30-40 lbs. Ounces turn to pounds and pounds turn into pain. We recommend weighing everything and cutting out luxuries if you want to carry less. Everyone has their own philosophies on weight carried. In one of the prep classes Laura will detail how to pack your bag both as efficiently and lightly as possible while still getting to bring along a few "just can't leave behind" items... like chocolate!! Laura’s personal belief is that YOU CAN NEVER BRING ENOUGH CHOCOLATE.

One of our prep sessions will discuss training and preparation for the physical and mental challenge of backpacking. In short, you CAN do this but you must prepare. Laura, a personal trainer of 9 years, will give simple tips on preparing both your mind and your body to do hard things and give you a simple plan to follow to get prepared. What a great reason to get outside and move your body this summer!  

While there is a lodge at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, this trip is about experiencing the outdoors and learning how to put together a sleep system that works best for you. As badass backpacking women, we will sleep in tents and use sleeping pads and sleeping bags for comfort. In one of the prep sessions Laura will go into detail on how warm or cold sleepers can prepare and have the best night's sleep possible. You’ve truly never seen the night sky until you’ve experienced it like this! 

On most backpacking trips you go to the bathroom outside (in the woods, behind rocks, whatever works!) BUT the Grand Canyon has outhouses and bathrooms along the trail and at every campsite. This is fancy backpacking! We get to poop in toilets! (Don’t get used to it for future backpacking!)

In one of the prep sessions Laura will discuss the many food options and how to plan for enough food on the trip (but not too much cuz you don’t wanna carry it around for no reason!). Laura is vegan and gluten free and never goes hungry so no matter your diet, you will have plenty to eat! (And did we mention bringing chocolate?!)

In one of the very first prep sessions Laura will talk about one of the biggest things that overwhelms people--GEAR! But don’t worry, Laura will go into detail on what you need to have and give you options for either renting almost all your gear (or the bigger ticket items) and/or finding good discounts on the gear you’ll need. The great thing about going with a badass girl gang is that we can share things and lighten our loads. Work smarter, not harder!

There is very poor cell service in the canyon. While there is a chance your phone will pick it up, it’s best to leave the itinerary with a loved one and not expect to talk with them until exiting the Grand Canyon. Your loved ones will be able to “follow along” by using a link shared by Laura for her GPS tracker, something that can also be used for any emergencies or necessary contact.

DISCONNECTION is a beautiful thing. It brings clarity and freedom even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Lean into it and be technology-free for a few days! 

Weather near the end of September/beginning of October in Grand Canyon Village has a high of around 60-70 degrees and lows between 30-40 degrees. Keep in mind that INSIDE the Canyon the temperatures can rise up to 10-20 degrees warmer than the village. While we obviously cannot predict weather, Laura will do her best to prepare you with layers and options so as weather changes you can adjust. If for some reason the weather is dangerous in any way, the trip will be cancelled, and your payments will go directly towards a rescheduled date.  

If you’ve read this far and are still reading, then you’re obviously interested. If you have a zillion reasons why you can’t and shouldn’t do this, yet still find yourself reading…..then YES, THIS IS FOR YOU. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never camped or hiked before, it doesn’t matter if no one thinks you could do it, it doesn’t matter if it’s hard. It matters if you WANT to do it. If you do, then drop the excuses and lets frickin' go!