Session 3 of our online planning course starts on Monday, July 13, and registration will close on Tuesday, July 7.
To save yourself time and money, and to make the most out of your 2020 and future backpacking trips, register now.
Sessions 1 and 2 both sold out, and Session 3 is about 60 percent of the way there.
During the course, among other things you will learn to:
- Research likely environmental and route conditions like the weather, bug pressure, water availability, and problem bears;
- Select appropriate gear for the conditions and your backpacking style;
- Plan meals, including dinners that go beyond Ramen noodles or expensive freeze-dried packages;
- Assemble a navigation system of maps, resources, and tools; and,
- Acquire requisite skills and fitness for your itinerary.
Our course delivers tremendous value with personal instruction. Joe McConaughy, Hunter Hall, and Brandon Chase will double-check all of your work — they will review your conditions assessment, gear list, chosen overnight food storage method, and map set. It’s like having a backpacking coach.
The cost is $145, and it quickly pays for itself. You will be sent a copy of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide, and you will receive generous discounts up to 50 percent off from vendors like Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, Sierra Designs, ULA, and Warbonnet Outdoors.
What do former students stay about the course?
Session 1 started in April 27 and concluded on June 24. In a post-course survey, students had this to say:
As a novice backpacker, it can be an overwhelming experience trying to plan for a trip, such as figuring out what gear to buy, what kinds of food and how much to bring, what skills I need to know, and much, much more. Andrew Skurka’s course saved me money and time and made me feel much more confident in my capacity to plan for a trip. — Paul S
The course content is very helpful for backpackers of all skills. The skills I have learned will help me become a more efficient trip planner and allow me to have more successful backpacking trips. — Meredith D
Andrew Skurka’s backpacking planning course was more valuable (and fun) than I ever imagined. I’m an age fifty-plus hiker who has primarily done shorter 1-2 day hikes and more extended camping trips, and this course thoughtfully taught how to plan for longer hikes. The assignments require real thought and effort, but are well supported by readings and resources, and backed up by one-on-one feedback. You will walk away from this course both happier and better prepared. — Jon S
This course provides a pragmatic and structured framework for planning your trips, regardless of the duration. It is flexible enough for a weekend getaway and complete enough for a major thru hike. Well worth the time and money spent to learn from the world-class instructors. — Scott H
As someone new to the sport, this was so valuable! I learned so much and really appreciated the expertise and of the instructors. — Kelly F
It’s is a comprehensive course that guides beginning to experienced backers through the trip planning and preparation process. The student has access to expert backpackers (Joe McConaughy and Hunter Hall) who provide feedback and answer questions. This class is an amazing bargain for the price and like many things in life – you will get out what you put in! — John C
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