Activity Description
Backpacking opens up opportunities to stay out in the woods longer and explore trails and peaks for days at a time. We can help you reach those faraway peaks like Isolation or Owl’s Head, guide you on a multi day Presidential traverse, and more. Backpacking in the wilds (per forest camping rules and LNT). Expand your horizons, train for a thru-hike, build your confidence, or just stop to smell the roses more as backpacking will reduce those daily mileages. In any case, we can help.
Activity Offerings
We can take people to any of the shelters, tentsites, or any number of wild camping options… even usage of huts and cabins, if so requested (though extra charges apply). Our woodland and alpine backpacking adventures — assuming a Camp Craft course isn’t needed — begin with a simple overnight, two days, one night with distances variable based on ability and desire. From there we can extend our trips to as many days as needed and can even help with thru-hiking. We also offer Porter Services. It’s up to you! Please include any special objectives or desires you may have, if applicable, in the comments box of our Booking Form.
What to Wear
To ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, we offer this important clothing info. When dressing for backpacking, note the following:
- Think layers. While a ski jacket, for example, may be warm and waterproof, if the insulation can’t be separated from the rain/snow protection layer, it really isn’t suitable. You will overheat if you need rain/snow protection while hiking. Bring independent layers. Having our “Backpacking Ready Pack” will solve the matter offering all you need for at least the hiking portion of your adventure.
- Never wear cotton, even at the underwear level. Synthetic materials, wool, and especially performance/wicking materials should be your clothing of choice. For hiking, since cotton won’t dry and doesn’t insulate while wet, it can pose a hazard. You will want to wear the right type of sports or hiking clothing and you will want to bring extra, especially a base layer or shorts for sleeping in.
- Bring more than you think you need. Mountain weather can be very tricky and unpredictable. While it may be nice in town, the mountains can be very different. Being prepared can save your life and make for a richer, more enjoyable experience.
- For footwear, sneakers or trail runners may be suitable for summer backpacks, but for spring or fall something a little sturdier and warmer like a three-season backpacking boot is recommended. And in winter, winter-rated or even mountaineering boots are needed, specifically, “double” boots with liners that can be brought into your sleeping bag at night. Additionally, camp footwear like Crocs in summer and down booties in winter are worth bringing.
- And speaking of winter, notably above treeline, you will want to prep for Denali. On some days. Seriously. Adding gear such as the following as a minimum is expected: Heavy-duty hooded parka, overmitts with liners, crampons, balaclava, and even a set of goggles.
Necessary Gear
For your backpacking gear needs, in addition to your own non-cotton base layers, hiking/climbing pants (or shorts in summer) with shirt, footwear (camp and trail), and a sleeping baselayer or shorts, as described above, we offer three options (modified by season). Click to expand.
Gear Option 1 - Open
Gear Option 1 - Close
- Personal first aid kit/meds.
- Personal hygiene items.
- Camera/phone (weather-protected).
- Lip balm, sun block.
- Sunglasses.
- Lantern.
- Cards, games.
- Personal comfort items.
- Insect repellent.
- Proper footwear (see information above, especially about camp wear).
- Proper clothing layering (see information above, plus sleeping items).
- Seasonal specialty clothing (see information above).
SPECIAL NOTE: You may get a “Backpacking Ready Pack, Lean” without food and water for $75/person/night.
SPECIAL NOTE: You can also order just food and water for $15/person/meal. (Available with any option.)
SPECIAL NOTE: Unlisted items, like water filtration, will be provided by your guide(s), though you are encouraged to bring your own.
Gear Option 2 - Open
Gear Option 2 - Close
- A lined pack with hip belt and room for the items below (~45-65 liters).
- Rain jacket and pants, or rain poncho (mountain weather can be quite wet).
- Mountain-rated insulated layer (mountains are much colder than in town).
- Seasonally-rated mid-layer (much colder).
- Food for the day, plus extra.
- Water for the day, at least 2 liters, plus extra (or filter, if not winter).
- Seasonally-rated hat, gloves/mittens.
- Headlamp with spare batteries (or backup device).
- Whistle or sound-making device (sternum strap whistles are okay).
If you do wish to bring your own backpacking gear, refer to the revisions and additions presented in this list. Items, if wanted, are available to rent from the master gear list, below…
- A lined pack with hip belt and room for the items below (~60-75 liters).
- Night/camp layer (shorts, base layer, down pants… seasonally).
- Camp footwear (Crocs, flip-flops, down booties).
- More food, plus extra.
- Water filter, pots to melt snow, or a UV pen light, plus extra storage.
- A second full-sized headlamp with spare batteries.
- Tent, hammock, or bivvy.
