang out in the living quarters, in the lab, attending research seminars, or occasionally going out for dinner. There are also dances in Utqiaġvik, both dance club "like" and traditional dances associated with native community events.

You might also visit the website for Camp Life for the Toolik Field Station, it has a similar environment although it is significantly warmer and has more topography.