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Guide team 2020 || Profile: Matt Bright

By Andrew Skurka / December 17, 2019 /
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Matt is our resident interpretive ranger, and in 2020 will be guiding with us in West Virginia. He has a PhD in environmental science and works in Washington DC on federal climate change policy. His backpacking adventures include thru-hikes of the Long Trail, Sierra High Route, West Highland Way, and Cotswold Way; loops on the…

7 critical skills you could learn with us in 2020

By Andrew Skurka / December 16, 2019 /
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On Sunday I began accepting applications for my 2020 trips. This will be our ninth year in operation, and the program has evolved since I started guiding under my own company in 2011. By the end of that first season, I’d made three realizations: The clients generally lacked the requisite backcountry skills for interesting routes,…

Guide team 2020 || Profile: Jessica Winters

By Andrew Skurka / December 13, 2019 /
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Jessica is a backpacking Triple Crowner, a full-time yoga teacher, and former K-12 teacher. She’s been with the program since 2018, and clients adore her. “Jessica was the highlight of our trip. Her energy, kindness, and knowledge were incredible.”

Guide team 2020 || Profile: Paul Magnanti

By Andrew Skurka / December 12, 2019 /
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Paul is one of my longest serving guides, going back to 2012. He’s completed the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, Colorado, and Great Divide Trails; and more recently has completed off-the-beaten path treks like a 500-mile loop through northern New Mexico and a month-long walk across Utah.

Guide team 2020 || Profile: Dave Eitemiller

By Andrew Skurka / December 11, 2019 /
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Dave recently retired from a long and successful career in Asia as a Senior Executive for a major paper company, so he’s now filling his days with a lot more fun stuff. He started guiding with me in 2018 and says that it’s the best “job” he’s ever had. His most notable trips include the…

Guide team 2020 || Profile: Dan Durston

By Andrew Skurka / December 9, 2019 /
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If you are/were an active member of online communities like r/UL and BPL, or if you own a X-Mid 1P or 2P Tent, you already know of Dan. His experience includes thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, yo-yo’ing the Great Divide Trail, and completing the Bob Marshall Open five times (each time as the fastest finisher).

Guide team 2020 || Profile: Mary Cochenour

By Andrew Skurka / December 9, 2019 /
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Mary has been backpacking for decades, with her most notable trips including the John Muir Trail (x3), Tahoe-Yosemite Trail, Wonderland Trail, the Circuit in Torres Del Paine in Patagonia. Prior to her current role with Gaia GPS, she was Assistant Attorney General for the State of Montana, a backcountry ranger in Desolation Wilderness, a Grand…

Guided trips 2020: Application dates & details

By Andrew Skurka / November 27, 2019 /
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Winter has just arrived for most of the country and the holiday season is almost upon us, but already it’s time to start thinking about spring and summer 2020. If your plans involve a guided trip with us, this page will help you navigate the application process. How to apply Pay your Application Fee, which…

Your brain is gear: 21 questions with Gear Junkie

By Andrew Skurka / November 12, 2019 /
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Last month I left the Republic for a fun afternoon with the Gear Junkie crew in Denver. Before recording a 45-minute podcast interview, they sat me down for 21 quick questions.

I’m hiring: Backpacking guide(s) for 2020 season

By Andrew Skurka / October 30, 2019 /
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For the 2020 guiding season I plan to hire at least one additional backpacking guide, and possibly two or three. Interested in joining our team? Read on. Position description The work will be short-term and seasonal. It should be considered a supplement to steadier full-time work, an additional contract in a larger freelance portfolio, or…