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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…

Trip Planning Tutorial: Join us March 6

By Katie Gerber / February 21, 2024 /

Join Andrew and I on March 6 for another tutorial livestream. The focus of this conversation is a deep dive on how to plan a backpacking trip. Join us on March 6 at 6:00pm MT here. Topic covered will include: Andrew draws from experience planning lengthy expeditions like the: And Katie from planning trips, such as:…

Tutorial: Gear and Skills for Desert Backpacking

By Katie Gerber / February 7, 2024 /

Yesterday, Andrew and I hosted a livestream focused on the foundations of backpacking in the desert. Topics we discussed included: In terms of the desert experience we’re drawing upon, here are the highlights: Andrew Katie Watch the event:

Tutorial: Backpacking in the Desert

By Katie Gerber / January 24, 2024 /

Join Andrew and I on February 6 for another Ask Us Anything livestream. The focus of this conversation is desert travel and backpacking. Join us on February 6 at 6:00pm MT here. Topic covered will include: In terms of the desert experience we’ll be drawing upon, here are the highlights: Andrew Katie Questions? If you would…

Christopher Roma: Learning to turn back

By Andrew Skurka / January 22, 2024 /

Last week an experienced thru-hiker, 37-year old Christopher Roma, died tragically of exposure in the White Mountains. My condolences are with his parents, family, and friends. My father and several alumni shared this news with me. I had never met Christopher, but in at least a few respects we were kindred souls. I know only…

Ask Us Anything about Winter Backpacking, with Richard Forbes

By Katie Gerber / January 5, 2024 /

Yesterday, Andrew and I hosted our first Ask Us Anything event of 2024. The topic was winter backpacking and our special guest was Montana-based guide, Richard Forbes. Richard has guided more than 220 days across a wide range of mountain sports including rock climbing, mountain biking, mountaineering, whitewater, backpacking, backcountry skiing, map and compass, and…

Ask Us Anything: Winter Backpacking

By Katie Gerber / December 22, 2023 /

On Thursday, January 4, Andrew and I will be joined by guide Richard Forbes for another Ask Us Anything event. The focus of this conversation is how to safely backpack in winter. Join us on January 4 at 6:00pm MT here. Richard has guided more than 220 days across a wide range of mountain sports…

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: Mikaela Osler

By Katie Gerber / December 1, 2023 /

Last night, Andrew and I hosted the last of our Ask Us Anything events this week. Our special guest was Mikaela Osler. Mikaela is a Triple Crown thru-hiker (AT, PCT, CDT), has set FKT’s on the Long Trail and Colorado Trail, is an excellent guide, and has an infectiously positive personality. In this conversation, we…