Brown Bear Hunting Gear List

Here’s a basic brown bear hunting gear list that will give you a good idea of how to prepare for a standard brown bear hunt. Other than the gear itself, one of the best tips we can give you is this: When packing your gear in your backpack, compartmentalize your gear in dry bags. Keeping your gear dry is extremely important.

*Be sure to check with your outfitter or consultant for any details or equipment that may not be included in this packing list.

Brown Bear Hunting Gear List

Clothing and Apparel

• Stocking hat and gloves
• Top quality rain gear (top and bottom). This is a must!
• 1 pair insulated hunting pants
• 1 pair top and bottom insulated underwear, med-heavy weight (DO NOT BRING COTTON)
• 2-3 hunting shirts
• Heavyweight wool socks (1 pair for each day)
• Heavy coat with Gore-Tex
• Camp shoes
• Insulated leather boots
• Hip boots/Waders (for crossing creeks or dealing with rain) These are a must!
• Personal toiletry items and required personal medications.

Hunting Gear

• Hunting License and guide/ client contract stored in a waterproof holder.
• Binoculars
• Spotting Scope with Tripod
• Framed Backpack
• Knives/sharpener
• Flashlight and/or headlamp
• Camera with extra batteries
• Water bottle (with filter)
• Insect repellent (100% Deet)
• Batteries for any electrical device. Keep your batteries in something warm (like a wool sock) while you are in the field. Cold will drain them.

Rifle Hunting Gear

• The best calibers for brown bear hunting are at a minimum 30.06 Springfield. Larger is better.
• Take 20 to 40 rounds of good ammo.
• Make sure if you are hunting bear to utilize rounds like Swift A-Frames, Barnes Triple Shocks, Nosler Partitions, Buffalo Bore or Federal Trophy Bonded Bear claws, softcore bullets like most Berger’s do not do enough damage to the bear for an effective kill.
• NO BALLISTIC TIPS!

Bowhunting Gear for Brown Bear Hunting

• All hunters that wish to hunt with a bow must pass an Archery proficiency test, in either Alaska or another state.
• Alaska requires your bow to be at least 50 pounds peak draw weight. 65 or more pounds is preferred.
• Bring a half dozen arrows at least. In Alaska, your arrows need to be at least 20 inches in overall length, with broadhead, and at least 300 grains in total weight.
• Broadheads need to be heavy duty and the bigger the better. Fixed heads seem to work better on bears than mechanicals. A diameter cutting surface on broadheads is important too.
• You can carry both a bow and firearm at the same time while hunting brown bears in Alaska.

Muzzleloader Hunting Gear

• Muzzleloader Hunters must pass a Muzzleloader proficiency test in either Alaska or another state.
• Bring 10 to 20 rounds  (preferably sabots over any type of roundball) 50 caliber or larger.
• Use the heaviest grain loads possible matched with high grade traditional powder or Pyrodex to get the highest weight/velocity ratio your muzzleloader can shoot accurately.

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