Isle Royale Backpack

TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: Travel distances vary from 4-7 miles (4-6 hours) each day with the exception of scheduled layover days. To protect the environment, Wilderness Inquiry uses Leave No Trace camping techniques.

WEATHER: Temperatures in the summer months range from 45 F to 80 F. Rainfall can vary, but you should expect at least a day or two of rain. The weather is greatly affected by Lake Superior’s large expanse of cold water. Lake Superior is notorious for sudden weather changes.

ACCOMMODATIONS: This is a camping trip. At night you will sleep in a comfortable and spacious tent. Typically, there are 2 people per 3 person tent (although other arrangements can be made). Bathroom facilities consist of an outhouse or a foldable commode chair set up in a privacy tent. We make every effort to ensure privacy and cleanliness.

YOUR GROUP: The group size ranges from 6 to 8 participants, plus 2 or more Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds and abilities, including people with disabilities. Our trips are cooperative adventures and people pitch in with camp chores as they are able. 

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: If you are new to outdoor activities, you need not spend a lot of money on gear. Wilderness Inquiry will provide all necessary camping equipment. All you need to provide is your personal gear, such as clothing and a sleeping bag. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you upon confirmation of your participation. If you need to borrow personal gear, that can usually be arranged.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: No previous experience is needed to complete this trip, however, this is one the most physically demanding hiking trips that WI does.

MEDICATIONS: Please list all of your medications on your registration form. Consider bringing two sets of your medications: one set that can be kept with you, and another set that will be kept by your trip leaders. If you need assistance taking your medications, please explain on your registration form. Wilderness Inquiry will bring a collection of over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, Advil, anti-nausea, etc.). 

CELL PHONES AND OTHER DEVICES: You are welcome to bring cell phones and other devices like cameras, but they are your responsibility to take care of. You may have inconsistent cell service, so we encourage you to unplug! Wilderness Inquiry is not responsible for any lost or broken electronic devices. 

SAFETY & EMERGENCIES WHILE ON TRAIL: All Wilderness Inquiry guides possess experience in administering First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety, carry fully-stocked first aid kits, GPS communication devices, and are trained on how to respond to emergencies while on trail. If a loved one is participating in a Wilderness Inquiry experience and you need to contact them due to an emergency, please call the Wilderness Inquiry main phone line at (612) 676-9400. We will work to get in contact with trip leaders as soon as possible.

COVID POLICY: We continue to monitor and update our COVID-19 policies. Wilderness Inquiry strongly encourages everyone to be fully up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination and take other necessary steps for the health and wellness of all. We ask you to self-screen for any signs of illness before your trip’s departure. Please contact Wilderness Inquiry if you are exhibiting signs of illness. We will also continue to follow all guidance and requirements of locations that we travel, keeping in mind some international destinations do require vaccinations and/or negative COVID tests. We will update this policy as new information and guidance become available.

GROUP EXPECTATIONS: To facilitate a safe and inclusive environment where we can all come together as our true selves, feel supported, and enjoy the outdoors in community, we have developed community agreements that align with Wilderness Inquiry’s core values and brand promise. We ask that you review these before your adventure so you can help Wilderness Inquiry create an inclusive environment for all.

COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS AS WE ADVENTURE TOGETHER

☐ We are safety conscious so everyone can have fun!

☐ We seek to understand each other and celebrate our differences.

☐ We are curious, open-minded, and communicate respectfully.

☐ We are open to trying new things and pushing outside of our comfort zone.

☐ We support each other and collectively contribute to group tasks.