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Aquamira: Why we like it, and how we use it

By Andrew Skurka / March 1, 2024 /

For about twenty years and almost exclusively I have used Aquamira ($15) to purify backcountry water sources. And it’s been the only purification method used by the guided trip program that I started in 2011 and that has over 1,000 alumni. Last month two of these alumni emailed me separately, asking for a written explanation…

Ask Us Anything about Expedition Canyoneering, with Jeff Wohl and Jose Mendez

By Katie Gerber / December 15, 2023 /

Last evening, Andrew and I hosted our fourth Ask Us Anything event in two weeks. The topic was canyoneering and our special guests included Jose Mendez and Jeff Wohl, the guides for our inaugural canyoneering trips last spring. Jeff is a senior NOLS instructor with over 200 weeks of guiding experience. He’s guided courses in…

Ask Us Anything: Canyoneering

By Katie Gerber / December 4, 2023 /

Next Thursday, Andrew and I will be joined by one (or more!) of our canyoneering guides to host a Canyoneering-focused Ask Us Anything event. The event will last no more than 60 minutes and will be similar in structure to the three Ask Us Anything events we hosted last week with Dan Durston, Brian Robinson,…

Ask Us Anything: Dan Durston

By Katie Gerber / November 29, 2023 /

Last night Andrew and I hosted an Ask Us Anything with Dan Durston. Dan is best known for designing the X-Mid tents through his company Durston Gear. He’s also a five-time fastest finisher in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Open and the first person to yo-yo the Great Divide Trail. This is the first of three…

Ask Us Anything: Backpacking the High Sierra in 2023

By Andrew Skurka / May 27, 2023 /

Last week I wrote about the High Sierra’s record-breaking 2023-23 snowpack and its implications for trip planning, gear selection, and essential skills. In short, this season will be far from normal. Are you ready for that? This week Katie Gerber and I are hosting an “Ask Us Anything” online event to answer your questions about…

High Sierra record snowpack: Implications for trip planning, gear selection, and skills

By Andrew Skurka / May 25, 2023 /

As atmospheric rivers crashed into the High Sierra during the 2022-23 winter, I had two primary reactions. I was: In 2023 backpacking trips in the High Sierra will be more difficult and risky than identical itineraries in past seasons. However, it’s possible to accurately predict, entirely avoid, and/or safely manage the challenges. Personally, I think…

Extend Your Learning!

By Hunter Hall / February 28, 2022 /

This is meant to be a final ‘send-off’ post for our Plan Like a Pro course and guided trips with links, books, and other resources meant to further your education if you like, on your own terms. It starts with some of our favorite books, classes, apps, online communities and podcasts; and then it goes…

Garmin inReach Mini 2: Incrementally improved, still fundamentally flawed

By Andrew Skurka / February 2, 2022 /

Today Garmin released the second generation of its smallest and lightest satellite messenger. The inReach Mini 2 offers incremental improvements over the original inReach Mini, while maintaining the same size, weight, and form factor. Upgrades include: Longer lasting battery in tracking mode; Quicker GPS acquisition by using four satellite networks; An automatic track-back feature, helping…

Satellite messengers: What happens when I hit SOS?

By Brandon Chase / January 31, 2022 /

Backcountry risks can be greatly mitigated with proper trip planning, but not entirely eliminated. For those “just in case” scenarios, satellite messenger like the Zoleo (my pick), Somewear Global Hotspot, and Garmin inReach Mini are worth having. Functionality includes two-way text messaging, location sharing, weather forecasts, and, most importantly, an “SOS” feature to use in…

Bear spray: Three proper carrying methods

By Andrew Skurka / June 8, 2021 /

Our Brooks Range trips start next week, so both clients and guides are in the final stages of their preparations. One question that hit my inbox this morning was: What is your recommended method of carrying bear spray? This is a great question to ask before a trip, because your options may be limited or…