At Into the Wilderness, we do things differently. That’s a good thing—but it also means we sometimes need to explain what we are, and what we are not.
This page is here to help you understand why our experience is unlike anything else out there—and why that might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Are you a guided hiking company?
No. We do not offer guided hikes.
We are not licensed wilderness guides through the U.S. Forest Service, and we don’t lead you every step of the way on a trail.
Instead, Into the Wilderness offers a fully-equipped, custom backcountry adventure that empowers you to travel with confidence—on your own or with your group—while having expert support, safety systems, logistics, and high-quality gear already in place.
Think of us as your wilderness outfitter, backcountry concierge, and support crew—but the hike is yours.
So if you’re not guiding me, what do you actually do?
We provide everything you need for a successful, safe, and transformational wilderness experience:
- Transportation to and from the trail
- High-quality camping and cooking gear
- All meals, snacks, and water filtration
- Full medical kit and Garmin inReach satellite communicator
- A comprehensive 8-hour wilderness skills course
- Personal trip planning support
- And yes—you get to keep a custom ITW Nalgene bottle, hat, shirt, and other gear
We remove the logistics and guesswork—you bring the spirit of adventure.
What if I’ve never been backpacking before?
Perfect. That’s who we designed this for.
Whether you’ve never set foot on a trail or you’ve hiked dozens of times but want to level up your skills, we’ve got you covered. Our experiences are:
- Beginner-friendly
- Customizable to your fitness level and goals
- Fully supported with real-time satellite tracking and safety protocols
You’ll walk away not just having completed a trip—but with knowledge, confidence, and pride.
Is this survival school?
Nope. We’re not out here eating bugs or starting fires with sticks—unless you really want to try.
Our goal is to make the backcountry accessible and safe, not extreme. The skills we teach are based on real-world backcountry travel:
- Navigation
- Packing and layering
- Camp setup
- Emergency procedures
- Mindset, planning, and resilience
You’ll learn how to thrive in the wild, not just survive.
Can I bring my kids or family?
Yes, and we encourage it.
We’ve found that kids are often more adaptable and enthusiastic than expected—and getting them off the screens is half the battle. We’ll work with you to design an experience that fits your family’s needs and keeps it fun, flexible, and safe.
Why is the price $350/day?
Because what we offer is comprehensive, high-quality, and built for transformation.
Your trip includes everything except your personal clothing and sense of adventure:
- Transportation
- Premium gear
- All meals and snacks
- Safety and communication systems
- Personalized support
- Full skills course
- Take-home ITW gear
In a world where a guided day hike at a national park costs more and includes just the hike, ITW is an unmatched value for what you receive.
Will someone be with me the whole time?
Not necessarily—but we’re never far away.
You’ll complete an in-person skills and safety course, be equipped with a Garmin inReach satellite communicator, and have access to ITW staff if needed.
Many trips include contact points or check-ins. If you want closer support or planning, we can design around that. The point is: you’re not alone, but you are in charge of your journey.
What Into the Wilderness isn’t:
- A guided tour with a set script
- A group of 10 strangers in a van
- A survival challenge or military bootcamp
- A gear-rental kiosk
- A one-size-fits-all experience
- Cheap—but also not overpriced
What Into the Wilderness is:
- A family-owned wilderness outfitting and safety service
- A chance to reconnect to nature and yourself
- A way to learn skills, push yourself, and find peace
- A turn-key, all-inclusive adventure—built for growth
- A bold invitation to leave behind the noise, and step into something real
