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Fitness Levels
Backcountry Journeys' trip fitness level requirements are designed to help you pick the right trip in terms of safety and enjoyment. Our Fitness Levels are based on a scale of 1-5 (1 is the least difficult, 5 is the most difficult).
The overall fitness level / difficulty rating of a trip is based on a variety of factors including terrain, elevation gain, exposure & daily hiking distances.
To understand the rating system, it’s important to keep several factors in mind:
The overall fitness level / difficulty rating of a trip is based on a variety of factors including terrain, elevation gain, exposure & daily hiking distances.
To understand the rating system, it’s important to keep several factors in mind:
- Photography trips can be a physically demanding activity, regardless of the fitness level.
- Our rating system assumes that all guests are starting from a foundation of being active, healthy people with good footing, strength and balance.
- Please use this system as a guideline and if in doubt, start on a lower difficulty trip.
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LEVEL 1
Suitable for those in fair condition. Activities include mostly road-based photography sessions and/or light overland travel to get to shot locations. Guests must independently be able to travel short distances (0.25 – 0.5 miles at a time) and up to three (3) miles each day on maintained dirt trails and paved or boardwalk pathways.
LEVEL 2
Suitable for most ages with basic fitness. Activities include overland travel along maintained dirt trails and pathways with camera gear and/or a day pack. Guests must independently be able to travel short distances up to six (6) miles over the course of the day, where elevation gain is typically not more than a few hundred feet.
LEVEL 3
Moderate hiking level. Activities include travelling along trails that may have more significant elevation gain and natural obstacles. Trails used on Level 3 itineraries may be uneven, rocky, and slippery. Guests must independently be able to travel short distances between four (4) and seven (7) miles over the day, where an elevation gain can be up to 1500 feet. Guest should be comfortable with the indicated hiking mileage, terrain, and elevation, while independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant be able to carry their camera/day pack with essential items.
LEVEL 4
Difficult level for those with good fitness. Activities include travelling on more challenging trails that are steep, uneven, and with elevation gain sometimes up to 2500 feet. The terrain may be narrow, uneven, rough, slippery, rocky, muddy, icy or snow-covered, vegetation-covered, have loose soil, may require maneuvering around or over boulders or under low branches, or is cactus or sagebrush covered, and may also have exposed cliffs or ledges. Mileage will vary but guests must independently be able to travel short distances from five (5) to nine (9) miles. Guest must be comfortable with the indicated hiking mileage, terrain, and elevation, while independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant be able to carry their camera/day pack with essential items.
LEVEL 5
Our most challenging activity level, for those with excellent fitness. Activities include steep travel on rough, rugged trails and often in trail-less wilderness areas. The terrain may be narrow, uneven, rough, slippery, rocky, muddy, icy or snow-covered, vegetation-covered, have loose soil, may require maneuvering around or over boulders or under low branches, or is cactus or sagebrush covered, and may also have exposed cliffs or ledges. Guest must be able to wade across creeks or shallow streams with possibly slippery or uneven bottom surface. Guest should be comfortable with the indicated hiking mileage, terrain, and elevation, while independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant be able to carry their camera/day pack with essential items.
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More on Physical Requirements
If you need or want more information about what is physically required to join a trip, we also recommend referring to our Essential Eligibility Requirements.
Trip Types
LODGE-BASED TRIPS
Guests will spend every night in cozy accommodations with modern amenities. Meals provided are at local restaurants and may include packed breakfasts or lunch for early mornings or afternoon hikes. All transportation is provided in Backcountry Journeys vehicles and/or by local tour operators.
TENTED CAMP TRIPS
Guests will spend most nights sleeping in tented camps with modern amenities. This is most often experienced on our photo safaris in Africa. A permanent or mobile tented camp is generally an upscale safari accommodation that offers a stable and well-equipped base for immersive experiences.
Typically located in picturesque settings, these camps feature luxurious safari tents elevated on platforms with hardwood floors and canvas walls. Bathrooms are usually ensuite and provide 24-hour running water for sinks, showers, and flushing toilets. In addition to spacious central lounge areas, many camps offer amenities such as swimming pools.
Typically located in picturesque settings, these camps feature luxurious safari tents elevated on platforms with hardwood floors and canvas walls. Bathrooms are usually ensuite and provide 24-hour running water for sinks, showers, and flushing toilets. In addition to spacious central lounge areas, many camps offer amenities such as swimming pools.
WILDERNESS CAMPING TRIPS
Our Wilderness Camping Trips offer an authentic and immersive outdoor experience, where guests can reconnect with nature on a profound level. Each night, guests will retreat to comfortable tents with sleeping pads and sleeping bags. Our guides will prepare meals or backpacking meals will be used.
Embracing the true spirit of wilderness living, these trips forego modern amenities, allowing guests to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Outhouse-style camping toilets are provided, ensuring a rustic yet functional experience, while water is carefully sourced and treated on-site or packed in.
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SHIP-BASED TRIPS
Our ship-based trips offer a comfortable and convenient (and often luxurious) way to explore breathtaking destinations. Each night, guests will retreat to accommodations aboard our ships, providing a welcoming and relaxing haven with modern amenities for a restful night's sleep. Meals on our ship-based trips will be prepared by a dedicated on-board chef or crew member.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.