What to Expect
Everything you need to know before your trip — from fitness requirements to food to safety.
Fitness
- Beginner‑friendly
- 6–7 miles/day, under 1,000 ft elevation
- 30–40 lb backpack
- Relaxed pace with frequent breaks
Food
- All meals provided for the entire trip
- Freeze‑dried backpacking meals
- Vegetarian & allergy‑friendly options
- Bring your own favorite snacks
Safety
- WFR‑trained professional guide
- Garmin inReach satellite communicator
- Comprehensive first aid & repair kits
- Clear evacuation & emergency plan
- No cell service on trail — two‑way satellite messaging keeps us connected
Booking
- 50% deposit to reserve
- Remaining due 7 days before trip
- Deposits are non‑refundable
- Full refund if JAC cancels
Fitness & Experience Level
Our trips are designed to be beginner-friendly — the whole goal is to introduce people to backpacking and the joy of true wilderness. That said, beginner-friendly doesn’t mean easy.
We keep daily mileage to 6–7 miles with under 1,000 feet of elevation gain or loss, and we move at a relaxed, comfortable pace with plenty of breaks.
The biggest adjustment? It’s the weight, not the miles. You’ll be carrying a 30–40 lb pack, and even experienced hikers find that humbling at first. The good news is we’ll help you get comfortable with it from the very first mile.
Food & Meals
We provide all meals for the duration of the trip — traditional freeze-dried backpacking meals that are lightweight, easy to prepare, and surprisingly delicious after a full day on the trail.
We can accommodate vegetarian diets and common allergies — just let us know when you book.
Bring your own snacks! We recommend bringing personal snacks, energy bars, and any treats you want on the trail. There’s nothing better than a piece of chocolate at the top of a climb.
Safety & Emergency Procedures
Your safety is our top priority in the backcountry. Your guide carries a Garmin inReach satellite communicator, which allows two-way messaging and emergency SOS capability even with zero cell service.
We also carry a comprehensive first aid kit and gear repair tools for the unexpected. Our guide is completing Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification in March 2026 — one of the highest levels of wilderness medical training available.
In the event of a serious emergency, we have a clear evacuation plan and direct communication with emergency services at all times.
Booking, Deposits & Cancellations
To reserve your spot, a 50% deposit is due at the time of booking. The remaining 50% is due on the day of the trip.
Deposits are non-refundable — because permits and insurance are secured well in advance, we are unable to return deposits once a spot is reserved.
If we cancel: If Just Adventure Co. needs to cancel a trip for any reason — including weather, permit issues, or safety concerns — you will receive a full refund of all payments made.
How to Prepare for Your Trip
You don’t need to be an athlete — but a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s a simple 4-week plan to get you trail-ready.
Week 1
Get Moving
- 2–3 mile walks 3x per week
- Focus on hills if possible
- Wear the shoes you plan to hike in
Week 2
Add Distance
- 3–4 mile hikes with a light daypack
- Start breaking in your boots
- Practice on uneven terrain
Week 3
Add Weight
- 4–5 mile hikes with a loaded pack
- Add 15–20 lbs to your bag
- Focus on how your feet feel
Week 4
Final Prep
- One longer 5–6 mile hike
- Test your full gear setup
- Rest the last few days before the trip
Not sure if you’re ready? Reach out before your trip — we’re happy to chat through your fitness level and help you feel confident before Day 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from first-time backpackers.
Not at all — in fact, most of our participants are first-timers. Our trips are specifically designed to introduce people to backpacking in a safe, supported, and fun environment. Never slept in a tent before? No problem. Your guide will walk you through everything before you hit the trail — how to pack your bag, set up camp, filter water, cook a backcountry meal, and practice Leave No Trace. You don’t need any prior experience. All you need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to try something new.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but some preparation will make your trip much more enjoyable. We recommend getting out for 3–5 mile hikes with a loaded daypack a few times before your trip. If you’re unsure whether you’re ready, reach out — we’re happy to chat through your fitness level and help you prepare.
We monitor forecasts closely in the days leading up to every trip. Rain is part of the backcountry experience and we go prepared for it — everyone should bring a quality rain jacket. In the case of severe weather, lightning risk, or dangerous trail conditions, we will make a safety call and communicate with participants as early as possible. Safety always comes before the summit.
Absolutely — solo participants are welcome and very common on our trips. One of the unexpected joys of group backpacking is the friendships that form on the trail. There’s something about shared miles and campfire conversations that brings people together quickly. Many solo participants leave with lifelong trail friendships.
Our trips are open to adults of all ages. We welcome participants from their 20s through their 60s and beyond. We do not currently offer trips specifically designed for children, though older teenagers may join with a parent or guardian. If you have questions about age suitability, just get in touch.
Leave the cotton clothing at home — it holds moisture and can cause dangerous chilling when wet. Avoid heavy boots if you haven’t broken them in, and don’t pack anything you wouldn’t want to carry for 7 miles. No glass containers, no excessive electronics, and please leave scented toiletries at home as they can attract wildlife. When in doubt, less is always more.
Gratuities are never required and never expected — your trip price covers everything. That said, if you had a great experience and want to show appreciation, tips are always welcomed and genuinely meaningful for a small independent operation like ours. There’s no standard amount — whatever feels right to you is the right answer.
Your safety is always the first priority. Your guide is a certified Wilderness First Responder and carries a comprehensive first aid kit and a Garmin inReach satellite communicator — which means we can call for help from anywhere on the trail, even with zero cell service. If someone needs to leave early for any reason, we have a clear evacuation plan and will coordinate with emergency services if needed. Minor issues like blisters, soreness, or fatigue are very common and we’re well equipped to handle them on the trail. If you’re ever unsure about your condition, just tell your guide — we’d always rather slow down or adjust the plan than push through something that doesn’t feel right.