It doesn’t always seem necessary, but when exploring new zones or going after large, long-saught objectives, pulling in the help of a professional can make the difference between a good time and a dangerous situation. For Chapter 3 of Teton Gravity Research and REI’s Backcountry Travel Guide, the series delves into the dynamics of hiring a guide–when it’s necessary, when it’s useful, and all the reasons behind such a decision. Because when the quality–or safety–of a day depends on some additional knowledge, a guide’s expertise can be well worth the money.

Check it out here.