With preparations for traveling to Alaska for over a month, I began to feel the same way that the mushers must feel before bag drops are due. I was a bit overwhelmed, not sure if I was packing two much, or two little (sorry, with it being 2-22-22, I had to do that). I knew I would be mailing some things home, but still was not sure. However, there were some things that I knew I had to take. These are considered my “Mandatory Items” that I have to take for my time on the trail. Here is the full list that I was sent to have with me for that time.

However, this list does not include before or after my time on the trail. Needless to say, packing for an entire month is not my strong suit. After spending the better part of a day packing just for myself, I can only imagine the time it takes the mushers to pack for themselves and their whole team. 

My “packing” BEFORE

After

As you can see, they all seem much more organized with their bag drops.

The Deeters preparing for bag drop. Photo Credit: Jeff Deeter

Katti Jo with her supplies at bag drops. Photo Credit: Jeff Deeter

Here is a list of mandatory gear the mushers must have on the sled with them as seen in the rulebook.

Rule 16 — Mandatory Items: A musher must have with him/her the following items at all times, from the Restart until the teams finish in Nome. These mandatory items are not required during the ceremonial start:

• Proper cold weather sleeping bag weighing a minimum of 5 lbs.
• Ax, head to weigh a minimum of 1-3/4 lbs., handle to be at least 22” long.
• One operational pair of snowshoes with bindings, each snowshoe to be at least 252 square inches in size.
• Any promotional material provided by the ITC.
• Eight booties for each dog in the sled or in use.
• One operational cooker and pot capable of boiling at least three (3) gallons of water at one time.
• Veterinarian notebook, to be presented to the veterinarian at each checkpoint.
• An adequate amount of fuel to bring three (3) gallons of water to a boil.
• Functional non-chafing harness for each dog in team and a functional neckline.
• An insulated dog coat for each dog in the team that can be used while running and or resting.
• When leaving a checkpoint adequate emergency dog food must be on the sled. (This will be carried in addition to what you carry for routine feeding and snacking.)

As a final fun activity before I left, I wanted to have my students “help out” testing my mandatory gear. I wanted to make sure they thought the gear was ready, the right size and works appropriately. Clearly, things were a little big, but they all thought it was very warm!

Teachers: Go over the list of required gear with your students and have them do an opinion quick write about what they think should be added to the list, and why. Keep in mind, survival is more important than luxury!