I drew goat for this year, too.
I am also gathering info.
Advice from my outfitter might not apply for your hunt unitl
Outfitter suggested I get warm boots that fully protect my ankles. Twisted and broken ankles happen in my unit. I picked up Lowa Sheephunters since fits like a glove on my feet. The plastic boots are used by Search and Rescue around my unit and do not require breaking in so is another option. If you cross a lot of streams, can take the felt liner out of a plastic boot then wear the boot in water for a couple of minutes, pour out water on other side of stream and put liner back in boot.
Outfitter suggested Mystery Ranch backpack, 1600 cu inch.
Crampons for boots if will be on ice.
Alaska F&G rep at SLC show on Saturday suggest ice axe if going up steep inclines of loose rock or ice/snow. My outfitter bans axes, though, as too dangerous in his opinion. I will instead use a walking stick or two.
I live at sea level so will be in shape here but will not be able to really be in shape for altitude. There are concoctions to help with avoiding altitude sickness and I will use them because I am a flatlander.
Get some wool items if you do not have wool now. Some hunt units at certain points in the autumn can be very cold and very wet compared to hunts in the lower 48.
Outfitter strongly suggested MedJetAssist coverage.
Get access to great glass for the trip.
I am debating whether to get a lightweight digital video camera. I suspect the HD video cameras are too heavy to be practical. I usually carry a plain camera to snap a dozen or so pics during each hunt but this is my first goat hunt and trip to Alaska so might spring for video.
There are boundary maps at the Alaksa F&G site for each goat hunt code.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.
