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backpacking gear

Home » TSX Trail Notes » backpacking gear

Backpacking 101

If you’ve never been backpacking, start here! Get a brief intro to gear, logistics and safety and get your questions answered.

tsx.challenge

Guided backpacking challenges that inspire for a lifetime. Find your trek. 👇

Instagram post 18149435926264694

Instagram post 18149435926264694

Denise (Woody) is a real instigator. She was able

Denise (Woody) is a real instigator. She was able to convince her closest friends to sign up for 4 days of adventure in the Grand Canyon. Although they are all in a hiking club together, they hadn't really tackled a multi-day backpacking expedition like this before. Despite this lack of experience, the smiles and wise cracks were in abundance and the echos of their laughter are probably still cackling away down the Colorado River. The experience Denise and her friends had with one another was transformative and we were glad to help enable it on a TSX Pods private group experience!

Originally created during the height of COVID, Pods are what we call our private trips. We can take any of our existing TSX Challenges and customize them for groups of friends and family. All you need to do is get a group of at least 4 people, pick your dates, pick your destination and we will do the rest. Reach out to get the conversation started, or click on the linkin bio to start the process of building your own custom TSX Pod!

#tsxchallenge #backpacking #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnps #tsxpods #grandcanyonchallenge #friends #hikingbuddies #adventure

Congratulations to our students and teachers for c

Congratulations to our students and teachers for completing the first EVER TSX NextGen Education Challenge! This was an action packed trip. Not only did they hike 75 miles across the Sierra and summit Mt. Whitney but they packed in all of the class work and labs in the curriculum developed by our program leader Andy Giordano. This was all while they were battling intense high altitude storms, fog, rain and raging rivers. We are very proud of these pioneers and look to build on this program and expand it for 2023.

TSX NextGen Education was created to develop the next generation of environmental stewards through a transformative backcountry experience. These trips integrate themes, labs and curriculum into our existing TSX trips and immerse our students in the environmental science practices and challenges present in the High Sierra. To learn more check out our NextGen Educational page on our website in the bio and stay tuned for the 2023 trip schedule we will be releasing in the weeks to come!

#tsxchallenge #tsxnextgen #outdooreducation #environmentalscience #backpacking #backpacking #backpackinglife #backpackingadventures #mtwhitney #mtwhitneysummit

Tin (left) immigrated to the US at age 19 from Bur

Tin (left) immigrated to the US at age 19 from Burma to embark on life with a new trajectory and new adventure ahead. But his first overnight backpacking adventure would come just a year shy of turning 60, when he decided to venture across the Sierra with us to summit Mt. Whitney on a week-long 75 mile trek. On the final night of the trip last week, Tin shared a moment with his team, and new friends, enjoying an incredible sunset from high in the Sierra. In his words, the experience was “life-changing” and continues to provide opportunities for reflection. If you ask Mike (right) and his teammates, Tin’s story and presence on the trip was equally impactful. Hope to see you again, Tin, aka “Aang”!

#aang #atla #tsxchallenge #newfreinds #mtwhitney #inspirationforalifetime #sunset #kaweahs #highdesert #cedonulli #nevergiveup #sequoianationalpark

August is here and that means it’s time to start

August is here and that means it’s time to start thinking and planning for the Grand Canyon!

There is no better way to experience this insane wonder than to hike down into it and explore its nooks and crannies. We have 5 trips in October and November that still have some space:

9/30-10/3
10/7 – 10/10
10/14 – 10/17
10/28 – 11/4*
11/4 – 11/7

Message us for details or go to our link in bio and book now.

*This is our week long trip to the Confluence

#Grandcanyonbackpacking #grandcanyon #tsxchallenge #grandcanyonchallenge #backpacking #adventure #camping #rimtoriver #epic

August is here and Summer will be over before you

August is here and Summer will be over before you know it....But the backpacking must continue!

We will still be running trips into the early Fall in the Sierra as well as our trips in the Grand Canyon which go into November! We updated our virtual classes and events page with more talks about these trips as well as "How To" classes to help train, pack the right gear and otherwise prepare to go on multi-day backpacking trips.

Check out the class schedule and register by going to the link in our bio!

