I sat down once again with Will Burkhart , founder of Badass Adventures , to dive into a new topic: non-technical high-altitude mountaineering . Will was my very first guest on this podcast, and his episode on Rim to Rim hiking is a must-listen for anyone tackling the Grand Canyon in a single day. But today, we’re going even higher! We define non-technical high-altitude mountaineering as climbing between 14,000 and 19,400 feet without the use of ropes or belaying. Will has created a tiered approach to getting into this type of adventure, starting with Colorado’s Fourteeners (14,000+ feet) , then progressing to Everest Base Camp (17,598 feet) and finally Kilimanjaro (19,431 feet) . He walks us through the differences and similarities between these experiences, covering topics like: Trail conditions – From well-groomed paths to rocky ascents Daily mileage & number of hiking days – How long you’ll be on the trail Landscape & foliage changes – From lush rainforests to barren alpine environments Summit day intensity – What makes Kili’s summit push challenging Cultural immersion – The contrast between the Everest Base Camp trail and Kilimanjaro Sleeping & eating logistics – Tea houses vs. tents, and what’s on the menu Acclimatization strategies – How to prepare your body for high altitude Gear & fitness requirements – The essentials for success and why training matters If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to step into the world of high-altitude trekking , this episode is the perfect introduction. Whether your goal is to climb your first 14er, stand at Everest Base Camp, or summit Kilimanjaro , Will lays out the path for you. Get in shape, pick your adventure, and go! Badass Adventures owner, Will Burkhart: https://www.badass-adventures.com Text: 928-274-2424 Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip: https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/ Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/ LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast
