Frequently Asked Questions

What gear is required?

Participants will need basic backpacking gear suitable for multi-day hiking trips. Before the trip, we provide a complete gear list and guidance on what to bring.  Please see the trip gear page.

For day hikes, participants will need to bring active wear clothing, sun screen, a change of clothes (just in case), a reusable water bottle, and a bag lunch.

What happens in bad weather?

Bad weather is all part of the experience. Every cloud has a silver lining.

Outdoor trips continue in most weather conditions, but safety always comes first.

Our guides monitor weather forecasts before and during every trip. If severe conditions are expected, we may:

  • adjust the route

  • change campsites

  • delay travel

  • exit the trail early if necessary

Participants are required to bring proper rain gear and clothing for changing conditions. Learning how to travel safely in variable weather is an important outdoor skill.

However, in cases of dangerous conditions such as severe storms, flooding, or wildfire risk, trips may be modified or cancelled.

How physically demanding are the backpacking trips?

Typical hiking days range from 6–10 miles, depending on the trip. We travel at a steady, comfortable pace and take regular breaks. Guides monitor the group and adjust the pace as needed so everyone can travel safely.

Participants do not need to be elite athletes, but they should be comfortable with:

  • hiking several hours in a day

  • carrying a backpack

  • spending time outdoors

What trips are best if my child has no backpacking experience but is excited about doing one?

  1. Enroll your child in 1 or more Backpacking Skills day trips.

  2. When your child reports learning a lot and having fun on the day trips and wants to do a backpacking trip, then sign up for a 3 Day Intro to Backpacking trip.

  3. When your child reports having had a great time on a 3 Day Intro to Backpacking trip and wants a challenge, sign up for the 5 Day Challenge Expedition.

What if my child has never backpacked?

No experience is required for our day trips or 3 day backpacking trip.

Our programs are designed to teach the fundamentals of backpacking in a supportive environment. Participants learn:

  • How to pack a backpack

  • Basic wilderness safety

  • Campsite setup

  • Leave No Trace principles

  • Trail navigation and outdoor skills

Our guides provide step-by-step instruction, and the pace of the trip is appropriate for beginners.

Many participants with no previous backpacking experience can quickly gain confidence on the trail.

How do you handle emergencies?

The trip leader is trained as a wilderness first responder.

The trip leader carries:

  • comprehensive first aid kit

  • emergency communication devices

  • detailed evacuation plans

If an injury or illness occurs, the guide assesses the situation and takes appropriate action, which may include first aid, contacting emergency services, contacting the parent, or evacuating the participant.

What if my child does not want to go?

Participants are required to want to go on the adventure.

What happens after completing the trip enrollment request?

Michael Young will contact you within 24 hours. If there is space available, more information will be sent including: a consent form, a waiver form, a medical form, and backpacking food suggestions. A phone number will also be provide to discuss the trip and any questions in more detail.