Everyday Life in The Last Frontier
If you are thinking about using the Alaska Marine Highway System (aka the ferry) to travel around Alaska and would like a little more information about what the experience is like, you’ve come to the right place! After being on a few ferry rides myself, I feel like I can give a little insight to what your trip may be like, what is available on the ferry, and what you can expect on your ferry adventure.
[Read more…] about Our Trip on the Alaska Marine Highway System
Updated March 6, 2023.
For many people, visiting Alaska is a once in a lifetime experience. It takes time to save up and plan for such a big trip, but there are things can help you save money on your Alaskan adventure. The list below will help you get the most out of your vacation, while helping you stay within your travel budget.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.
The Northen Lights Coupon Book can save you a ton of food, activities, and lodging. There are hundreds of coupons that you can use in places all over the state, and they are organized so you can find them by place and category. You can find coupons for dining, camper parks, museums and more in this money saving book.
If you plan on visiting Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, be sure to download the Peninsula Coupon Club app. It offers discounts at a variety of places, including some of the best places to eat in Soldotna.
Whether you are booking a fishing trip, tour, or planning to use the train or ferry to see all there is of Alaska, be sure to always ask if there is a military, senior, Good Sam, or AAA discount. Even if you don’t see any discounts advertised, it pays to ask since the majority of places offer one of the above discounts. This can really add up to some substantial savings.
Since everything is bigger in Alaska (we are the largest state after all 🙂 ), you can expect that our meals are large, too. At many restaurants, the portions for entrees are large enough that you can share them between two adults, have an appetizer beforehand, and be full until your next meal. Sharing an entree can really cut down your food budget and leave more money for you to go on a tour, or buy some great souvenirs.
Summertime in Alaska is busy! The weather is nice, there’s tons to see, and visitors from all over the world flock to our beautiful state. But, have you ever thought about visiting during the “off” season? There’s so much to do in Alaska year round that there really is no “off” season in my opinion, so if you come during fall or winter, you’ll still see many beautiful sights, participate in unique activities (check out my Winter Bucket List here), and maybe even see the Northern Lights! Plus, you’ll be saving money on lodging, flights, and more by traveling during this time.
Using Alaska Airlines miles for your flight to the 49th State is a great way to save money. My husband and I both have the Alaska Airlines credit card, so we received bonus miles for signing up, earn miles for purchases, and each get a discounted companion ticket annually. There is a yearly fee for this card, and you should only use this tip to save money on your Alaskan vacation if you can pay your card off before you get charged interest!
Hopefully these tips help you save money, enjoy your vacation to the fullest, and help you leave some extra cash in your travel budget! Have questions about traveling to Alaska? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
With Mother’s Day fast approaching I thought it only seemed appropriate to make a list of unique and useful gifts for the outdoorswoman in your life. It can sometimes be difficult to find a gift for such a special person in your life, but checking out the list below will help you pick something she will surely enjoy.
This gift list is not exclusive to Mother’s Day, or even ladies for that matter, though. Any guy or gal who enjoys the great outdoors would benefit from any (or all if they really hit the jackpot!) of these items for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and more!
Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.
1. If you’re looking for a great gift for an outdoorsy gal under $25, check out this post here. With ideas ranging from LifeStraws to first aid kits, and the perfect camping pillow to dry bags, you’re sure to find a fantastic gift.
2. If she’s outdoorsey she might like cooking outdoors as well. What better thing to do some outdoor cooking in than some American made Lodge Cast Iron! You can get them in a variety of sizes and shapes, and they’re very affordable. Plus, many of them have neat patterns on the bottom. You can check out Everyday Alaska’s list of reasons to start using cast iron here!
3. If your outdoorsy momma enjoys hunting, she’ll need some good optics. For a gift she’ll have for a lifetime (literally, check out their warranty!), shop Vortex Optics. Everything they make is top notch and will make a huge difference in the field.
4. Anyone who loves the outdoors needs a good knife to bring along on their adventures. The knives from Outdoor Edge are awesome. They are incredibly durable, sharp, and have easily replaceable blades to help save you time and money.
5. Jetboil. If they don’t have one, they need one. This is great for hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, or any activity where you may want to stop and have some coffee or make a delicious Peak Refuel meal.
