I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life.
For almost three decades, as a past Northwest Editor for Backpacker magazine and many years running this blog, I have had the good fortune of hiking and backpacking all over America and the world. I’ve made a living identifying, planning, and writing about great trips. That’s why The Big Outside is a uniquely authoritative resource for outdoor adventures and has made several best-blog lists.
Now you can tap into my expertise—saving your valuable time and avoiding problems.
For just $299.95 (for most requests), I’ll give you an in-depth, personalized, custom trip plan. We will cover all necessary pre-trip planning, questions about season and weather, required permits, logistics, a daily hiking itinerary, recommended campsites, and gear questions, as well as how to execute your trip on the ground in the safest and most enjoyable way.
Whether you have a specific trip in mind, or you’ve identified a park or region but need help deciding where to go and what to do, I can help. I will not only answer all of your questions—I will also answer all the questions you may not know to ask. And I’m always happy to answer any follow-up questions via email.
You can draw on my deep experience, and I can help you make your next trip safe, more enjoyable, and unforgettable!
Want my custom trip planning PLUS a one-year subscription to The Big Outside at more than 30% off? Buy a premium subscription and you’ll also get a free e-book! Or sign up for a Talk to Michael subscription and get a brainstorming phone conversation and emails with me plus numerous other benefits.
If you have questions, or to confirm I can help you with a specific trip that you have not read about at this blog, email me at [email protected]. (If I don’t respond quickly, I’m probably in the backcountry, so thank you for your patience. It’s best to contact me at least a few weeks before your trip dates—or months in advance for popular national parks.)
I look forward to helping you plan your best trip ever.
—Michael Lanza
Ready for my help custom planning your next trip? Get started below. Thank you for reading and supporting The Big Outside. Hiking and backpacking is a personal choice and require that YOU understand that you are personally responsible for any actions you may take based on the information you receive in a custom trip plan.
Purchase a Premium Subscription and get a one-year subscription to The Big Outside at 33% off the usual price PLUS one custom trip plan and a free e-guide (a $380 value for $339.95).
Or choose my premier Talk to Michael Subscription and get the perks of a premium subscription along with a comprehensive phone consult and unlimited emails to talk trip brainstorming, gear, skills coaching, and answer all of your questions, plus other benefits (a $530 value for $449.95).
What Other Readers Are Saying
Michael has opened up America’s spectacular outdoors to me, my son, and my best friend. For a few years now, I have been using his services and advice to visit some of the most beautiful national parks, and we have been able to do hikes that would have been otherwise very hard to plan without his detailed and thorough advice. From choosing where to go tailored to your level of fitness and outdoor knowledge and the time of the year, to every little detail regarding gear, food, permit (this would be particularly impossible without the knowledge of someone like him), etc., he provides a complete plan for any adventure. For us, everything has gone smoothly every time. I look forward to the many trips he will plan for us over the years to come.
Johann
Michael helped me plan my solo John Muir Trail thru-hike, and the process was beyond what I expected. He provided personal tips and perspectives from his own experiences as well as insight into what he’s seen others try and buy. He has amassed a wealth of detailed information about gear, training, trails, permits, regulations, transit, and all the details I knew would be a nightmare to suss out alone. It’s really more like having a wilderness coach than what we’ve come to expect from the boom of digital “expert resources.” Excited to plan another trip with him soon!
Lauren
I have hired Michael for multiple custom trips and plan to continue to use his services for just about every trip I take in the future. The value of his expertise cannot be overstated. Michael is the best in his field and provides everything you need to plan an incredible trip for any given area. He customizes the difficulty, distance, terrain, etc for what you’re interested in, provides specific direction for campsites in the backcountry and tips to maximize the experience. Plus he guides you through the entire permit application process. And all the while, he’s a joy to work with! Can’t recommend him enough!
Dave