#tsxchallenge #backpacking #backpacking101 #onlineclasses #onlineevents #adventure #outside #backpackinggear

While we’ve taken many young people across the S

While we’ve taken many young people across the Sierra to Mt. Whitney, our first official educational trip for students age 13-17 hits the trail today! They’ll be trekking through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National park, while getting first hand exposure to hard science and environmental challenges facing the Sierra. This curriculum-based trek has been years in the making! Click link in bio to learn about our NextGen Education treks, and stay tuned for 2023 trek dates to be released this fall! Good luck team!
#tsxchallenge #education #environmentalstewards #nextgen #inspirationforalifetime #sequoianationalpark #kingscanyonnationalpark #team4 #mtwhitney

Celebrating on the summit with Trans-Sierra Team 2

Celebrating on the summit with Trans-Sierra Team 2!

#tsxchallenge #mtwhitney #backpacking #summer #adventure

It’s that moment of anticipation… this week we

It’s that moment of anticipation… this week we have two teams on our Trans-Sierra route to Mt. Whitney with almost all new faces (just one TSX alum). This picture is the spot where it all starts. The moment you strap on your fully loaded pack for the first time, and allow your mind to race with full curiosity about the people, trail, and experiences in store for the next 8 days. All the training, all prep, all the planning is about to be put to the test. Good luck to team #2 - headed for Big Wet Meadow tonight! And same to team #3 which follows out Friday!

#anticipation #butterflies #adrenaline #training #preparation #newfriends #gametime #tsxchallenge #mtwhitney

Full moon hike up to the summit of Mt. Whitney. Le

Full moon hike up to the summit of Mt. Whitney. Left camp this morning at 1.30am to catch the sunrise. Trans-Sierra Team #1 rocking it!

#tsxchallenge #fullmoonhike #sunrisesummit #cedonulli #nevergiveup #warriors #yolo #familytime

Trans Sierra Team 1 to Mt. Whitney steps off the g

Trans Sierra Team 1 to Mt. Whitney steps off the grid today. Let’s Go!!!

#tsxchallenge #mtwhitney #sierranevada #transsierra #backpacking #challenge

Our Summer Speaker Series continues tomorrow with

Our Summer Speaker Series continues tomorrow with "Outdoor Adventures with Your Kids" presented by mother and son duo Carol and Gavin. A big part of the fun and adventure we have at TSX is all about getting kids and families outside in the wilderness together. Carol and Gavin are here to help take our skills to the next level!

They are masters of adventuring local and creating near-to-home adventures that can be done over long weekends and overnights. From hiking, kayak camping, and bikepacking, to car camping, and front yard campouts, they are excited to share their experience and knowledge with you. Even the most avid outdoors person might quail at the thought of an adventure partner who needs diapers, melts down when they’re hungry or cold, or asks “are we there yet” when the parking lot is still in full view.

This talk is all about sharing tips, techniques, encouragement, and lots of time for Q&A for families who want to live a life outdoors. Join us by registering through the event page in the bio!

#backpacking #camping #adventures #outdoors #backpackingwithkids #campingwithkids #adventureswithkids #outdoorswithkids #familyactivities
#tsxchallenge

Conquering the Knob on the Hell For Sure Challenge

Conquering the Knob on the Hell For Sure Challenge is no small feat! This technical off trail route over the LeConte Divide is what takes HFS to the next level of wilderness adventure.

Goodluck to HFS Team 4 who will be hiking the Knob on the 4th of July this weekend! And have a happy and safe 4th to the rest of our TSX Family in the US and around the World!

#tsxchallenge #theknob #backpacking #offtrail #adventure #4thofjuly

More Hell For Sure magic… it’s easy to see why

More Hell For Sure magic… it’s easy to see why we love sharing this experience with others, spending time exploring the best parts of California.

#hellforsurechallenge #tsxchallenge #visitfresnocounty #centralsierra #shaverlake #inspirationforalifetime #offthegrid #peaceful #tsxfamily #leaveitallbehind

Views and smiles for days…. Our second Tehipite

Views and smiles for days…. Our second Tehipite Valley trip done and dusted.

5 days on trail and hanging out in Tehipite Valley without seeing another person. Although difficult to get to, it’s well worth the challenge.

