Fitpacking

There are many ways to see the beautiful, ancient, historic land of Israel. Fitpacking will take you on an unforgettable walking tour of the country. From Nazareth to the Capernaum in the Galilee to Jerusalem and onto Masada and the Dead Sea in the Negev Desert to the Red Sea resort village of Eilat. You will see Israel as few do as you hike the Jesus Trail Israel National Trail.

Walk in the footsteps of Jesus and explore the seldom traveled desert backcountry of Israel. Get away from your frigid climate, walk through history, and lose weight (or more accurately, improve body composition).

The Israel Fitpacking Trip will be from December 29, 2013 - January 11, 2014. See the proposed itinerary

Fitpacking's Israel trip will have two parts. The first week will be a walk on the Jesus Trail proper from Nazareth to Capernaum. There will be a day off to explore Jerusalem and other areas on your own. Then we will head to the desert for a day at the Dead Sea and Masada. Finally, we will backpack through the Negev desert and into the resort town of Eilat on the Dead Sea.

Weather is always an important concern when backpacking. December weather is pretty cool by Israeli standards -- the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit. But those are actually pretty good temperatures for hiking since there is so much exertion involved. However as weather is unpredictable, and this is the "rainy season" (such as it is) so be prepared for rain, blazing heat or chilly nights from radiational cooling in the desert.

Steve Silberberg, lives in Hull, MA and has many years of backpacking experience over a variety of terrains and guides most Fitpacking trips. He is a SOLO certified Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and Certified Food Handler.

2nd Guide TBD

Here is a list of equipment we suggest you bring. The list is extensive and can seem daunting, but please don't let this deter you from the trip. You can rent top notch quality gear for reasonable prices from Lower Gear. It may also be possible for us to provide some gear for you at a nominal fee if you let us know far ahead of the trip. Unfortunately, we're not in the gear business so the selection of our available inventory is unpredictable. Please feel free to discuss any gear with us before the trip.

We don't believe in austere eating regimens. Backpacking is a rigorous, rewarding activity. You must feed your body in order for it perform. Your body will dictate that you eat often, so it's important to have fuel to feed it. Please check out the sample menus. This list is not comprehensive and may be altered or augmented. If you want to bring personal food, say a 5 pound chocolate cake, go for it. After carrying it over 50 miles through the desert, your body will reject the empty calories and prefer nutritious food.

$2250 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Tel Aviv as well as personal equipment and any restaurant meals.

Covered expenses include 5 nights in hostels, 12 days of trail meals, ground transportation, permits, fees and awesome guides.

Important Note