6. Need a great snack for hiking? Dehydrated fruit is great to take along while exploring, and it’s also fun to make! I got a dehydrator as a gift and have had a blast using it and eating some delicious dehydrated apples, berries, and even jerky as a result.
7. Along with snacks, having a water bottle along on any outdoor excursion is a must. Check out Liberty Bottleworks to see their awesome collection of American-made water bottles. They have every design imaginable and you can even have them customize one! Talk about a unique gift!
8. Don’t judge me too harshly, but I believe Crocs are a must have. They are comfortable, lightweight, and a nice break for your feet after camping, hiking, or hunting. They make a great gift that will be used over and over again.
Bonus idea! If she’s not using them already, grab your gal some HotHands! They are an outdoor game changer since they keep your hands, feet, and body toasty warm!
Any of these gifts are sure to be a winner for any outdoor lover in your life. Whether it’s for Mother’s Day or just a gift to show your appreciation for someone, this list will help you pick a gift that will surely bring a smile to their face and be useful for any of their outdoor adventures.
Looking for gifts for the guys, too? Be sure to check out this post!
Getting stuck in a blizzard or having your car break down in below-freezing temps is never fun, and its even worse when you’re not prepared for it. You’re cold, hungry, worried, tired, and nothing you have with you can solve any of those problems. All it takes, though, is a little preparation and this list of winter essentials to help you along.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.
You already have that since you’re in a vehicle, so no need to worry there!
You need to be warm and stay warm, which is a little hard when its freezing out, but much easier if you have the right clothes. Luckily, I’ve made a comprehensive list of the best winter gear and how to layer for winter, plus a list of my five favorite winter boots. These two lists will help you determine what you need to pack in your emergency bag, such as hats, warm socks, base layers, gloves, mittens, snow pants, and more.
Now, I’m not saying you need to be wearing all of this while you’re on the road, but just use common sense (you’re smart people, so I really don’t need to worry about this), and don’t wear shorty shorts and heels out when its snowing. Also, make sure these items are easily accessible for if and when you need them.
This wool blanket is easy to pack and keep in your vehicle. It’s great to have the wool to keep you warm and dry, and an added bonus is that it’s made in America! If a wool blanket isn’t what you want to go with, you can always keep emergency blankets with you on the road.
If you get cold and just can’t warm up, or if you just need to be a little warmer, HotHands are a lifesaver! It’s great to keep some of these in your vehicle, and even use them when camping or doing other outdoor activities.
There’s a good chance if your vehicle breaks down or if you’re stuck in a snow storm it might be awhile before you’re able to get some food. It’s good to have some protein bars or other filling snacks in your vehicle to keep your energy up and your hunger down. As for thirst, it’s important to have some water bottles with you whenever you travel. If you leave them in there all the time, they’ll be frozen when you need them, so it good to bring some fresh water with you in bottles like this when you leave for your trip.
Even if you don’t have service all the time where you’re driving, it’s important to keep your phone charged incase of an emergency. So, make sure you always have a car charger with you incase you are in an area where you can call for help. Check out the Garmin inReach, too, if you want a communication device that will work wherever you take it. I have a complete review of the inReach here.
It’s always good to keep a flashlight with you for an emergency, and this one is the best one to get. It’s rechargeable and the battery is very long lasting. Flares are good to have with as well for safety and visibility.
Whether it’s winter, summer, or anywhere in between, it’s essential to have a first aid kit with you. You can help yourself and others in an emergency with just a few supplies included in this kit.
For all of the winter gear that you won’t be wearing on your trip, I suggest packing them in these bags. They’ll condense all of your gear, and are a great space-saver, especially if you have a smaller vehicle.
For all your other items, and to store the bags in, totes work great. Make sure these are in a secure, easily accessible place. These items may move around in an accident, so be sure they are well placed so they don’t move much and you are able to reach them without getting out of the vehicle.
I hope this helps you be more prepared for your winter trips. For addition information and lists, check out Alaska.org. Safe travels, friends!
Check out this link for Rakuten to get money back on your purchases and earn a bonus for joining. Also, don’t forget to sign up for the Amazon Prime free trial offer for 30 days of FREE Prime!