Keep your eyes peeled for new trips hitting our schedule for the fall!

#tehipitevalley #hiddengems #backpacking #tsxchallenge #adventure #camping

Hell For Sure Team 1 just made it back today! Unbe

Hell For Sure Team 1 just made it back today! Unbelievable weather, flowers in bloom and the snow not so bad!

The Hell For Sure Challenge is all about having fun. Lakes, rivers, day hikes and fishing.

HFS Team 2 takes off on Saturday! Wish us luck ☘️

#tsxchallenge #backpacking #highsierra #camping #johnmuirwilderness #summer

We are excited to have @desertsirena join us a a g

We are excited to have @desertsirena join us a a guest presenter on 6/23 as part of our Summer Speaker Series to share her inspirational story and tips and tricks for backpacking the Grand Canyon! Get to know Sirena Rana below, then hop over to our events page and register to attend her talk! Link in bio.

“I didn’t grow up hiking and backpacking, though I’ve always loved the outdoors. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago with immigrant parents, and it was not something I even heard of until later in life. I started hiking after an accident - I was hit by a truck while walking across the street.

This caused me to develop a chronic pain condition called fibromyalgia. I started with very short hikes and slowly built up my stamina. I also noticed my pain symptoms were getting better and hiking gave me positive things to focus on. As a beginner hiker, I had a lot to learn (like everything.) As I gained experience I became more comfortable.

Now after decades of hiking, backpacking and rafting in Grand Canyon and throughout Arizona I’ve developed an extensive list of methods to stay comfortable in a desert environment.

I encourage folks to join us, especially those who are curious about hiking or backpacking the Grand Canyon but don’t know where to start. My passion is empowering people who didn’t grow up hiking, camping or backpacking with the knowledge I’ve gotten over the years so they can discover the joy of connecting with nature.”

All donation proceeds will support the
@grand_canyon_conservancy

#summerspeakerseries #grandcanyonnationalpark #womenwhohike #womenwhoexplore #womenwhoinnovate #belowtherim #getinspired #shareyourstory #makeityouin2022 #tsxchallenge

On every trip, there are moments… moments where

On every trip, there are moments… moments where everything seems just right. And moments where you faceplant into a cactus, bust your shoes, or on extreme rare occasions, require a helicopter lift out. There are moments where there is time to reflect, and moments where the only thing to do is keep hiking on. Our Grand Canyon treks this spring were full of memorable moments. We’re keeping it real today with a few pics that don’t typically make the highlight reel… thanks to all our participants and guides for a memorable season!

#tsxchallenge #keepingitreal #grandcanyonchallenge #tsxfamily #faceplant #cactus #siestatime #hikeon #teameffort #ducttape #grandcanyon #outtakes

Our inaugural TSX Tehipite Valley experience took

Our inaugural TSX Tehipite Valley experience took place this week, and we are still feeling the high of gratitude for the team who shared the adventure with us. This route is different than any other TSX experience, with two days of base camps/day hikes, but it is no less challenging, or rewarding.

Tehipite Dome and Tehipite Valley, practicality hidden from sight and knowledge from all but those who seek it, allows for the visitor to step back in time to enjoy a region brimming with natural wonders in peace and solitude. The cascading waterfalls, ancient petroglyphs, and towering granite that call it home have been preserved in their natural state, ripe for fresh discovery for all who brave the journey to visit.

Thank you to our inaugural Team #1 for the incredible journey! Looking forward to our three remaining teams this year (all dates are full), and those who can join us in 2023 (space available!).

@dirkpv @travelannie @pepuntalan #tsxchallenge #tsxfamily #nevergiveup #tehipitevalley #yolo #johnmuirwilderness #kingscanyonnationalpark #visitfresnocounty #shaverlake #centralsierra #thebeauty

It can take a little getting used to but when weat

It can take a little getting used to but when weather and mosquitos aren’t a factor, cowboy camping certainly has some upsides. Fresh air, a night sky full of stars, and a quick pack up in the morning for those before sun-up early starts.

#cowboycamping #tsxchallenge #camping #backpacking #sleepingoutside #nature #grandcanyonchallenge

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