Introduction to Backcountry Camping

🔥 What It’s All About

Want to feel confident, capable, and at home in the backcountry? This is your invitation to learn the skills, systems, and confidence to head out on your own backcountry adventures. Our Intro to Backpacking Course includes a pre-trip evening session followed by a weekend backpacking trip designed to build your skills, keep you safe, increase your comfort outdoors, and have fun!

🧭 What You’ll Learn

Whether you’re completely new to hiking or have done a trip or two and want to fill in the gaps, you’ll come away with practical backcountry skills and knowledge, including:  

• Trip planning & packing (including gear selection and food prep)  

• Navigation essentials  

• Camp craft: tent setup, tarps, backcountry cooking, & more  

• Emergency preparedness & response  

• Wildlife and bear safety  

• Tips for hiking with a pack, staying warm (or cool!), and being comfortable out there!

🏕️ How It Works

The course starts with a live evening Zoom session, where you'll meet your instructor and group, and we'll go over trip planning and logistics. There will also be an opportunity for questions and discussion. This Zoom meeting will be held in the evening, approximately one week before the course. The exact time and date will be selected based on people's schedules. If you can't make it, we can record the session so you don't miss anything! 

The heart of the course is the weekend camping trip. We'll meet at the trailhead at 9:30am, and hike in together to our overnight campsite. Along the way and throughout the weekend, you'll gain hands-on experience with planning and setting up camp, navigating the trail, cooking outdoors, filtering water, and managing gear. We'll also cover how to stay warm and dry, hike comfortably with a pack, avoid wildlife, and deal with potential unexpected situations.

You'll have the chance to ask lots of questions, build your confidence, and learn what really works for you in the backcountry—all while sharing a fun and supportive weekend with a group of adventurous folks! After spending a night out in the local mountains, you’ll walk away feeling more prepared, empowered, and excited to head out on your own future trips.

👯‍♀️ Women’s-Only Weekends

These trips are a chance to learn together, laugh hard, and build confidence in a welcoming, supportive group of women. We’ll go at a relaxed and sociable pace, leave space for questions and learning, and make time for fun along the way! (If that sounds great, fellows, don't you worry! All of our trips are designed to help you feel supported and have fun in the outdoors - contact us, and we'd be happy to schedule a mixed/all gender course - or a guys weekend - too!)

📍Location

The location and specific meeting times of the trip will depend on the weather and will be confirmed closer to the date. Trailhead location to be discussed in the evening Zoom meeting, but should be within a 2.5 hour drive of Vancouver. Carpooling can be arranged.

💸 Pricing & Accessibility

This course typically costs $325, but I’m currently offering it for $299. Sliding scale pricing is available because I believe outdoor skills should be accessible to everyone. Just reach out—no questions asked :)

🎒 What’s Included

• Guided overnight backpacking experience

• Pre-trip planning session

• Group gear (e.g. stove, water filter, bear hang if needed)

• Packing list + guidance

• Tons of backcountry wisdom!

You’ll bring any personal gear and food —don’t worry, I’ll help you sort it all out. Gear loans and rentals may also be available. Here is a link to the packing list FYI. Please reach out if you are interested, but need help borrowing/renting some of these items.

💬 Ready to join us?

Spots are limited to keep the group small and supportive. To register or ask questions, contact us today!

Let’s get you feeling confident, capable, and psyched to explore the backcountry!