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Page updated: 6/6/2008

Read this, then apply below

  • Are you OK backpacking as few as only 4 miles per day at a slow pace?
  • Can you inspire a slow hiker who is physically and emotionally drained to continue?
  • Are you willing to help 8 people hoist and adjust their packs after every rest stop?
  • Will you do all camp chores (water filtration, tent set-up, cooking, cleaning) while participants are learning to do these things?
  • Can you handle loading your pack up with a tired hiker's personal items at the end of a long day?
  • Are you OK escorting trip dropouts to the nearest road and hiking back alone several miles to join the group?
  • Can you shake-down a first time backpacker's gear and assure them they'll be fine?
  • Can you anticipate clients' needs even before they are aware of these needs?
  • Are you able to mediate disagreements among participants?
  • Are you sensitive and compassionate? Can you put yourself in someone else's shoes?
  • How is your disposition after 4 straight days of rain?

Guide Requirements

  • Current Wilderness First Reponder or Wilderness EMT Certification (SOLO, WMA, WMI, NOLS)
  • Versed in Leave No Trace principles
  • Thorough knowledge of backpacking equipment
  • At least 6 weeks of backpacking / camping experience.
  • Experience leading groups in an outdoor setting (not necessarily backpacking). Leading NOLS, Ropes, Sea Kayaking, or summer camp is OK, but leading a project development team in releasing an operating system isn't.
  • Can backpack a minimum of 15 miles per day carrying 60 pounds
  • Map & Compass Skills
  • Valid driver's license
  • Patience

Desirable Skills

  • Cooking Skills
  • Versed in nutrition and weight loss
  • Difficult to upset
  • MacGyver-like improvisational Skills
  • Great sense of humor
  • Good Photographer
  • Firebuilding Skills
  • Good Phone Skills
  • A zest for life

How it works

To become a Fitpacking guide, we ask that you join us for a trip as an unpaid assistant. If you are the type of person that we think would make an excellent guide, we will ask you back for a future trip with pay.

We pay a pittance unfortunately, but there are worse things than getting paid to backpack all day. We pay a set amount per week (about $500 for first timers, more thereafter) along with a per diem that comes to approximately $25 per day for off trail days ($50-$100 depending upon number of off days).

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