Expeditions are physically demanding adventures; all of our trips require you to be fully mobile and reasonably fit. You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to participate in expeditions, however the greater your fitness level the more enjoyable your trip will be. Each individuals understanding and opinion of physical fitness is different, however a good baseline measurement is that participants should be able to run 1.5 miles in 11 minutes or less and also run 5-6 miles in less than an hour. The following descriptions expound on what activities and terrain you might encounter.

Moderate: These trips often involve day-long activities where fitness is important - hiking, climbing, canoeing and mountain biking. A good level of cardio-physical fitness is important. Hiking will be over uneven ground and will include carrying a 10-20lb day pack. Canoeing will be river canoeing with few rapids. Mountain Biking will include climbs, downhills, and some single track terrain.

Intermediate: These trips often involve activities that continue over multiple days. A higher level of fitness and endurance is needed to maintain pace with the group. Hiking will be for extended periods of time over rough ground with large elevation gains while carrying a heavy pack. Canoeing will be multiple day river canoeing with rapids. Mountain Biking will include climbs, downhills, and single track terrain.

Strenuous: The most challenging of our trips involve extended continuous journeys and significant daily physical challenges. The highest level of cardio-physical fitness and endurance is important. Participants will backpack over rugged terrain with substantial elevation gains for multiple days while carrying a pack that is up to 30% of their body weight.

Once you know you are going on a trip your muscles and joints will appreciate if you exercise 2-3 times a week for 20-30 minutes at a time starting at least a month before your trip. If you have further questions about the intensity of trips please give us a call.