• All lodging beginning with Night 0 and ending on Night 7/Morning of Day 8. Itinerary includes queen rooms for hotel stays (2 guests per double queen) and a 3-person tent for the backpacking trip (2 guests per 3-person tent). Single accommodation can be provided for an additional fee.

• All activities and transportation costs.

• Excursion gratuities. While out on partner adventures, the Revel team ensures gratuities are distributed to partner operators.

• All meals beginning with lunch on Day 1 and ending with lunch on Day 8. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

• Travel to and from Alaska

• Personal gear (clothing, toiletries, etc.) and a backpack for the backpacking trip. We prefer guests bring their own backpacks, but have rentals available if needed.

• Meals and transportation on Day 0

• Dinner and lodging on Night 8

• Revel guide gratuities. These are not expected, but we recommend 5-10% of your trip fees if you have an excellent experience.

• We anticipate this itinerary will be moderately challenging to difficult for most travelers. Here are some things to consider when deciding if it’s a good fit:

• Participants should have the ability to carry 35-45 lbs. across uneven terrain.

• We recommend guests have some hiking experience and be able to comfortably walk/hike at least 5 miles.

• Alaska’s weather is dynamic and we adventure rain or shine. Guests should be prepared for outdoor activities during inclement weather.

Day: Temps around 60°F

Night: 40s–50s°F
Snow is still possible in July.

A 15°F-rated sleeping bag and an insulated sleeping pad are included.

Minimum: 6 participants

Maximum: 12 participants

If more than 12 people express interest, spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

•  Kierre Childers from Revel Treks + Tours will be leading the expedition. She is an experienced Alaskan guide and founder of Revel, a guiding company passionate about connecting locals and visitors to the Alaskan outdoors.

• We maintain a 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio during front country travel. For backcountry adventures, we travel with a 5:1 guest-to-guide ratio. In addition to Kierre, one other Revel guide will be present during the trip.

• Guides are local Alaska residents who live in the state year-round.

• Backpacking guides are Wilderness First Responder-trained guides.

The expedition will take place in the summer of 2026, July 30-August 7. We will explore three main areas in south-central Alaska: Seward, Palmer, and Talkeetna. Key modes of travel include van, boat, hiking, and flightseeing (optional).

Absolutely. We estimate the additional cost of private occupancy will be about $1500. Actual cost will be confirmed once a trip deposit has been received and lodging arrangements have been reserved.

It involves a 3-day, 2-night backcountry trek in the Talkeetna Mountains, with a mix of trail and off-trail hiking.

Expect 5–9 miles per day at a pace of ~1 mile/hour. Elevation gains are moderate (up to 2,000 ft/day). The terrain is tundra with uneven footing; off-trail routes may include boulders but will be adjusted based on group ability and conditions.

A 55–70 liter pack is recommended. Gear provided will weigh about 20–25 lbs, and your personal items will bring the total to about 40 lbs.

Revel has rental backpacks available.

No. This pack size will be too small unless you share load with a partner carrying a larger pack. It’s tight and not recommended.

Yes. Revel offers rentals. You can also rent from REI and other outfitters, especially if you wish to test before buying.

Yes. A virtual pre-trip gear consultation and an in-person gear check will be done in Palmer the night before the backpacking trip.

 No. Non-backpacking items can be stored in Palmer while you’re in the field.

Yes. Kierre can recommend training programs specifically designed for outdoor adventure preparation. 

Revel provides tents (2 people per 3-person tent), sleeping bags, pads, stoves, cookware, water filtration, and emergency communication devices. Participants are responsible for personal gear like backpacks, clothing, and toiletries.

Food will be stored using bear-proof methods (bags or containers) and follow the “Golden Triangle” setup—cooking, food storage, and sleeping areas are kept separate.

Possible encounters include bears (grizzly or black) and moose. Preventative safety (talking, using bear spray) is key. All participants will carry bear spray and receive safety instruction.

It lasts under 1.5 hours and offers aerial views of Denali and the Alaska Range. It begins and ends in Talkeetna.

Very likely. Kayaking and boating in Kenai Fjords often includes sightings of seals, sea lions, and possibly whales or orcas, though not guaranteed.