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Derek Loranger
Fierce advocate and steward of outdoor spaces, outdoor Blogger at 100peaks.com, outdoor photographer
When I first met Adam in the middle of the Ruby Mountains in northeastern Nevada, it was instantly apparent how experienced he was. We both shared the same passion about the outdoors.
I've been backpacking with him at least 6 times now, and have found that he is one of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic backpackers I've ever met. He's constantly researching routes, food, and gear, and derives great happiness from being on the trail. He is eager to share what he knows. I am always amazed at how small his backpack is, but he still pulls out a tent, sleeping bag, and everything else he could possibly need. (Even a chair!) He really has it dialed in.
I've been backpacking for a long time (since 1983), but still ask him for advice often, since I know he's already thought of it, probably has already been there, or has already considered or used the gear. I can't think of anyone better-suited for coaching people who would like to learn more about backpacking.
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Chris Bouck
Board of Colorado Fourteeners Initiative Executive Board of the Boy Scouts Greater Colorado Council
I was fortunate to find Adam to help me plan my Colorado Trail thru-hike. He did an amazing job.
His planning included a daily itinerary with mileage, elevation gain/loss along with an energy expenditure/calorie need. The itinerary contained notes for camping and water spots. He even made me a CalTopo map with the itinerary details.
He was extremely efficient in what would have taken me weeks to do, if I could have done it at all.
Also, I am inviting Boy Scouts to trek with me, which was an extra layer of planning. He researched where it would be best for the Scouts to join me and exit the trail.
Adam is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. Your back country adventures will be more successful with Adam on your team.
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Pablo Gomez
Tourism and Conservation Specialist and Former Outdoor Education Leader
As a tourism and conservation specialist, and former outdoor leader, I’ve always been drawn to natural and cultural landscapes. Endless hours and trail miles together with Adam have been a gift to me. A friend and a true mentor. I have learned so much from him.
Adam is a master of his craft: Backpacking. What blows me away is his passion for constantly evolving with knowledge, skills, and gear to be more efficient.
I joke, I want to be like Adam, but I find myself always an adventure behind him.
I have chased him on 26-mile days. He is unstoppable. His ambitious map loops turn into incredible adventures. The Sierra Nevada mountains are his playground.
I am so lucky to be able to learn from this man. I am now a faster backpacker and definitely more efficient in every way. I have reduced pain and injuries. I also embrace long days on the trail. And my gear is constantly evolving.
Backpacking is a fun journey, and Adam has been a great outdoors mentor.
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Jason Fitzpatrick
The Muir Project Director/Producer of Mile... Mile & a Half, Free Outside and other outdoor-related documentaries. He is also a co-host of the "Almost There Adventure Podcast."
I first met Adam in the Curry Village Reading Room in Yosemite Valley. We hit it off from the start, and have adventured together all over the country over the past 5 years from Anza Boreggo, to the Grand Tetons to the the wilderness of the Sierra Nevada. His calm demeanor gained from years of experience, and general decency and good nature make him the perfect hiking partner and guide.
After nearly 30 years of experience backpacking all over and hiking the JMT and other mid length trails, I thought I was pretty good at backpacking. Then I met Adam. Even though he already had a trail name, I've taken to calling him "Inspector Gadget" because of his ability to pack so many different pieces of gear into a pack that's half the size and around a third the weight of mine. I can honestly say, that I've learned more from Adam than anyone in the last 20 years. His gear recommendations, and impressive wilderness skills have been a real inspiration to me. He is also for lack of a better term a badass. His ability to effortlessly crush miles is really impressive.
I can't recommend Adam and Alpine Adventure Coaching highly enough.
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Leslie Fox
Development Outcomes
Adam is both a neighbor and dear friend. We moved to California 14 years ago. My family has been to most national parks West of the Rockies since then. We tent camp and hike. Nothing too complicated, but often strenuous enough. As we got to know Adam better, he became our go-to source of knowledge on camping and hiking in the Western US. All our trips were enhanced by his advice on everything from campgrounds to what to see and where to hike to what to bring with us.
I’d always wanted to hike the Lost Coast in Northern California. I got a permit for two people and prayed that Adam would consider going with me; no way could I have done it on my own. He was happy to do so. He did most of the planning (calculating tidal zones), provided me with advice (which I wish I had listened to more closely) and led the way once we reached the trailhead. But most importantly, he was both patient with me and a pleasure to really get to know; you really get to know someone over two nights and three days. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my hiking life.
In short, whatever you need from an expert through-hiker and amazing human being, well, Adam should be your go-to guy.
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John Salvini
Analyst
While I enjoy the outdoors, I had not backpacked in decades and was rusty and reluctant to try again. Adam helped me overcome my uncertainty by mapping out, planning, and leading us on an overnight adventure into the Sierras. He planned each aspect of our excursion down to the ounce (including leaving my deluxe air mattress at home), while creating plenty of space for fun, adventures, and appreciation of the awe-inspiring beauty of the wilderness.
Adam's backcountry knowledge and experience, kind patience, and good-humored leadership increased my confidence and opened me to beautiful mountain lakes and trails I would not have known could be accessible to me. It was an amazing trip that I will always remember. Regardless of your skill level or experience, I highly recommend Adam, as he will help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be.