Backpacking in Alaska’s backcountry is different. It is not what most people think of when they think of “backpacking.” To many backpackers, “backpacking” means following a trail, getting reservations at camping locations, getting a permit, knowing the length and elevation of the route prior to beginning, sharing camping spots with other backpackers, and running into others on the trail. The only thing backpacking in Alaska’s backcountry has in common with this type of experience, is the backpack.
A Traverse Alaska Backpacking trip in Alaska’s backcountry begins with intent. Who is going? What would they like to get from this experience? What experiences have they had and how can we challenge them and build skills for future trips? Next, we choose an area. Whether it’s in Denali National Park, or Gates of the Arctic, or in any of the millions of square miles of public land in Alaska, once an area has been selected, we plan a route that has plenty of room for optimization based on changing conditions. What this means is that if we have a break in weather and a solid, healthy group we can go farther, do more. If the weather drops, an ankle or back is tweaked, etc., we can slow it down, base camp and hike for a day or so until things feel better, then continue when conditions improve. Our guides stay flexible: continuously monitoring the current situation, looking for ways optimize the trip, keeping an eye on the groups abilities and interests, and making adjustments in real time.
We learn to move with the land we’ve decided to explore. Topographic maps can only provide so much information and we don’t always know if the route goes until we can get an up close look at it. We may have to turn around go another direction. Perhaps we are walking up a beautiful glacially carved valley, with our intentions set on a tundra carpet plateau that has a stream running alongside, with sweeping panoramic views– and we run into bears– we will need to change our route; find another spot. A Traverse Alaska guide is used to, and loves these challenges. It’s why we are here. This is freedom in its truest form. Go where you want, when you want; bound by only the natural laws of gravity and physics. The terrain, weather, and fauna present the only stop signs, and the fines you pay for ignoring or disrespecting them are steep and real.
Making good decisions in the backcountry is paramount to a successful trip. A private backpacking trip with a Traverse Alaska guide will give you the opportunity to maximize your options, and add unparalleled value to the time you spend in the backcountry in ways that a shared trip simply cannot.
