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Video Tutorial: 8 reasons backpacking is different for females than males

By Katie Gerber / March 27, 2024 /

Last night Andrew moderated a discussion between guide Kat Weyland and myself about all the ways that backpacking is inherently different for women than it is for men. Topics we discussed included: Additional Resources Watch the event:

Remaining Utah spots: now 30 percent off!

By Andrew Skurka / March 22, 2024 /

Our first guided trips of the season in southern Utah start in about four weeks, wahoo! We still a limited number of open spots on 5-, 7-, and 11-day backpacking trips and technical canyoneering courses. All remaining spots are now available at 30 percent off full price. To apply, go here. If have questions, contact…

Recommended footwear for deserts and canyons

By Andrew Skurka / March 21, 2024 /

Footwear is consistently the most discussed topic among the clients on our guided trips in southern Utah during the planning phases. It comes up in our online discussion board, during gear list reviews, and on our virtual group calls. Why? I think it’s due to: This post should be helpful for any reader who is…

Women-specific backpacking tutorial: Join us March 26

By Katie Gerber / March 19, 2024 /

Join Kat Weyland and I on March 26 for a discussion, moderated by Andrew, about considerations for female backpackers that are different than those for males. Kat is based in West Virginia and has worked in outdoor education since 2004. She has thru-hiked the Appalachian and the Continental Divide Trails as well as backpacked through…

Video Tutorial: How to plan a backpacking trip in 7 steps

By Katie Gerber / March 7, 2024 /

Last night Andrew and I hosted a 55-minute tutorial on trip planning. If you joined us, thank you. If you didn’t, you can watch the replay below. Please join us for our next discussion at the end of the month about the ways in which backpacking is fundamentally different for women than men. Topics we…

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…