Have you ever heard of Andrew Skurka?

Terri & I had the privilege of attending Andrews presentation in Kalamazoo recently.  WOW!  What an amazing adventure and story we were treated to!  After his presentation, we attended his Gear & Skills workshop that was equally as interesting and informative.  Check out his website (below) and if you are in the vicinity of one of his upcoming events, it is a must see!




Andrew Skurka has backpacked over 30,000 miles and he is not even 30 years old!

Adventurer of the Year, Outside Magazine 

National Geographic described Andrew “a superman among trekkers.”

National Geographic.  “Circling Alaska in 176 Days.”

The March 2011 issue of National Geographic Magazine features a 16-page story about the Alaska-Yukon Expedition.

In his program Skurka shares the journey’s most powerful stories and entertaining moments, complemented with stunning photos and emotional videos. He also reflects on the broader significance of this experience and of his other adventures – which cumulatively measure 30,000+ miles – with particular attention to setting goals, stepping outside comfort zones, and seizing life’s opportunities.

For six months Andrew Skurka skied, hiked, and packrafted 4,700 miles in a giant loop around Alaska and Canada’s Yukon. His route passed just beneath Mt. McKinley, descended famed rivers like the Copper and Yukon, and traversed the entire Brooks Range. During the most remote and committing stretch of the trip, across the Yukon Arctic and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, he went 657 miles and 24 days without crossing a road or seeing another person – an immersion in Big Wilderness that he found profoundly humbling.

Skurka offers Ultimate Hiking Courses that are designed for day-hikers, beginner backpackers, and curious intermediate backpackers who want to accelerate up the learning curve so that they can plan and have successful—or more successful—weekend trips, week-long trips, or maybe even a section- or thru-hike.

Skurka has also written a book called: The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools & Techniques to Hit the Trail.  I purchased the pre-edition to this book last fall and I can tell you, it is the best and most helpful book I have seen when it comes to preparing yourself for a backpacking experience.  A backpacking trip consists of two distinct activities: hiking and camping. In this how-to guide, Andrew shared the gear, supplies and skills that will allow you to love hiking, while still remaining safe and comfortable while camping. 

Check him out at: http://andrewskurka.com/      

~Dreamer