articles

Pick Up a Pack

May 8, 2012
For some, the ideal getaway involves wine, shopping and bubble baths.  And we respect that.

But for others, the thought of leaving the little ones behind and setting out on a trail with a backpack and a few soon-to-be-new friends is just what the doctor ordered.

If you are thinking “trudging through the woods”, think again. Backpacking can be calming and meditative, as well as great for physical fitness and even shedding a few pounds. Don’t know where to start? There are plenty of outfitters that will take anyone from rank beginners to experienced hikers on trips ranging from jaunty walks to expeditions.

Fitpacking is an outfitter that combines backpacking with a weight-loss theme.  According to Founder Steve Silberberg “Some moms enjoy an adventure vacation to get fit, lose weight and eliminate stress”.  He added, “One of the great things about hiking is the calmness that comes with being disconnected from the immediacy of e-mail, social networking and everyday life.  It’s a huge stress reducer.”  Sounds good to us.  Steve’s trips include hiking on the Appalachian Trail, tramping through Yosemite National Park, and even exploring Patagonia in South America, among others.

Roam the Woods takes a different approach, their goal is to create backpackers, and their trips are “courses” chock full of instruction.  Women-owned, the trips are women only and last one to two weeks.  One mom who recently joined co-owner Rosie Enos on a trip said, "I had a great time in your (backpacking) workshop and felt better prepared for my first backpacking trip with my sons’ scout troop.  What I learned not only gave me the confidence to attempt this outing, it helped me find a new passion."  Roam the Woods courses are available from Georgia to California.

Gear retailer REI also offers hiking and backpacking trips.  From three days in the Smokey Mountains to a 19 day Everest Base camp trek, their trips are geared towards more experienced backpackers and many are on the strenuous side (though they do offer a beginners trip in Yosemite).

Backpacking with a guide allows you to enjoy the experience, take in the sights, make new friends, and not worry about planning, route-finding, and other challenges.  So grab a gal-pal and hit the trail, who knows where it might lead.