With all of the accessories out there for side by sides its hard to decide what you need and what you can live without. Below, I’ll explain some of the must have items items and some helpful accessories that will help you enjoy your toys even more.
Before we start I should probably mention that the products below are geared to Polaris, but the idea behind the pros and cons of the accessories and gear are the same for any side by side, so if you have another brand of side by side stick around because this information might help you too.
The best way to explain how to outfit your Polaris Ranger or any side by side is probably to start from the bottom up. We’ll start with tires and tracks first, work our way up, and then move onto some smaller accessories.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.
Our Ranger came with some great stock tires, but for going anywhere other then on solid trails you’ll need some better ones. We went with ITP Blackwaters and have been very impressed with them so far. The ITPs seem to get through everything and have done great during anything from hunting to trail riding.
We got some used Polaris Big Boss tracks and decided to see if they’d fit on the Ranger 6×6. With a little bit of work and frustration they were on and ready to use. We tried them in the snow. They plowed right through. We tried them in the dirt. They did just fine. Buuuttttt then they broke….. There were some minor week spots and cracks in the tracks, and being that they were on a machine that they were not meant for must have put them over the edge, so one of the tracks ended up breaking. Then, after they had broken, someone stoled them so we didn’t get much of a chance to use them, unfortunately.
While they worked great for bit, I would not suggest putting them on a Ranger. It’s best to stick with the ITPs so you don’t have to worry about having any problems with your rig while your out.
There are tracks that are meant for the Ranger 900, but none specifically for the 6×6. These are the Prospector tracks that are made by Polaris. These can be modified for the 6×6, but we do not have these on that Ranger so I can’t vouch for how well they work.
What kind of doors you get mostly depends on what you’ll be doing with your rig. We have ProArmour half doors. The reason we went with these is because we usually end up in deeper swamps or areas with deep mud. If we have half doors, we can still get out even if the mud is too high to be able to open the doors. The negative with this, though, is that when its cold out the doors do not help much to keep you warm, except for keeping wind off of the bottom of your legs, so if your looking at getting doors for the warmth factor you may want to get full doors.
Having full doors is great because you stay warm, keep yourself from getting smacked in the face with brush, and can still have windows in it to keep you cool. But, just opposite from the half doors, if you get buried a little too deep you may not be able to get your doors open easily. There is an alternate way to get out by getting a different windshield, which I’ll tell you about in the next section. Also, it can get pretty hot having full doors if you have an enclosed cab, even with the windows open, unless you’re going fairly fast. Ideally, it would be best to have half doors for the summer and full doors for the winter, but that’s a little pricy.
There are quite a few options for windshields. One option is the poly half windshield. This is good to keep the cab a little warmer, but also keep some air circulating around so it does’t get too hot. Plus, if you did get this windshield and full doors, you would still have a way to get out of the cab if the the doors were buried too high.
Another option is the full windshield. We have the poly version of this and it works great. It’s a must to stay warm, but there is a downfall with the poly version of the windshields. You are not able to scrape off frost or use a brush for snow because it will scratch, and you have to take special care of it when wiping mud or water off by using a squeegee. After having the poly full windshield, I would have saved up some more money to buy the glass version and not worry so much about getting scratches in it.
If you really want to get fancy, there is the flip down windshield. This is great because you get all the benefits of the full and half windshield all in one. Plus, if you’re using your rig for hunting, you can just flip part of it down and have an open view of the area.
You can get a tip out windshield as well. This windshield does just what its called and the whole window tips out. This is also great for hunting since you can glass out of the front with an unobstructed view, and it can help you get out if your doors get stuck as well. This is what I would consider the ultimate windshield for the Ranger since it comes in a glass version and is versatile.
While we’re on the subject of windshields, you can also get wipers for them. We don’t have them on ours, but Dad has them on the 900 (he’s got the fancy stuff on his!), and they work great. They’re awesome for when your cruising around and doing work in the rain. They even do pretty well in the snow and ice.
Having a rear window is a must. We received our rear window before the front one, and just having the rear one cut out a ton of the wind. Without it, the cab would still be cold, and the front windshield would only cut out a fraction of the wind.
