Where to go for gear.

• Author: Ajango, Deb
• Position: Sporting goods - Buyers Guide

To accommodate the growing number of adventure travelers in Alaska, each year more businesses are providing gear and services to meet the outdoor enthusiast's needs. If you are planning to hire a guide, question him or her about the equipment you will need to provide and what will be supplied. If you are interested in setting out on your own, make sure you obtain a complete gear list of items most important to your activity.

Anchorage is the supply point for travel to most Alaska wilderness destinations. Those wanting to explore the backcountry can generally find the supplies and information they need in local sporting goods stores.

Here is a statewide guide to Alaska's sporting goods stores. Highly-specialized stores are not included in this list.

SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA

ANCHORAGE

Adventures & Delights: kayak rentals for experienced paddlers. Some kayak accessories for sale/rent. 414 K St., 276-8282.

Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking: complete line of mountaineering and hiking gear, packs, boots, tents, clothing, cooking gear, kayaking, nordic skis and accessories. Guidebooks and maps also sold. Some gear rental. 2633 Spenard Rd., 272-1811.

Barney's Sports Chalet: lightweight backpacking gear, tents, skis and general camping gear. Some children's equipment and clothing. 906 W. Northern Lights Blvd., 561-5242.

Donkay Co.: fishing and camping gear, tents, sleeping bags and backpacks. Rent parkas, snowshoes and other outdoor gear. 2428 E. Tudor Rd., 561-3434.

Gary King Sporting Goods: complete line of hiking gear, hunting and fishing gear, tents, clothing, ski equipment and some children's clothing. 202 E. Northern Lights Blvd., 272-5401.

Great Outdoor Clothing Co.: direct manufacturer's outlet. Outerwear, heavy parkas, windgear, raingear and some Goretex. 1200 W. Northern Lights Blvd., 277-6664.

McAfee's Fly Shop: strictly fly-fishing gear and foul-weather clothing. 750 W. Dimond Blvd., 344-1617.

Mountain View Sports Center: hunting and fishing specialty store, camping gear and clothing. 3838 Old Seward Hwy., 563-8600.

Payless Drug Store: guns and ammo, fishing rods, tackle, boots and camping gear. Several locations around state.

Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI): complete line of camping, climbing and mountaineering gear, bikes, boats, packs, sleeping bags, tents, boots, clothing, books and children's items. Sales and rental. 1200 W. Northern Lights Blvd., 272-4565.

Rental Room: skis, snowshoes and kayaks (and accessories). Rental only. 2205 E...