- A luxury sleeping pad such as a Thermarest. So worth it.
- Something to use as a pillow.
- Firestarter, which should be part of your personal kit.
- Eating/cooking utensils and supplies (long spoon, coffee cup).
- Rag and camp towel for cleaning and drying.
- A cook stove suitable for the season plus adequate fuel and backup.
- General Rental Gear Pricing
-
- Empty Backpack: $15/person/day.
- Headlamp w/ Batteries: $5/person/day.
- Trekking Pole Set: $5/person/day.
- Bushwhack Kit (Compass/Glasses): $5/person/day.
- Food and Water (Lunch Kit): $15/person/day.
- Summer Clothing/Layers Pricing
(NOTE: By “Summer” we mean warmer, summer-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Fleece (Midlayer): $5/person/day.
- Puffy Jacket (Midweight): $20/person/day.
- Hardshell Set: $35/person/day.
- Light Gloves: $5/person/day.
- Climbing Gloves: $10/person/day.
- Winter Clothing/Layers Pricing – Add to List Above
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Puffy/Parka (Heavyweight/Winter): $25/person/day.
- Hardshell Set: $35/person/day (Gaiters Req. w/ Crampon Use).
- Mitts/Overmitts: $10/person/day.
- Watchman’s Hat: $5/person/day.
- Balaclava: $5/person/day.
- Face Protection (Faceglove/Mask): $5/person/day.
- Ski Goggles: $5/person/day.
- Gaiters (Winter): $10/person/day.
- Winter Rental Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Light Traction: $10/person/day.
- Mountaineering Snowshoes: $15/person/day.
- Mountaineering Crampons: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Helmet: $5/person/day.
- Ice/Snow Axe: $10/person/day.
- Whippet: $10/person/day.
- Alpine Harness: $10/person/day.
- Winter Technical Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Ice Climbing Crampons: $15/person/day.
- Technical Ice Tools: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Harness: $10/person/day.
- Mountaineering Boots: $25/person/day.
- Avalanche Beacon: $25/person/day.
- Avalanche Probe: $10/person/day.
- Avalanche Shovel: $10/person/day.
- Avalanche Kit: $40/person/day.
- Summer Technical Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Summer” we mean warmer, summer-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Climbing Helmet: $5/person/day.
- Alpine Harness: $10/person/day.
- Rock Climbing Shoes: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Harness: $10/person/day.
- Chalk Bag w/ Chalk): $5/person/day.
- Personal Flotation Device: $10/person/day.
- Backpacking Gear Pricing
-
- Sleeping Bag (Rated): $20/person/night.
- Sleeping Pad (Foam): $5/person/night.
- Sleeping Pad (Inflatabe): $15/person/night.
- Tent (1-2 People): $20/person/night.
- Tent (3-4 People): $30/person/night.
- Stove w/ Fuel: $15/person/night.
- Other Gear-Related Pricing
-
- Gear Insurance (Regular/Hiking): $10/person/day.
- Gear Insurance (Alpine/Winter): $20/person/day.
- Gear Insurance (Backpacking): $30/person/day.
- Outsourced Gear (Pick Up Fee): $40/person/day.
SPECIAL NOTE: Unlisted items, like water filtration, will be provided by your guide(s), though you are encouraged to bring your own.
SPECIAL NOTE: If any outsourced gear such as mountaineering boots with step-in crampons is needed, as might be the case on above treeline, winter hikes, we can rent it ahead of time for you for $40 plus the applicable rental fees.
Gear Option 3 - Open
Gear Option 3 - Close
Okay… Let’s Do This!
What follows below is the pricing and other information you’ll probably want or need to know.
| 2D/1N Backpacking Pricing | |
|---|---|
| For one person | $550 |
| For two people | $325 each |
| For three people | $275 each |
| For four or more | $225 each | Add Day/Night Backpacking Pricing |
| For one person | $275 |
| For two people | $200 each |
| For three people | $175 each |
| For four or more | $150 each | Backpacking Premiums |
| Make it private | INCLUDED |
Other Information
- The difficulty of this activity is as requested, though heavy.
- This activity has a 1:4 guide/client ratio.
- The maximum group size is 8 with 2 guides.
- For parties larger than 8, please contact us.
- Gratuities not included; 15-25% is customary for a good job.
Not ready for this? Try out our Camp Craft course, unless you’re afraid of the dark, then just Hike or use our Hut-to-Hut option. Otherwise, go ahead and BOOK IT NOW!
Porter Services Also Available! You do the backpack, we carry your gear, set-up, tear it down, and move it or haul it out, all at your request. This adds viability to summit certain peaks for some. See here, or reach out with questions!