Backpacking

Backpacking is an unforgettable way to experience Alaska’s vast and pristine tundra, whether you want to take photos, learn about plants and wildlife, or simply enjoy big skies and deep quiet. The Talkeetna Mountain Range is home to moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolf, coyote, fox, wolverine, ermine, otter, porcupines, black and grizzly bear, ptarmigan, owl, ducks, loons, Canadian geese, swans and eagles. Backpackers will always keep a keen eye open to see these animals throughout the course. The AMS curriculum emphasizes essential wilderness skills to allow you to be safe and comfortable in a backcountry setting: tent setup, stove use, cooking, safe camping in bear country, basic knots, map and compass use, and first aid. Those with little to no backpacking or camping experience benefit from instruction on hiking techniques, camping skills, and map use. Natural history enthusiasts benefit from discussions on plant identification, animal sightings, and the human history of the region. Experienced backpackers will enjoy our flexible schedule, as well as options to add more mileage, challenging terrain, and peak ascents to the itinerary. There is something in this course for anyone who enjoys being outdoors and immersed in the untamed beauty of the true Alaskan wilderness.

All of our backpacking courses are customized to accommodate and build upon whatever backpacking and camping experience you already have. AMS instructors introduce you to the unique tundra ecosystem underfoot, teaching essential wilderness skills to achieve safety and comfort in the backcountry.

“I had no previous camping experience and now feel as though I’d be ready for a trip without a guide. I liked the true sense of adventure, of working for the experience, of testing myself.” — Peter Freer

• Excellent scenic opportunities
• Learning basic backpacking and camping skills
• Traveling and camping safely in bear country
• Leave No Trace camping and traveling techniques
• Wildlife viewing
• Understanding the ecosystem, identifying flora and fauna
• Optional peak ascent
• Elevations to 3,000 to 5,000 feet (900-1,500m)
• 1 : 5 instructor/student ratio
• River crossing techniques
• Traveling and camping in bear country
• Expedition skills: leadership, expedition behavior, trip planning