If there is one thing folks have universally recommended it is a satellite phone. Just about everyone that weighed in on suggested gear suggested such. There has been some discussion about satellite coverage. Per a few folks that have been over most of Alaska and Canada, the Iridium satellite system has good coverage in the far North.

Another item working in our favor is that my wife is a registered nurse. Hence, she can pack a heck of a great first aid kit. No matter that the boys and I don't know how to put a bandage on!