What is our cancellation and early return policy?
- Reservations canceled 24-hours or more in advance of rental start time will receive a full refund.
- Reservations canceled less than 24-hours in advance of rental start time will incur a cancellation fee equal to the fee of a 1-day rental (less delivery fees if applicable).
- To cancel your reservation, you must email or text your request. Email: Heather@alaskaelement.com
Text: 907-385-6333 - As your reservation precludes us from renting the gear to any other customers, we cannot provide refunds if you return your gear earlier than scheduled on your reservation.
How do we calculate rental days?
- Our rental period is calculated per calendar day.
- Full day rentals only
What is our pricing structure?
Package pricing:
- $65 for the first day
- $40 per day for days 2-5
- $30 per day for days 6-10
- $20 per day for days 11+
Individual item pricing:
- $32.50 for the first day
- $20 per day for days 2-5
- $15 per day for days 6-10
- $10 per day for days 11+
What is "GearGuard" Clothing Protection Plan?
- Click here for more information.
What sizes do we offer?
Please refer to our size chart to best determine what size you should reserve. We recommend sizing up if your measurements are between sizes.
- We carry Men’s and Women’s adult sizes XS - 4XL, we have a few 5X available also.
- Youth/children’s sizes starting at size 6.
- Boots come in whole sizes only. Starting at little kids size 12, up to men’s size 16.
How to Measure.
Use a dress makers cloth measuring tape measure over your standard comfortable clothing, nothing bulky. If you do not have this type of measuring tape, you can use a piece of non-stretchy string to place around your body, mark the length and then measure the string.
Chest: Measure around the back, under the arms and across the fullest park of the chest. The tape measure should be flat against the figure, straight across the back, snug but not tight.
Waist: Measure around the waist at belly button height. Make sure the tape measure is flat against the figure and snug but not tight.
Hips: Measure around the fullest part of the hips. Make sure the tape measure is flat against the figure and snug but not tight.
Can you mix and match Women's, Men's, or Youth gear in a package?
- Please contact us if you would like to mix Men's and Women's or youth sizes. We'd be happy to set you up with a custom package to fit your needs.
Is the gear cleaned between rentals?
- We thoroughly clean and sanitize each piece of gear according to the manufacturer's recommendations between rentals.
Where in Alaska can I receive and return gear?
- Hotel Drop Off and Return is available to most of the hotels in the Fairbanks area.
- Signature Service is available to most of the hotels and many of the Airbnb's in the Fairbanks and North Pole area.
- Shop Pick up and Return is available by appointment at our shop in North Pole.
Do we deliver to the airport?
- We no longer provide delivery or returns at the airport.
Which hotels do we provide service to?
- All the hotels we provide service to are listed on our Hotel Page. If the hotel is not listed, then we do not offer Hotel Delivery or Hotel Return to that location.
- You must be staying at the hotel to receive your gear there.
Do we provide service to Chena Hot Springs Resort?
- Chena Hot Springs Resort is outside of our delivery area.
Will the gear we offer keep you warm?
- Yes! All our gear is specifically designed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in temperatures down to -45 Fahrenheit. With proper layering even colder.
What should I wear under the gear you provide?
Alaska Element provides top quality outerwear, boots and mittens that will keep you warm in extreme cold. We are often asked about layering, and what to wear under our clothing. That answer will vary based on the time of the year, specific weather conditions, and your activity level. The gear we provide is extremely well insulated, and layering isn’t always needed. That said, here are some good general guidelines if you want to layer up.
Base Layer:
We recommend a base layer (top and bottoms) made primarily from a synthetic or natural fiber like merino wool that has good wicking qualities. Stay away from materials like cotton, rayon, and linen as they absorb and retain moisture. Your base layer should be of a light to medium weight so it can be worn comfortably under your normal comfortable casual clothing. If you are someone who gets cold easily, you may opt for a heavier weight base. There are many good brands available. Here is a brief list of a few that offer excellent products; Smartwool, Choko, Duofold, LL Bean, and others.
Socks:
A light to medium weight calf height sock made of merino wool is our favorite. Medium weight is generally warm enough for most, in most conditions. An extra set allows you to keep your socks dry or double up for extreme weather. Brand names like Smartwool, Fox River, Carhart and Wigwam are a few popular good quality brands.
Face Covering:
Face coverings are a good idea especially if conditions are really cold with a breeze. There are several effective garments from a simple scarf to high priced technical gear. Our parkas all have hoods and provide a degree of protection. That said, for low exertion activities like Aurora viewing it’s hard to beat your favorite wool scarf, or a style of face mask that fits comfortably. Regardless of style, we like wool, merino wool, TurtleFur, Polar fleece, or some other non-moisture absorbing material. Those materials are lofty and naturally warm and will dry quickly.
Glove Liners:
Our mittens are well insulated and generously sized to accommodate thin glove liners if you choose. Many like to use liners to help keep hands warm when you slip your hands out of the mittens to use your phone, take photos, etc.
Do our boots have good traction?
All the boots we offer have excellent traction on snow and ice.