“Fitpacking adds a sense of security and comfort for people,”said owner Beau Devlin. “A lot of people go on trails not knowing what they’re doing, and having that extra support, the knowledge that guides bring to the trail really helps.”
Fitpacking Backpacking Adventure Vacations specializes in guided backpack trips with a multidimensional approach to fitness. Before Devlin started out as a guide, he serendipitously ran into a Fitpacking group hiking on the Centennial Trail in the Black Hills.
After that initial run-in, Devlin was invited to go on an introductory trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, and by the end of the trip he was invited to be a guide.
“When you get back from a trip you feel completely recharged, reenergized. You feel that on the trail, too, while you’re hiking.”
-Beau Devlin
“From that point on, I guided trips all over the United States and a trip into Canada,” said Devlin. “In 2023, the previous owner started poking me about running the company.”
Fitpacking, which hosted its first hike in 2005, has evolved into what it is today. Devlin says the previous owner’s concept was centered around losing weight and gaining muscle on the trail.
While his current vision is health-oriented, it’s not just limited to physical health. The trips aren’t just to get you in shape physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually fit, he adds.
As a veteran and former reserve police officer, Devlin says being out in nature and hiking helps him cope with residual trauma from his service.
“Physically, it’s always rewarding to go on trips. Mentally it’s such an achievement,” said Devlin. “I do suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and I always find comfort and peace and can come back to center when I’m out in the woods.”
Everyone has a need for community and self-care, and Fitpacking offers a space for both, he adds. Everyone is encouraged to practice in whatever spiritual and emotional self care they would like to do, but there’s no requirement.
FITPACKING TRIPS ROI
Fitpacking has 56% participant return rate.
“We don’t want to intrude on anyone’s own experience on the trail,” said Devlin. “I want everybody to have their own personal experience, and if they want to share that personal experience or do yoga every morning, we welcome that.”
“Hike your own hike,” continued Devlin. “Some people on the trip might want to hike a little bit faster, some people want to hike a little bit slower, but we’re always there to support your hike and journey.”
Since some of the participants have a limited amount of nights spent outdoors, Devlin says the guides help with a lot of the essential tasks that come with backpacking, like purifying water, cooking meals, adjusting packs, and much more.
“The staff is absolutely fantastic. As guides, we put in long hours–we’re up around sunrise to get water boiling for people,” added Devlin. “The staff never fails, and they’re constantly helping build that community.”
Every guide is highly qualified and knowledgeable in navigation and emergency responses, he revealed. They’re equipped with multiple certifications including Wilderness First Responder Food Handling, and Leave No Trace, required by the National Parks Service.
FROM MEADOWS TO HOT SPRINGS…
With over 1,000 miles of trail, Yellowstone National Park is Beau’s favorite place to hike.
Trip mileage varies depending on location and type of trip. Some trips feature only day hikes and are rated easy, while others are rated moderate to difficult.
The Channel Islands National Park trip at the end of July is a combination of backpacking and day hiking trip, with an established campground near the trail. The December Clear Creak Grand Canyon National Park trip will be difficult, with seven to 10 miles achieved in one day.
“The buzz of electricity, the cars, everything like that, the distractions of our everyday life, all kind of goes away. And so your responsibilities on trail become more primal,” said Devlin. “You’re more focused on your next destination and where you are.”
For more information, visit FITPACKING.COM+
