Fitpacking

Have you ever wanted to summit the highest peak in the State of New York? (Mt. Marcy: 5344') How about the four highest peaks in New York? (Algonquin Peak: 5114', Mt. Haystack: 4960', Mt. Skylight: 4926') On this trip, we will summit all of them. And we'll cap off this week of peak bagging with a Bobsled Run on the Mt. Van Hoevenberg track that was used in the 1980 Winter Olympics.

At over 6 million acres, Adirondack State Park is the largest State Park in the United States. We will be hiking the beautiful High Peaks region of the Adirondacks on our week-long wilderness adventure. The end of the summer means a break from bugs, humidity, and crowds and is an ideal time to visit the Adirondacks.

Bears beaver, moose, coyote, porcupine, otter, skunk, and rabbit all live here so hopefully we'll encounter them. Expect abundant water sources and hence less weight in your pack. Several water sources also means there may be swimming opportunities.

End your summer with adventure! See a conveniently located, wild and beautiful landscape (within driving distance of New York City, Boston, Hartford, Springfield, and Albany) and lose weight, or more accurately, improve body composition.

The Adirondack High Peaks Fitpacking Trip will be from August 25 - September 2, 2012.

Our journey will begin at the famed Adirondack Loj in upstate New York. We'll head to Marcy Dam, Avalanche Lake, and progressively knock of the summits of Algonquin, Marcy, Skylight, and Haystack. From there, we'll complete the loop and head back to Adirondack Loj. Proposed Itinerary

Weather is always an important concern when backpacking. Historical August weather averages in the 60s and 70s during the day and the 40s and 50s at night. However, be prepared for the possibility of temperatures in the high 80s during the day and freezing at night. It's often hot, humid and sunny, but be prepared for the possibilty of a thunderstorm or even snow.

Steve Silberberg, lives in Hull, MA and has many years of backpacking experience over a variety of terrains and guides most Fitpacking trips. He is a SOLO certified Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and Certified Food Handler.

Jeff Wagner lives in Roswell, GA and thru-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail in 2008 (Trail Name: Jukebox). He guided the 2010 Shenandoah National Park, the 2011 100 Mile Wilderness and the 2011 AT Primer Fitpacking trips.

Here is a list of equipment we suggest you bring. The list is extensive and can seem daunting, but please don't let this deter you from the trip. You can rent top notch quality gear for reasonable prices from Lower Gear. It may also be possible for us to provide some gear for you at a nominal fee if you let us know far ahead of the trip. Unfortunately, we're not in the gear business so the selection of our available inventory is unpredictable. Please feel free to discuss any gear with us before the trip.

We don't believe in austere eating regimens. Backpacking is a rigorous, rewarding activity. You must feed your body in order for it perform. Your body will dictate that you eat often, so it's important to have fuel to feed it. Please check out the sample menus. This list is not comprehensive and may be altered or augmented. If you want to bring personal food, say a 5 pound chocolate cake, go for it. After carrying it 50 miles through the mountains, your body will reject the empty calories and prefer nutritious food.

Make sure to leave room in your pack for a bear canister (ARFC) as the park requires us to carry them

Although the mileage is moderate for much of this trip and a few of the days consist of day-hiking without a pack, the terrain can be extremely challenging with mud, rocks, roots, and dramatic elevation changes. Stepping over rocks and roots fatigues hikers far more than the incline, so even though our mileages are moderate, be prepared for ruggedness.

$1125 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Albany, NY (ALB) as well as personal equipment and any restaurant meals.

Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, 7 days of trail meals, ground transportation, permits, fees and awesome guides.