You don’t need to be an experienced backpacker or an elite athlete to join us, but you should be comfortable being active for several hours at a time. Backpacking involves hiking over varied terrain while carrying a loaded backpack, often for multiple miles each day.

Each trip has a difficulty rating, mileage, and duration to help you determine whether it’s a good fit. We encourage you to review those details carefully and consider your current fitness level, hiking experience, and comfort with longer days outdoors. If you’re unsure, reach out before registering and we’ll help you find the right trip.

The best preparation is to spend time hiking before your trip. Gradually increase your distance and time on the trail, and practice hiking with a loaded backpack similar to what you’ll carry during the trip. Make sure to break in your hiking footwear, test your gear, and become comfortable using your backpack.

We’ll provide trip-specific preparation information, including a gear list and details about the route, before departure. You don’t need to figure everything out on your own.

We use a four-level rating system to help participants understand the physical demands and overall challenge of each trip. Ratings consider mileage, elevation gain, terrain, daily hiking time, and the demands of carrying a loaded backpack.

Not necessarily! Some of our trips are designed for people who are new to backpacking, while others are better suited to participants with previous experience. Check the trip description and difficulty rating before registering. Our guides provide hands-on instruction and support throughout the adventure, but participants should be prepared for the physical demands of their selected trip.

Each trip has a specific packing list based on the route, season, and duration. Generally, you’ll need appropriate hiking clothing, broken-in footwear, personal toiletries, a water bottle or hydration system, and any personal items listed in your preparation materials. We also offer optional meal packages on select trips. Your guide will provide the information you need before departure. If you need gear, we have affordable gear rentals available and offer nearly everything you would need for a trip.

Backpacking trips take place in a range of weather conditions, and participants should be prepared for changing temperatures and precipitation. We don’t cancel simply because of rain or less-than-perfect weather. However, participant safety is always the priority. Your guide will monitor conditions and make the final decision if weather or trail conditions create an unsafe situation.

Meals are not automatically included in the trip price. We offer optional, hand-selected backpacking meal packages on select trips, making it easy to simplify meal planning and preparation. Details and pricing are provided in the individual trip listing.