The roof we chose for our Ranger is a poly roof. It is awesome and makes a huge difference when you’re in the rain, snow, or even for keeping the sun off your head. The one downside is that you can’t stand on it. You may be wondering why you’d want to do that in the first place, but if you’re scouting trails or looking for moose, you can get a much better vantage point from the roof, which is why I would suggest upgrading and going with a steel roof. Obviously any roof is better than none, but the steel roof really can change your trip and give you a great advantage compared to the poly version.
There are many racks to choose from for the bed of your Ranger depending on what you’ll be using it for. We have a handmade one on our Ranger that works fairly well, but doesn’t fit as good as one specifically made for it would. They’re great for packing more gear and getting everything organized for your adventures.
Update: My husband has since made a new custom aluminum rack for our Ranger, and it works great. It’s perfect for glassing from when hunting, can hold gear and our guns, and is a great cover for the bed.
Aside from mounting a rack in the bed, you can also use many different accessories in the mounting holes located on the bed rail. There are different d-rings, tie downs and other attachement systems that can be mounted so you can use ratchet straps and nets to keep your cargo from falling out or moving around.
One handy thing to store on your Ranger rack is the flat gas can. They are convenient, easy to store, and can get you out of a bind if you run low on fuel.
There are a variety of gun boots and racks you can attach to your side by side. Which one (or ones!) you pick will all depend on where you want your guns, how many you’re brining, and what kind. We have Koplin ones that we store on the back rack.
We often take our Ranger out when ice fishing and needed a place to store some short poles. There didn’t seem to be any specific Ranger fishing rod holder, so we took a regular Berkley rod holder and mounted it to the roof on the inside of the cab. This setup seems to work pretty well so far, and keeps the rods from getting tangeled up or broken. If you plan on bringing larger poles I’m sure you could mount a boat or truck rod holder in the back and it would do the job, but I haven’t tried that yet.
If you’re going to have a Ranger you can put it to work as well as use it for fun. One way to do this is with a plow. We have on of these on the 900 and it works great for the average snowfall. Plus, if you have an enclosed cab, along with the one of the next items on the list, you can do your winter chores and stay warm while doing it.
Two of the most important things to get you out of a tough spot are going to be your front and back winches. We have two 4,000 pound Warn winches that have been lifesavers. They can get you out of swamps, snow, and even help you gut and hang up your moose!
If you are older, tend to be cold, or like being toasty warm, a heater is a must. We don’t have one in our because we usually to wear warmer gear and stay warm with the heat of the motor most of the time, but Dad has one and loves it. It gets him out and about on days when he may otherwise have stayed in due to the cold.
Its always nice to have some tunes when you’re cruising around in your truck, and the same goes for your side by side when going on trail rides or just muddling around. We had a portable outdoor radio that we used for a few rides. It was secured in with heavy duty glue and Dual Lock, or so we thought, but after a few bumpy rides and few falls onto the floor, our portable radio was no more. Because there is really no good way to fully secure a generic portable radio in the Ranger, I would suggest getting a dash mounted one if you’re going to be using it frequently. This will ensure that you’re not spending $50 a month on ones that will just end up ruined on the first ride out.
One thing to consider buying for safety, and so you can get the most use out of your side by side any time of the day or year, is lights. We have RaceSport Gen 3 LED headlights, a 40″ Rigid SR2 Combo on the front, and a green 20″ Rigid Radiance bar on the back. By adding more and better lights people can see you, you can see people (and unexpected moose in the road!), and you can safely stay out long after it’s dark out.
If you don’t have a full cab, or even if you do, a cover is a great thing to get to protect your side by side and keep it in great condition. The other plus to covers is they come in camo which can keep your toys well hidden if you’re on a hunt or just checking things out off the trail.
If you plan on ordering any of these awesome items to help you enjoy your Ranger even more, check into getting an Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial
Hopefully this information will help you get more out of your side by side and enjoy the great outdoors. The accessories linked are not necessarily the ones that will fit your exact year, make, and model. It is harder to find accessories for the 6×6 than other side by sides, but they are definitely out there as you can see in all of our pictures. Happy riding!
“Hey, did we forget the…”
That’s one of the last things you want to hear when you’re out camping. You’re usually far away from stores, have no neighbors to borrow that can opener from, and you need it for your next meal. We’ve all been there, but you never have to be there again! Below, I’ve compiled a list to save you from another camping catastrophe.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.
