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Owner of Whitney & Smith Legendary Expeditions (800/ 713-6660; www.legendary.ca).
Any tips on how to choose the right backpacking trip?
Know your fitness level. Can you walk up several flights of stairs carrying 45 pounds?
Can you walk over uneven terrain, across boulders and moraine, with a pack for five hours?
Women who maintain a general fitness program will be fine.
What's in your backpack?
Petzl makes headlamps that fit in the palm of your hand; it's a good idea to take one as a
backup (Petzl Tikka; www.petzl.com;
$29). And—people will laugh at this—my cashmere sweater. It folds up to nothing
and makes a huge difference when I'm skiing or on cool nights in Mexico.
What gear should a female adventure traveler never be without?
Garmin has a very simple and small GPS, the eTrex (www.garmin.com;
$106). But you should always carry a map and compass as well. Iridium satellite phones
(www.iridium.com; from $1,000) work
anywhere in the world, including above latitude 70 degrees north, where other brands stop
working.
Any health advice for women travelers?
Always pack chocolate, nuts, or an energy bar. This is particularly important for women,
whose blood sugar levels crash more frequently than men's. —B.T.
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