THE BASIS OF EVERY ADVENTURE
At Element X, safety is not a secondary concern, but the starting point of every adventure. Our expeditions are intense, impactful, and consciously push you out of your comfort zone. But one thing is always certain: you must also return home safely and healthily.
That is why we build every expedition on three solid pillars.
Strong preparation, in which we physically, mentally, and practically prepare you for what is to come.
Top guidance from experienced expedition leaders who know what it means to work in unpredictable and de-manding environments.
And the right equipment: we provide specialised expedition gear of the highest quality, so you can rely on your equipment when it matters.
You never depart
unprepared.
Safety begins before the expedition. That is why we prepare you physically, technically, and mentally at Element X.
Physically, we work with a targeted training programme focused on fitness, strength, and mobility. Technically, we practice everything you will need along the way (packrafting, rappelling, or working with rope systems) in advance, so that nothing feels new in the wilderness.
Mentally, we prepare you for challenging situations: sleeping in a sleeping cave, the heat, or moments when it gets exciting. This way, you leave with calmness, confidence, and focus.
Safety
Safety is the foundation of every expedition.
At Element X, safety is not a chapter, a bullet point, or an afterthought. It is the foundation upon which every expedition is built.
Adventure can be challenging, but it must always remain safe, professional, and responsible. That is why we prepare you thoroughly, guide you strongly, and build every expedition around thoughtful layers of safety without ever taking away the feeling of true wilderness.
THE FOUNDATION OF EVERY ADVENTURE
At Element X, safety is not a secondary issue, but the starting point of every adventure. Our expeditions are intense, impactful, and consciously push you out of your comfort zone. But one thing is always certain: you must also return home safely and healthily.
That is why we build every expedition on three solid pillars.
Strong preparation, in which we physically, mentally, and practically prepare you for what is to come.
Top guidance from experienced expedition leaders who know what it means to work in unpredictable and de-manding environments.
And the right equipment: we provide specialised expedition gear of the highest quality, so you can rely on your equipment when it matters.
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1. Preparation
2. Guidance
3. Technical safety & communication
4. Local partners
& basecamps
5. Thorough risk analysis
5. Adventure remains adventure
1. PREPARATION
You never
depart
unprepared.
Safety begins before the expedition. That’s why we prepare you physically, technically, and mentally at Element X.
Physically, we work with a targeted training programme focused on fitness, strength, and mobility. Technically, we practice everything you will need along the way (packrafting, rappelling, or working with rope systems) in advance, so that nothing feels new in the wilderness.
Mentally, we prepare you for challenging situations: sleeping in a sleeping cave, the heat, or moments when it gets exciting. This way, you depart with calm, confidence, and focus.
2. GUIDANCE
Trust in every step.
Our expeditions are guided by X-Guides with experience in extreme, off-grid conditions. Not recreational guidance, but professional expedition leaders who know what is needed when things get tough or unpredictable.
During the preparation process, you will certainly meet Koen De Leeuw. At the same time, there is a strong team of X-Guides behind him - specialists, each with their own expertise, and in some contexts even better suited to the terrain or type of expedition. Depending on the environment and conditions, one of them may lead your expedition.
That personal guidance ensures calm, clarity, and confidence - even when conditions become intense.
Trust 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 things get tough or unpredictable.
During the preparation process, you will certainly meet Koen De Leeuw. At the same time, there is a strong team of X-Guides behind him - specialists, each with their own expertise, and in some contexts even better suited to the terrain or type of expedition. Depending on the environment and conditions, one of them may lead your expedition.
This personal guidance provides peace, clarity, and trust - even when conditions become intense.
3. MATERIAL
Material you never doubt.
On expedition, equipment should not be a question mark. If something becomes difficult, it is not due to your gear - but to the physical or mental challenge of the moment. And that is where the growth lies.
That is why at Element X we do not choose good or better, but best. Each piece of equipment is selected for safety, reliability, and necessity for that specific expedition. Price or brand do not matter, but performance in real conditions does.
We provide specialised expedition equipment that has been tested in harsh, off-grid environments. This removes doubt and leaves only what matters: dealing with yourself, the conditions, and the challenge.
4. BASECAMP
24/7 support
From our base camp in Belgium, there is someone available 24/7 who monitors our expeditions and provides our guides with remote operational support, so that action can be taken quickly and thoughtfully if necessary.
Through satellite communication, expedition leaders can contact the base camp at any time. This is also possible fully off-grid, allowing us to maximise safety and support without interfering with the experience.
5. EXTENSIVE RESEARCH
Prepared down to the details.
For each expedition, we conduct thorough preliminary research into everything that could affect the course and safety. We look at the weather, the terrain and the environment, water availability, fauna and flora, the right equipment, technical passages, altitude risks, and possible alternative routes.
This way, we limit uncertainties in advance and maintain control over what really matters - even before the expedition starts.
Equipment you never doubt.
On an expedition, your equipment should never be a question. If something gets tough, it’s not your gear - it’s the physical or mental challenge. That’s where growth happens.
That is why at Element X, we do not choose good or better, but best. Each piece of equipment is selected for safety, reliability, and necessity for that specific expedition. Price or brand do not matter; performance in real conditions does.
We provide specialised expedition equipment that has been tested in harsh, off-grid environments. This way, we eliminate doubt and only what matters remains: dealing with yourself, the conditions, and the challenge.
24/7 support
From our base camp in Belgium, there is someone available 24/7 who monitors our expeditions and provides our guides with remote operational support, so that action can be taken quickly and thoughtfully if necessary.
Through satellite communication, expedition leaders can contact the base camp at any time. This is also possible fully off-grid, allowing us to maximise safety and support without interfering with the experience.
Prepared down to the details.
For each expedition, we conduct thorough research into everything that could affect the course and safety. We look at the weather, the terrain and the environment, water availability, fauna and flora, the right equipment, technical passages, altitude risks, and possible alternative routes.
This way, we limit uncertainties in advance and maintain control over what really matters - even before the expedition starts.
Adventure remains adventure!
No matter how well we prepare, guide, and double-check things: adventure remains adventure. We do everything we can to manage risks and support safety to the maximum, but the final actions are up to you.
You bear 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 provide the framework, the expertise, and the safety in the background. You bring the enthusiasm, the commitment, and the willingness to engage.
Adventure remains adventure!
No matter how well we prepare, guide and double-check things: adventure remains adventure. We do everything we can to manage risks and support safety to the maximum, but the final actions lie with you.
You bear responsibility for your choices. What you do, how you react and how far you go, is in your hands. That is what makes an expedition real. Adventure is never 100% predictable, but with us it is 100% well thought out, professional and safely guided.
We provide the framework, the expertise and the safety in the background. You bring the enthusiasm, the commitment and the willingness to deal with it.
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.