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, 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. Then we choose an area. Whether it’s in Denali National Park or Gates of the Arctic or on 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 further, 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 monitor the current situation, looking for ways optimize the trip we are on. Carefully monitoring 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. If we are walking up a beautiful glacially carved valley with our intentions set on a tundra carpet plateau with a stream running along side with sweeping panoramic views and 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 it’s 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, adding unparalleled value to the time you spend in the backcountry in a way that a shared trip simply cannot.
