EF Adventures and Backcountry have announced a landmark strategic partnership pairing the premium guided tour operator for active travelers with the leading online retailer of premium outdoor gear. The collaboration names Backcountry as EF Adventures’ preferred outdoor gear partner, giving travelers access to Gearhead-curated gear lists, exclusive gear and apparel benefits, and Backcountry Summit Club Plus membership, while Backcountry customers gain exclusive deals and upgrades on world-class hiking, biking, and multi-adventure tours through EF Adventures.
Click here to learn more: efadventures.com/backcountry.
At the center of the partnership are plans to curate and launch “The Backcountry Tour Collection, powered by EF Adventures” — a series of exclusive departures created specifically for outdoor enthusiasts. The co-created tours will combine EF Adventures' signature blend of active exploration and cultural immersion with Backcountry's expertise in outdoor gear and lifestyle. Select departures will feature appearances from Backcountry athletes and team members.
To help travelers prepare, Backcountry will provide curated gear lists tailored to EF Adventures itineraries, featuring expert recommendations from Backcountry's Gearhead team and exclusive deals on qualifying purchases. Examples of curated tour-to-gear recommendations, available in both men's and women's styles, include:
- Bhutan Hiking: The Trans Bhutan Trail: This 14-day hiking tour explores the heart of the Eastern Himalayas through Bhutan’s legendary Trans Bhutan Trail. Travelers trek through remote mountain landscapes, visit ancient monasteries—including the iconic Tiger’s Nest—and connect with local communities while experiencing the culture and natural beauty of one of the world’s happiest countries. This tour’s “Gearhead Approved” Backcountry products and apparel include:
- Altra Timp 6 Mid GTX Boots: Grip, comfort, and water resistance for Bhutan's long, mixed terrain hikes.
- Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie: Lightweight, quick-drying, high-UPF protection for hiking in Bhutan or rafting along Mo Chhu.
- Gregory Citro 24L Daypack: Ventilated, hydration-ready pack ideal for a nature walk in Gangtey or a longer hike on steep mountain days.
- Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket: Warm and packable, and best for temperatures around 60°F or as a layering piece in colder conditions.
- Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks: Soft and padded to provide extra comfort for long hiking days.
- Italy Biking: The Dolomites & Italian Alps: This 8-day cycling tour tackles some of Italy’s most iconic climbs, including routes featured in the Giro d’Italia. Riders conquer legendary mountain passes such as the Sella Ronda circuit, Passo dello Stelvio, and Passo Gavia, while experiencing alpine culture, historic rifugios, and breathtaking scenery throughout the Dolomites and Italian Alps. This tour’s “Gearhead Approved” Backcountry products and apparel include:
- Rab Phantom Rain Jacket: Ultralight, packable protection for unpredictable weather.
- Assos Millie S11 GT Bib: All-day comfort for long climbs and descents.
- Castelli UPF Long Sleeve Jersey: Sun protection with maximum storage and comfort.
- Oakley Sutro Lite Prizm Sunglasses: Wide coverage and enhanced clarity for bright alpine riding.
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Castelli Espresso Fingerless Glove: Grippy and comfortable, while light enough to stay cool on long sections.
- New Zealand Multi-Adventure: North & South Islands: This 15-day active adventure combines hiking, kayaking, e-biking, rafting, and cultural immersion across New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Highlights include blackwater rafting through Waitomo’s glowworm caves, trekking in Tongariro National Park, kayaking Milford Sound, and experiencing Māori traditions along the way. This tour’s “Gearhead Approved” Backcountry products and apparel include:
- Osprey Talon 22L Daypack: Lightweight, versatile storage for varied daily activities.
- La Sportiva Nucleo II GTX Boots: Waterproof, breathable support for mixed terrain.
- Nocs Field Issue Binoculars: Compact optics for spotting wildlife and landscapes.
- Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles: Light and comfortable poles that provide stability in slick conditions.
- Rab Xenair Alpine Light Jacket: Packable and balanced warmth for hanging out at basecamp or pushing hard on a hike.
EF Adventures travelers can also gain access to Backcountry Summit Club Plus, the company’s loyalty and membership program, while Backcountry customers will be able to unlock exclusive savings on select EF Adventures tours.
"At EF Adventures, we design tours for active travelers who truly want to experience and learn about the world, visiting off-the-beaten path destinations with expert local guides," said Heidi Durflinger, CEO of EF World Journeys USA. "Teaming up with Backcountry means our travelers will have access to the best gear, backed by expert knowledge, before they ever pack their bags. Together, we’re making it easier than ever to show up to your next adventure fully prepared and completely inspired.”
To celebrate the launch, EF Adventures is hosting a sweepstakes. One grand prize winner will receive the ultimate active adventure: an EF Adventures tour for two valued at up to $20,000, a $2,000 Backcountry gift card to arrive fully equipped, a Backcountry Summit Club Plus membership, and a personal Gearhead to help plan and prepare for every step of the journey. Enter at efadventures.com from June 23–30, 2026. Sweepstakes terms and conditions apply.
"Backcountry Gearheads live for helping people find exactly what they need to do more of what they love outdoors," said Kevin Lenau, President of Backcountry. "Partnering with EF Adventures is central to what we're building with Summit Club Plus: not a loyalty program, but a true outdoor ecosystem where our members get access to the best gear, the best expertise, and now the best adventures in the world."
EF Adventures offers 40+ guided itineraries across 25 countries and 5 continents, combining active experiences such as hiking, biking, kayaking, yoga, and ziplining with meaningful cultural immersion and local learning opportunities. Designed for travelers who want to experience destinations beyond the typical tourist path, each tour blends adventure with authentic connections to local communities, traditions, and landscapes. Tours can be reserved with a $150 deposit, with interest-free monthly payment plans on both efadventures.com and backcountry.com.