Safety on wilderness expeditions
Far from help,
never without
a plan.
Intense
Off grid
Safely back
Safety is not an afterthought. It is where we start.
Every route, every emergency scenario and every piece of gear is settled before you leave. Our expeditions deliberately push you out of your comfort zone, but one thing never changes: you come home safe and healthy.
That is why every expedition rests on three fixed pillars: strong preparation, experienced expedition leaders and the right gear.
01Preparation
You never leave
unprepared
Safety starts long before the expedition. That is why we prepare you physically, technically and mentally.
A focused training schedule for endurance, strength and mobility.
Everything you need on the way, you practise beforehand: packrafting, abseiling or working with rope systems. Nothing feels new in the wilderness.
We prepare you for the challenging moments: sleeping in a cave, the heat, the moments when it gets tense. You leave with calm, confidence and focus.
02Guidance
Confidence
in every step
Our expeditions are led by X Guides with experience in extreme, off grid conditions. Not recreational guidance, but professional expedition leaders who know what is needed when it gets hard or unpredictable. They are trained as Wilderness First Responders and carry medical kit suited to the environment.
During the preparation programme you will certainly meet Koen De Leeuw. Behind him stands a strong team of X Guides, each with their own expertise and sometimes even better suited to a specific terrain or type of expedition. Depending on the environment and conditions, one of them may lead your expedition.
That personal guidance brings calm, clarity and confidence, also when conditions get intense.
More about personal guidance
03Gear
Gear you never
have to doubt
On expedition, gear must never be a question mark. If something gets hard, it is not because of your equipment but because of the physical or mental challenge of the moment. And that is exactly where the growth is.
That is why we do not choose good or better, but the best. Every piece is selected for safety, reliability and what that specific expedition requires. Price or brand play no role, performance in real conditions does. We provide specialised expedition gear, tested in harsh off grid environments.
So the doubt disappears and only what matters remains: dealing with yourself, the conditions and the challenge.
04Basecamp
24/7 support
from Belgium
From our basecamp in Belgium someone is reachable 24/7. The basecamp follows every expedition and gives our expedition leaders operational support from a distance, so they can act quickly and with care when needed.
Through satellite communication your expedition leader can reach the basecamp at any moment, even fully off grid. That lets us watch over safety closely without interfering with the experience.
05Thorough research
Prepared down
to the detail
For every expedition we thoroughly research everything that can affect its course and safety.
- Weather
- Terrain and surroundings
- Water availability
- Fauna and flora
- The right gear
- Technical passages
- Altitude risks
- Alternative routes
That way we reduce uncertainty in advance and keep a grip on what really matters, before the expedition even starts.
Your part
Adventure remains
adventure
However well we prepare, guide and double check: adventure is never 100% predictable. With us it is 100% well thought out, professional and safely guided.
We provide
the framework
You bring
the drive
We do everything we can to manage risks and support safety to the fullest. But in the end, how you act is up to you.
You carry responsibility for your choices. What you do, how you react and how far you go is in your hands. That is exactly what makes an expedition real. We take care of the framework, the expertise and the safety in the background. You bring the drive, the commitment and the willingness to deal with it.
Frequently asked questions
about safety
See all questions
What happens in case of an accident or illness on the way?
Every expedition has a worked out emergency plan: who does what, which evacuation route applies and which contact point is on the ground. The expedition leader contacts our basecamp in Belgium by satellite, where someone is ready 24/7 to help decide. Our expedition leaders are trained as Wilderness First Responders and carry medical kit suited to the environment.
Can an expedition be changed or stopped for safety reasons?
Yes, and it happens. A storm, a swollen river, a closed pass or a political situation can make us choose an alternative route. Those alternatives are worked out in advance. The expedition leader decides on the spot, in consultation with our basecamp.
What if I cannot keep up on the way?
Then we adjust. The expedition leader lowers the pace, redistributes the weight or chooses a shorter route to the next camp. That happens on almost every expedition at some point. If continuing is not responsible, we stop, in consultation with our basecamp in Belgium. Those options are worked out in advance: evacuation route, contact point and transport.
Can my family reach me in an emergency?
Yes. Your family receives the number of our basecamp in Belgium, which is reachable 24/7. If something urgent happens at home, they contact the expedition leader by satellite. It works the other way round too.
Am I screened, and can I be refused?
Yes, every participant is screened: in the introductory call, through the intake form and during the physical test at the kick off. Sometimes we advise a lighter expedition or a later date. We do not like doing that, but we do it consistently: in a small group on a glacier, everyone's safety counts.
How big are the groups?
Deliberately small: 6 to 12 participants. Small enough to follow everyone personally, big enough for real group dynamics. A few expeditions differ; the exact number is on the expedition page.
Do I need a medical check?
For most expeditions we ask for a medical document that you go through with your doctor. For expeditions at altitude or in extreme cold, this is stricter. It is not about a stamp, but about knowing whether anything could play a role on the way.
What about altitude sickness?
On expeditions that go high, such as Chimborazo and Kilimanjaro, acclimatisation is built into the route. The expedition leader monitors symptoms daily and adjusts where needed. Altitude sickness does not care how fit you are. So the rule is: if you have symptoms, report them straight away. Descending is always an option.
What insurance do I need?
Travel and assistance insurance that covers the activities of your expedition, including repatriation and, where relevant, search and rescue. Watch the exclusions: many standard policies exclude high mountains or climbing. During the preparation we tell you exactly what your expedition requires, so you can have your policy checked.
Find the expedition
that suits you
View all expeditions
Iceland
Chimborazo
Kyrgyzstan
Untamed Adventure Weekend
Canada | Yukon
Read more about the preparation programme, personal guidance or the frequently asked questions.
Ready for the adventure
of your life?
Together we take the time to listen, think along and guide you to an expedition that truly suits you.