When the bears start moving on the coast, Katrese Melville is already ten steps ahead. 

Born and raised in Sitka, Alaska, Katrese grew up in the deep rhythms of tide, timber, and tradition. She’s a commercial fisherman, a dental hygienist, and the co-owner of Baranof Backcountry Outfitters, a coastal Alaskan guiding operation she runs with her partner, Bae. 

Spring bear season is her favorite time of year—when the snow begins to melt, the coastline greens up, and the bears start cruising for an easy meal. But coastal spring hunts are no joke: brutal terrain, wet weather, and unpredictable conditions are just part of the game. If your kit’s not dialed, you're in trouble. 

Here’s a look inside Katrese’s spring bear pack—a bombproof system that’s been field-tested across years of remote Alaskan hunts. 

Outer Layer: Weatherproof Warrior

Spring storms hit hard, and when glassing in sideways rain, comfort matters.

●     Blizzard Jacket + Pants – Full insulation and protection when conditions get gnarly.

●     Dew Point Jacket + Pants – Ultralight, fully waterproof, packable rain shell system for fast-changing weather. 

Midlayers: Warmth Meets Mobility

Layered right, Katrese can stay dry, stay warm, and stay hunting. 

●     Traverse Jacket – Quiet, durable, and made for active movement through thick brush.

●     Ambient Jacket – Active insulation that breathes—perfect for long stalks and high-output days.

●     Ascent Pant – Lightweight and breathable for warmer days or steep climbs.

●     Timberline Pant – Reinforced, weather-resistant, and tough enough for crawling through the coastal jungle. 

Baselayers: The Foundation of Every System

Stay dry, stay warm, stay in the game. 

●     Fanatic Hoody – Versatile and silent. A favorite for its comfort and functionality.

●     Lightweight + Heavyweight Bottoms – A combo that adapts to changing temps.

●     Lightweight Hoody – A must-have for early-season warmth and layering flexibility.

Accessories: Don’t Overlook the Details

The little things make a big difference when you're miles from the boat. 

●     Blizzard GTX Hat + Gloves – Total protection when it’s cold and wet.

●     Stormfront GTX Gloves – Bombproof waterproofing for brutal weather.

●     Sitka Bino Harness – Secure, accessible, and built to take a beating.

●     Trucker Hat – Everyday style with coastal grit. 

Final Word

For Katrese, gear isn’t about trends—it’s about trust. Every piece in her spring bear kit has a job, and none of it is there by accident. When you’re guiding in some of the wildest terrain in North America, your pack is more than gear—it’s survival.

Whether you're planning your first coastal bear hunt or refining your system for the next one, Katrese’s kit is a masterclass in dialing it in. Shop 1shotgear.com and gear up for your next spring bear hunt today!