1. Cans are good. Cans are great. You can pack ’em, stack ’em, and best of all they can have food in them! They’re perfect for your camping adventures. The unfortunate thing is that the essential can opener is often forgotten, and you end up using a bottle opener to try poke holes all around the edge to open it (Come on, I know I’m not the only one who has done this!), which then leads to you cutting your finger, throwing the can down, the dog licking up the chili that spilled out, and it’s just a bad time for everyone (Except the dog!). So save yourself the hassle and the bandaid by putting a can opener on your packing list.
2. Pizza cutter. Whether it’s frozen or you create you’re own over the campfire, your pizza will need to be cut, so packing this is strongly suggested.
3. Bottle opener. Refer to #1. If you forget that, or just don’t have the room, this can still do the trick.
4. If you plan on grilling while you’re out, don’t forget the tongs. It’s a little hard to flip ribs or steaks with two sticks, but tongs will do the trick.
5. Another must-have camping kitchen utensil is the spatula. Camping breakfast is the best, but it can’t be made without a spatula, so be sure to bring one.
6. Ok, so maybe these aren’t necessities, but they are awesome. These red drink cups are sturdy, fun, and massive. Most importantly, they can hold a ton of tang, which is my go-to camping drink.
7. If you like tea, hot chocolate, coffee, Mountain House, or Peak Refuel, you need a Jetboil. They’re compact, lightweight, and can heat up water in no time. My mom got one for a camping trip so she could have her coffee fix, and I ended up getting hooked on it too, so now we have one. Just remember to buy the Jetboil fuel canisters so you’ll be all set to use it for your trip. You can check out my full Jetboil review here.
8. On the same note, don’t forget to bring propane canisters for your grill or other items.
9. Other essential items are matches and/or a lighter. You can’t go camping without having a fire, so these are must-haves. And don’t forget the s’more ingredients!
10. One very important thing to have with you when camping and in general is a first aid kit. There are some great pre-made kits out there, or you can build your own. It may get a little expensive, but the peace of mind is worth it.
11. Many people forget to pack their medications when camping. This could lead to a pretty shortened camping trip, so it’s best to have at least a couple days of medications packed in a pill organizer ahead of time, that way if you do forget the others you’ll at least have a backup.
12. Getting a sunburn can really ruin your trip, so add sunscreen to your list and save yourself the pain.
13. Bug bites can be a real camping buzz-kill (sorry, I couldn’t help it), so keeping those guys away to begin with is essential. Some things I suggest are Ben’s bug dope, a Thermacell, coils, or if you’re really serious about getting rid of those pests, a propane mosquito vacuum. If you still end up getting bit, try After Bite. I’ve been using it since I was little, and let me tell you it works fast. The initial sting is worth it to get rid of the itch. You can check out other mosquito bite remedies here.
14. It’s always helpful to have a flashlight or lantern around when camping. Even though we all have lights on our phones now, its good to have options so you don’t kill your battery and can see a bigger area.
15. Where there’s gear, there’s batteries. Make sure to grab enough batteries to power your Thermacell, flashlights, and other camping supplies.
16. If you’re bringing your phone, camera, tablet, or other electronics with you don’t forget your chargers for your vehicle, or even bring a solar charger with you.
17. If you’re camping in louder areas it helps to bring ear plugs to get a good nights sleep.
18. Whether you’re camping in a tent or a camper, you’ll need toilet paper. If you’re in a camper, fifth wheel, or rv, just remember to bring the septic safe kind.
19. You may not have a way to shower while you’re camping, but baby wipes can do the trick for awhile.
20. While we’re on the subject of camping hygiene, hand sanitizer is something you definitely don’t want to forget.
21. To help keep your camper/tent/campsite clean, bring lots of inexpensive towels. It’s good to have some for muddy kids, muddy dogs, muddy boots, showers, or for yourself if you have an impromptu dive in the lake!
Adding at least some of these items to your packing list will help you be more prepared for your next wilderness getaway. Happy camping!
P.S. If you plan on ordering any of these items from Amazon, be sure to check out the Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial to get free shipping on items that are Prime.