Camping In Alaska
To most people, camping in Alaska signify one thing: bears. Plenty and plenty of bears. This stereotype does not go unwarranted; in ten days of rafting the Anasek and Noatak rivers my family and I saw a dozen grizzly bears. One juvenile male even followed me down a river bank our first day in the bush. However, not any of our food was eaten, nor were any of us threatened or eaten. With a little bit of care and preparation it's simple to sleep outdoors in the Alaskan wilderness and be safe from bears.
One of the most significant things to keep in mind whilst camping in Alaska is that bears like the aroma of food. What you don't want is for them to smell food on you, as that makes you smell a lot like food. This is awful. So, the best precaution you can take is to make certain that you keep your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping area free from any smells of food. It is best to cook and eat all of your food at least 100 yards downwind of your tent position. As well, be certain to pack your foodstuff separately and away from your tent and sleeping bag, and don't keep other things that smell interesting like insect spray or toothpaste at your tent site.
Many people camping in Alaska take with them some kind of defense against bears, typically in the form of a gun or can of bear spray. For years firearms were the only option for defense against bears, but as time went by it became evident that many people weren't happy carrying rifles and handguns with them into the woods. Bear spray allows anybody to carry a bear repellant with them, and it's sensible to do so whilst camping in Alaska. Though you're likely never to require it, a can of bear spray can save your life in the improbable event that you're attacked by a grizzly bear. Just be certain to point the spray downwind and to depart the spot afterwards, as the spices left by the spray days later can be attractive to bears later on.
With a little bit of safeguard a dose of protection, camping in Alaska can be done simply and in safety. Just keep in mind that the bears aren't the only danger; changing climate conditions are much more probable to catch campers off guard and unprepared. Keep in mind to pack for any circumstances and most significantly, be aware of what is happening in the region of you.