Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited and violate our policy.
Required Gear:
- Properly fitted backpack sufficient size for the excursion duration
- Trekking poles for each person
- Headlamp/flashlight/extra batteries
- Backpacking tent sufficient for occupants
- Three-season sleeping bags (15- to 20-degree)
- Insulated sleeping pad of R 3.5 or greater
- One water filter (NPS recommended .4 microns or smaller) and chemical or UV treatment; two water bottles or one bottle and a bladder capable of carrying a total 2 liters of water per person.
- Backpacking stove and fuel sufficient for your party (one 8-oz. can per person)
- Toilet paper and trowel
- Cup (collapsible) and spoon per person
- One pot to boil water for group
- Insect repellent (Recommended 100% Deet for clothing & 30% Deet for skin)
Available Gear Rental Packages
All of our excursions include use of gear if needed
Gear Rental is available to anyone traveling from either Houghton or Copper Harbor, Michigan. We are located just off US-41 in L’Anse, Michigan. Conveniently, enroute to the Keweenaw Peninsula. Gear must be reserve by phone and paid for in advance online. A security Deposit is required at the time of pickup and will be returned when the gear is returned in good condition. Our paid clients have priority in using our gear, so call us to check for availability.
Our rental gear consists of Osprey Atmos (men’s) and Aura (women’s) 65 AG backpacks, 15 degree down sleeping bags, Klymit R4 insulated sleeping pads, as the core of the gear.
Single Person Gear Package
Backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pair of trekking poles, a one-person tent, stove/pot combination set, collapsible coffee cup, long handle spoon, a backpacking trowel, (two) one liter water bottles and an MSR water filter, one roll of toilet paper and a fuel cannister. The above gear has a base weight of 16.5 lbs.
Cost: $200.00
Double Occupancy Gear Package
Backpacks-2, sleeping bags-2, sleeping pads-2, trekking poles-2 pairs, a two-person tent, stove/pot combination set, collapsible coffee cups-2, long handle spoons-2, a backpacking trowel, (four) one liter water bottles and an MSR water filter, toilet paper as needed, fuel cannisters as needed. Base weight of each pack is no more than 15 lbs.
Cost: $360.00
Required Clothing
- Well broken in hiking footwear (break in wearing your loaded pack—half size larger than usual in size is a general rule of thumb for backpacking)
- Minimum of one full change of clothing per person (shirt, undershirt, underwear, convertible pants or leggings, socks) in a waterproof bag
- Base layer top and bottom recommended for all itineraries
- Two additional pairs of socks minimum
- Rain gear/gloves/hat
- Backpacking down coat
- Bathing suit—optional
Required Food
Food needs are highly personal and vary by individual. Some guidelines recommend 3,000 calories per day. We find this too much. Duane eats one dehydrated meal (Mountain House or Peak Refuel, generally two servings), plus a protein bar and small package of nuts is sufficient for him per day if he hikes a lot. If he is in camp for most of the day, he tends to eat a little more, generally an additional snack. Others may want more food and some less. If you are not sure, we recommend the following guidelines:
- Two dehydrated meals (1 to 1.5 servings per meal) and a snack item per day per person
- 4-day excursions bring 6 meals and three snacks for three days. On day four, you may opt to purchase meals at the café or the Rock Harbor store, at your own expense.
- 6-day excursions bring 10 meals and five snacks for five days. On day six, you may opt to purchase meals at the café or the Rock Harbor store, at your own expense.
- 9-day excursions bring 16 meals and eight snacks for eight days. On day nine, you may opt to purchase meals at the café or the Rock Harbor store, at your own expense.
- Snacks may consist of 100 calorie nut packages, protein bars, single-serving beef jerky packages.
- Instant coffee or drink crystals—non-liquid
Please remember the lighter your pack the more comfortable the journey. Reach out and talk to us if you have any questions about food and clothing.
Be sure to talk with us about your previous hiking/backpacking experience. If you know your own backcountry food needs, we understand. By all means use your own judgement and experience for choosing your own food. Remember, outside of Rock Harbor and Windigo, what you bring is all you will have.