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Can you plan all aspects of your first trip, next trip, or dream trip — and without making errors, taking too long, or forgetting key parts? Successful backpacking trips are typically planned, not improvised. A thoughtful approach towards gear, food, maps, permits, travel, fitness, and skills will increase your safety margin and trip quality, and…
Later this week I will be hosting a livestream about the Overland Route, a low-profile backpacking route down the watershed of the Escalante River in southern Utah. I will be joined by Katie Gerber and Eric Volk, who completed the route last spring. Event details: Scant information is available about the Overland Route. Its origins…
For the 2025 season I am looking to hire a: Both positions are short-term and seasonal, and need to be augmented with steadier full-time work or a broader freelance portfolio. At most in 2025, we’d assign you to one location (Utah, Alaska, California, or Yellowstone) and between one and three trips, with the specifics being…
For the 2025 guiding season we’re looking for a new breakfast and dinner recipe. The two winners will get to take our “Plan Like a Pro” online course,an 8-week comprehensive trip planning curriculum. Most importantly though, they will become immortal backcountry chefs, whose meals will be savored by hundreds of starved backpackers for years to…
In 2022 we launched a needs-based scholarship program to create more opportunities for individuals whose outdoor access has been hindered by limited financial resources, lack of generational or communal outdoor knowledge, or discrimination. Beginning today, February 3, we’re accepting applications to award scholarships for our 2025 guided trips and in our Plan Like a Pro…
The open application period for 2025 trips ends this Sunday, December 22. Apply this weekend to: Starting Monday, December 23, we will still accept applications. However: As a practical matter, it will take us the entire week of December 23 to finish reviewing all applications, especially with the holiday and holiday travel. Until we form…
Next season will my fifteenth year in operation. Join us live on Thursday, December 19 at 6pm MT for a history of the program — my motivations, learnings, evolutions, challenges, and favorite memories and people. Katie and I will be hosting the event, and we’ll have three special guests — Alan Dixon, Mary Cochenour, and…
Last night Katie and I hosted an an alumni panel with Conor, Eric, Kaylor, and Lisa to discuss their experiences on our trips. Conor and Kaylor were first-time clients in 2024; Conor had hiked the Pacific Crest Trail previously, while Kaylor was a never-ever backpacker. Eric and Lisa are multi-time clients (five trips for Eric,…
If you’re planning to join us on a guided trip in 2025, please apply during our open application period, Monday, December 9 through Sunday, December 22. All applications received during this window will be considered equally. Apply during this time to lock in our 2024 prices (before they’re increased for 2025) and to get on…
Update (Dec 9, 9:30 AM): Congratulations to Robert S, who has won this giveaway. We look forward to having you on a trip in 2025! We have partnered with Hyperlite Mountain Gear on the outdoor giveaway of the season (and maybe the decade)! The winner will receive: 1. A 5-day guided trip with us In…