Individuals desiring to participate in any High Adventure activity or Sheppard-based events in which emergency evacuation would take longer than 30 minutes by ground transportation will not be permitted to do so if they exceed the weight limit as documented in the weight-for-height chart listed below. For the protection of participants and staff, this CSHAB Weight Limit chart is more restrictive then the chart on the Annual BSA Health and Medical Record that is from the Dept. of Agriculture and Dept. of Health and Human Services.
Furthermore, trekkers 21 years and older who exceed the maximum acceptable weight limit for their height at the Sheppard Base medical recheck will not be permitted to climb, backpack, mountain bike or hike at Sheppard Base. For example, a youth 5' 10" should not weigh more than 189 pounds.

The Sheppard Base medics will use their best judgment in determining participation in a Sheppard Base trek by individuals under 21 years of age who exceed the maximum acceptable weight for their height. Participants under 21 years of age are strongly encouraged to meet the weight limit for their height and exceptions are not made automatically and the maximum allowable exception will be 20 pounds. Discussion in advance with Sheppard Base regarding any exception to the weight limit for persons under 21 years of age is required, whether it is over or under.

Under no circumstances will any individual over 260 pounds be allowed to participate regardless of height or age. This limit is necessary due to limitations of rescue equipment and for the safety of Sheppard Base personnel.

Those who fall within the limits are more likely to have an enjoyable trek and avoid incurring health risks. Backpacking and mountaineering treks involves hiking with a 30 to 50-pound backpack depending on the trekker’s size, personal gear selection and trek type at elevations of 2,500 to 11,500 feet. Sheppard Base recommends that trekkers carry a pack weighing no more than 25% to 30% of their body weight.