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Bull moose with antlers standing in a pond below Sukakpak Mountain, Brooks Range, Alaska

Alaska Moose Hunt Pack List

What to pack once you draw an Alaska moose tag. A moose is the biggest pack-out on any Alaska list, often from a river camp, so pack for weight, water and wet weather.

Photo: Bureau of Land Management Alaska via Wikimedia Commons, cc by 2.0. Credits

Not drawn yet? Start with the Alaska moose draw odds and the Alaska before-you-apply guide.

Boat or raft access? Many moose hunts start on a river. Pack your gear in dry bags and wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket (PFD) on every river run.

Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link

Must-bring, in order

  1. Waterproof stiff boots. Stiffer than a bear boot for bog, tussocks and river banks. Hip boots are an option for some camps.
  2. 210x42 binoculars

    Moose hide in willow edges and timber. You find them by glassing river bottoms at first and last light, not by walking into them.

    Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 binoculars at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link Vortex Viper HD 10x42 binoculars (upgrade) at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link

  3. 3Spotting scope and tripod

    Many hunts hinge on antler spread or brow tine count, and a mistake can cost you the tag. A spotter lets you count before you shoot.

    Vortex Crossfire HD 20-60x80 spotting scope at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link Vortex Razor HD 22-48x65 spotting scope at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link Vortex Summit SS tripod kit at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link

  4. 70 to 90 liter pack with load shelf. The biggest pack on any Alaska list. Moose quarters are much heavier than caribou or sheep.
  5. 5Game bags, rope, bone saw and heavy knife

    Bags rated for close to 1,000 pounds of meat, rope or a pulley to hang quarters, and a bone saw. A strong knife does the rest.

    Havalon Piranta-Edge folding knife at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link Gerber Vital Big Game Folder knife at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link Outdoor Edge Game-Pro GP-11 processing kit at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link Outdoor Edge Flip N' Zip Saw 4.5in at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link

  6. Tent, sleeping bag and insulated pad. A storm-rated river camp with a warm bag and an insulated pad for cold, wet ground.
  7. Gore-Tex rain shell and pants. Alaska weather turns fast. A real waterproof shell and pants keep you hunting through days of rain and wind.
  8. Merino or synthetic base layers. No cotton. Pack more than one set so you always have something dry to sleep in.
  9. Bear spray / deterrent. A downed moose draws grizzlies and black bears, often within hours. Keep spray on you while you work.
  10. Satellite messenger. An inReach-class two-way satellite messenger. Most Alaska hunting country has no cell signal, so carry a way to call for help and check weather.
  11. First aid kit, trauma shears and SAM splint. A kit built for knife cuts, blisters and twisted ankles far from help.
  12. 12Headlamp and spare batteries

    Bulls drop late, and butchering a moose takes hours. Plan on meat work running into the dark.

    Black Diamond Spot 400 headlamp at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link Petzl Actik Core headlamp at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link

  13. 13Glacier glasses, brim hat and SPF 50

    Snow, ice and water glare are hard on the eyes. Bring a hat and strong sunscreen too.

    Julbo Explorer 2.0 glacier glasses at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link

Nice to have

  1. 14Trekking poles

    Nearly a must on creek banks and heavy pack-outs.

    Black Diamond Trail trekking poles at OpticsPlanetAffiliate link

  2. Insulated parka. A warm puffy for long glassing sits in the wind and cold camp evenings.
  3. Water filter. Refill from creeks instead of hauling water. Treat everything; giardia is common.
  4. Laser rangefinder. Distances fool you in open Alaska country. Range before every shot.
  5. Repair kit and duct tape. Seam sealer, a needle, cord and tape fix packs, tents and boots far from town.
  6. Extra food day. Weather pins hunters in. Pack at least one spare day of food for every fly-out.

Moose vs caribou, sheep and bear

Moose means the biggest pack (70 to 90 liters), close to 1,000 pounds of meat, a bone saw and plenty of game bags, stiffer boots for bog and tussocks, and a watercraft kit. U.S. nonresidents can hunt moose without a guide, so many hunts are DIY. Check antler rules (50 inches or 4 brow tines on many hunts) in the regulations for your hunt.

Buttons go to product pages we checked on Oct 29, 2026. Items without a button are gear categories we have not matched to a store yet, so pick the brand you trust.

Before you go

  • Print your harvest ticket or permit and carry it with your license.
  • Download offline maps for your hunt area.
  • Read the current ADF&G regulations for your hunt number, including meat salvage and sealing rules: ADF&G hunting regulations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important gear for an Alaska moose hunt?

Boots you trust, good binoculars, a pack that can carry meat, real rain gear and bear spray. The ordered list on this page puts the must-haves first.

Do I need a satellite messenger?

Most Alaska hunting country has no cell signal. An inReach-class two-way satellite messenger lets you call for help and get weather.

When do I apply for an Alaska moose draw?

The Alaska draw application period runs Nov 1, 2026 to Dec 15, 2026, online with ADF&G.

More: Alaska moose odds · Alaska draw hub · all pack lists.

More picks for this hunt

Bull elk with large antlers standing in golden sagebrush

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Photo: National Park Service (GrandTetonNPS) via Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Credits

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