Hiking FAQ

HIKING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If your question is not answered here, contact our office.

Q: How do you determine the rating/difficulty of a hiking/backpacking trip?
Hiking trips range from easy to challenging, yet not beyond the average person’s ability to undertake if they have prepared for the physical demands.

Rating hikes is not an exact science. Most will possess easy to strenuous sections. The other caveat is that one hiker’s easy is an other’s strenuous. The following hopes to give a sense of what to expect:

Easy: well maintained trails and/or mostly flat terrain.
Moderate: mostly good trails, with significant elevation changes of a gradual nature or short but strenuous.
Strenuous: will contain some or all of following conditions: off trail hiking, creek/river crossings, rough terrain, significant elevation changes, long hiking days.

Q: How do you decide the number of days for a hiking adventure?
Basically from the lessons we learned over more than 30 years. We found that people who opt for our trips are less interested in seeing how much they can be pushed and more interested in reasonable challenge and pace.

Q: How much weight will I have to carry?
This is usually the first question on most people’s mind. And, it is difficult to give a blanket response, as many variables come into play. The number of days, where you are hiking, how many are in the group, what personal gear you bring, will all affect the weight you carry. As the guides carry most of the gear, you will have approximately 30-40 lbs (14-20 kg] to carry on Wilderness Adventures.

Q: Do I share in carrying the group equipment?
Our guides carry most of the group equipment such as pots/pans, stoves, tarps, major first aid kit, repair kit, fuel, kitchen set, bear spray, phone/radios. You may be asked to help with an item.

Q: What type of shape do I have to be in?
Because of the very physically demanding nature of hiking, you should be fit. We will supply you with a conditioning program to help you. Failure to adequately prepare will not only compromise your safety and enjoyment of the hike but will also impact others in your group.

Q: When is the best seasonal time to do a trip?
We schedule all of our trips to coincide with the best weather for the area. Coastal hikes are always susceptible to rain and in the mountains evening temperatures can drop to freezing, especially in late season. You should be prepared with the right equipment and clothing for all extremes.

Q: What are your guides’ qualifications?
Our guides have a keen interest in the outdoors, love their work, and enjoy sharing their knowledge. Our guides are graduates of recognized certification programs.They are seasoned backpackers, possess advanced wilderness first aid training and have backgrounds in areas such as natural and cultural history, photography and low impact wilderness travel.

Q: What is the size of your groups?
Maximum of ten participants and 2 guides. A small group minimizes impact on the areas we visit, allows more individualized attention, develops group bonding, and better ensures safety.

Q: Can I join your expedition if I’m alone?
Yes, as many persons come to us on their own. Most groups consist of couples, singles and friends traveling together.

Q: Do you charge single supplements?
Only if a single room is requested  with a hotel accommodation.