Expedition hikers – hiking in extreme places and under extreme conditions, where quitting is not an option
By Frits Ahlefeldt, Hiking.org
Hiking in remote locations, to the top of the highest mountains, around Alaska or across wind blasted deserts. Expedition hiking is one of the most extreme kinds of hiking. It is a place where you need to be able to survive, with what you know, and what you got, like you where out in space
Expedition grade gear
Expedition hikers care more about if their hiking gear is easy to repair and long lasting, than its weight. Expedition tents, cooking gear and clothes are much heavier, than the (as expensive) ultra light, thin stuff the ultra race hikers use. Because expedition hikers most often can’t rely on a support team to step in and replace things, or get them out if something goes wrong.
Know-how, stamina and persistence
Expedition hikers combine a number of abilities and skills that it takes many years to master. Knowing both the techniques, the limits of the gear and the alternative options if something fails. But maybe most important, expedition hikers need to know how to keep sharp and keep going, even though the going gets worse than unbearable. And even if it means you have to let go of what you know and what you thought you should, and were able to.
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