Adventure Cat Simon Prepares for Seven Summits Expedition
JJ Yosh and his cat Simon, known as Backpacking Kitty, plan a multi-year quest to climb the Seven Summits, with Simon's participation carefully managed for
Adventure content creator JJ Yosh is preparing his cat, Simon, for a multi-year expedition to tackle the world's Seven Summits. The pair, famous online as Backpacking Kitty, plan to visit the tallest peak on each continent, including Denali, Mount Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Mount Elbrus, Vinson Massif, Puncak Jaya, and Mount Everest.
Yosh, who rescued Simon in 2016, states the cat has already summited a dozen of Colorado's peaks. However, the upcoming global challenge requires careful safety planning, particularly regarding altitude. Yosh is emphatic that Simon's health is the priority, telling the source, "If the answer is that it is too high for a cat, that is the end of it. He does not go."
The High-Altitude Plan
Simon will not be attempting full summit pushes on the most extreme peaks. For Mount Everest, Simon's involvement will be limited to life at Everest Base Camp, which sits at 17,598 feet, with a dedicated pet sitter. "I'm definitely not taking Simon to the summit. I'm not risking his life," Yosh said. The plan is more flexible for non-technical climbs like Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua, where Simon may go higher than base camp, with decisions made on the ground.
Training and Acclimatization
The preparation for high-altitude adventure is woven into daily life in Boulder, Colorado, where the pair lives at about 6,000 feet. Simon's conditioning involves regular mountaineering outings in Colorado's high country and even technical rope climbs using a small-dog use. Yosh's home features an indoor climbing wall used by both of them, and Simon has a specialized wardrobe of gear for various climates and conditions.
The Bond That Enables the Journey
The deep relationship between Yosh and Simon is central to their adventures. Yosh recounted a past incident where Simon went missing for three days, saying the memory still rattles him. He told Outside that such worry could end a climb, stating, "You have to be in a good mental place to climb a mountain, and I wouldn't be." He describes Simon as an "emotional pillow" during taxing expeditions, with their end-of-day cuddle ritual in the tent being a important reset.
Logistical Hurdles
International travel with a cat presents significant logistical challenges. Simon travels with a U.S. ID card and an E.U. Pet passport, flies in the cabin, and requires health certificates for each country. Yosh says Simon adapts quickly to new locations, showing excitement upon arrival at each new hotel or destination. The pair's past travels, which include over 100 flights and visits to more than 15 countries across four continents, have provided a foundation for this more ambitious undertaking.
