I’m an expert backpacker based in Washington State with thousands of miles of American West and international hiking under the soles of my trail runners. I’ve thru-hiked multiple times, section hiked, taken week-long trips, and squeezed a one or two nighter out of a weekend many times over.

I had no backpacking knowledge and next to no help when I started out with a dream to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, so I had to forge my own path. In doing so I’ve lived the greatest experiences of my life thus far, met some of my best friends, and have had quite the journey of personal discovery.

Backpacking or thru-hiking can have a steep learning curve. This is where I come in. I’m here to help folks edit their gear shame-free, pack their backpacks efficiently, and offer thoughts on how to build successful thru, section, vacation, or weekend backpacking trips, solo or with companions.

At the end of the day, I’m a normal lady who wants to help folks get more comfortable in the backcountry, so let’s work together and make it happen.

A woman smiling for a selfie outdoors, wearing sunglasses, a backwards cap, and a plaid shirt, standing next to purple flowers under a clear blue sky.

Hi, I’m Kate.

Person resting on a rocky mountain slope, overlooking a rugged mountain range with snow patches, under a partly cloudy sky.

Whether it’s your first overnighter, a thru-hike, or anything in between, let’s work together to prepare you for that backpacking trip you’ve been dreaming of.

Services

  • $245.00

    This two-hour session is built for folks who are looking to begin overnight backpacking and are feeling like there is a lot to learn.

    During the session, you will get:

    1. A personalized look at the gear you already have with shame-free recommendations on how to complete or adjust your kit.

    2. A walk-thru on how to efficiently pack your backpack so that everything fits nicely and is located in the best place possible.

    3. Time to go through all the basics with Kate - wherever you need to start. This includes learning how to filter water, how to pitch a tent, basic gear repair, backpacking terminology, and more.

    After the session, you’ll leave with:

    1. Clear steps to take your first backpacking trip from being a dream to being reality.

    2. A written guide on how to pack your backpack so you’ll never forget.

    3. Notes on our session (so you won’t have to take them yourself!).

    4. Unlimited follow-up questions for Kate via email for 30 days.

  • $245.00

    This two-hour session is built for folks who have taken overnight and weekend backpacking trips and are ready to level up to solo trips, longer trips, or traveling for backpacking trips.

    During the session, you will get:

    1. A personalized look at the gear you already have with shame-free recommendations on how to complete or adjust your kit.

    2. A walk-thru on how to efficiently pack your backpack so that everything fits nicely and is located in the best place possible.

    3. Time to go through all the “next steps” with Kate - wherever you need to start. This includes learning how to take your first solo backpacking trip, how to create a point-to-point trip without relying on someone to pick you up, how to pack to be out on the trail for more time, how to fly with your backpack, and much more.

    After the session, you’ll leave with:

    1. Clear steps to take your backpacking trips from being weekend overnighters to amazing vacations.

    2. A written guide on how to pack your backpack so you’ll never forget.

    3. Notes on our session (so you won’t have to take them yourself!).

    4. Unlimited follow-up questions for Kate via email for 30 days.

  • $345.00

    This three-hour session is built for folks who are looking to take their first long distance hike and could use a friendly, experienced hiker to answer questions and assist planning efforts.

    During the session, you will get:

    1. A personalized look at the gear you already have with shame-free recommendations on how to complete or adjust your kit for the demands of a long distance hike.

    2. A walk-thru on how to efficiently pack your backpack so that everything fits nicely and is located in the best place possible.

    3. Time to go through all the relevant topics with Kate - wherever you need to start. This includes discussing logistics like acquiring permits, optimizing gear choices, and resupply strategy, as well as the more human elements of how to navigate trail families, how to build a successful routine, and how to create the best hike you can for yourself, amongst many other topics.

    After the session, you’ll leave with:

    1. Clear steps to take your first long distance backpacking trip from being a dream to being reality.

    2. A written guide on how to pack your backpack so you’ll never forget.

    3. Notes on our session (so you won’t have to take them yourself!).

    4. Unlimited follow-up questions for Kate via email for 30 days.

Book me

I can’t wait to collaborate with you. Let’s get our session on my calendar and make your backpacking trip happen.

Here’s my Calendly link or you can copy and paste into your browser if you’d like: https://calendly.com/herbackpackingprep

Contact me