Backpacker 101

So you’ve decided you are ready to take on your first trekking or backpacking journey - but are would like some “adult supervision”. You know where you want to explore, but you’d like to be guided and you have no idea how to select a trekking company. We have compiled to help you pick the company that will best suit your needs and ensure a satisfying and save adventure:

The Most Expensive Company May Not Be the Best

Being the most expensive agency does not automatically make them the best. We often get these fancy adventure trip catalogs in the mail. They look enticing, but you have to wonder who pays for the high gloss printing and huge staff that spans the globe. Consider looking beyond the flash and finding smaller trekking companies that can provide a great experience and personal care for less money.

Some companies specialize in treks in a certain region (such as Nullabor Traveller in Australia) and it is worthwhile to check into these but don’t rule out those who cover the continents (such as Tucan Travel).

Many Companies May Cover the Same Areas

If you do some research, you will find that many trekking companies follow the very same routes. The differences between them come from the level of personalization and quality of the gear and facilities.

Compare the different types and quality of lodging provided, the food provided along the trail (and off-trail), the age and quality of the gear (tents, sleeping bags, day packs), the treatment of the local guides, porters & pack animals, and the knowledge and experience of the guides.

Your guide (or guides) will most likely be local to the area you are visiting and often will not be a direct employee of the trekking agency. Most of the literature will show the guides as being part of the company, when in reality - they are usually subcontractors.

A List of Good Questions to Ask Trekking Companies

• Are sleeping bags and tents included? When were they last replaced and how often are they cleaned?
• Will I be responsible for carrying my own gear and food or will you supply porters and/or horses?
• For glacier trips, will crampons be supplied or do I need to bring my own?
• Is there a weight limit on what I can turn over to the porters to carry?
• What meals are provided on and off-trail? Do they provide snacks as well?
• Is the water safe to drink in the area, or will it be provided?
• What type of emergency response and first aid services are available?
• What is the target group size and number of staff per group?
• Are single travelers required to share a tent and hotel rooms?
• What procedures are in place in case of an emergency out on the trail?
• Will one or more “sweepers” be assisting the guide? (A sweeper is a staff member who hikes behind the last person in the group, making sure that no one is lost or in need of attention.)
• What is the highest altitude we will be climbing at, and what is the elevation gain/loss of the trip?
• What is the longest distance traveled in a single day and are there “easy” days in between?
• What are the qualifications and local certifications of the guide(s)?
• Will sufficient transportation be provided to and from the trail heads?
• What happens if my flight in is delayed or I miss the start of the trip? Is there a way to catch up with the group? (This has happened to me once!)

Do Plenty of Homework Before Selecting Your Trekking Company

We would suggest that you ask your “active” friends for first-hand recommendations as a starting point. As you narrow your list, we suggest that you ask for a list of references that you can call from your target companies. Make sure these references have been on the exact trip you are interested in.

It is also a good idea to check out popular travel site forums and adventure travel blogs (like this one) for recommendations and companies to avoid. Watch out for “ranters” who are just negative and trashing companies out there. More people will take the time to write a negative comment than a positive comment. Ask these “ranters” to give you more specifics if you want clarification.

Finally, after asking all of these questions and locating your dream trekking adventure, go with your gut and enjoy the experience to the max!

That should get you started in preparing to select a trekking company for your great adventure. See our sister site Savvy Travel Tips for more hard-earned travel advice to make your trekking adventure go smoothly.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 9th, 2008 at 2:03 pm and is filed under Trekking Trips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.