What to Expect

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.