DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, 2 DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT (May 20)

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

Registration opens March 31! *CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR COURSE WAITLIST TO RECEIVE MORE INFO*

Backpacking with Confidence Course Weekend: 
Are you eager to experience the excitement of camping and multi-day backpacking, but unsure where to begin? Do you want to build essential skills, knowledge and self sufficiency to boost your confidence in a supportive and encouraging environment? Backcountry Women's Backpacking with Confidence Course is designed for you! This immersive weekend experience combines comprehensive course content with an overnight front-country camping experience, allowing for a deeper connection with the material and fellow participants.

This weekend course, led by Backcountry Women's Founder Ashley Moore (an Outdoor Council of Canada certified Field Leader and Instructor) and certified members of our Advocate team, provides a comprehensive introduction to backcountry hiking and camping. Whether you're a novice or seeking to refine your existing skills, this course will empower you to embark on your backcountry adventures with confidence and safety.

What You'll Learn:

• Essential Backpacking Skills: We cover a wide range of topics, including camping, trip planning, goals and motivations, preparedness, safety, Leave No Trace principles, gear selection, and more. You'll gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in areas such as packing your backpack, basic map use, backcountry stoves, water purification, and sleep system setup.
• Interactive Learning: Engage in discussions, share experiences, and learn tips and tricks from other like-minded women in the Backcountry Women community.
• Expert Guidance: Benefit from the expertise of our experienced instructors, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and fostering a love for the outdoors in an empowering way.

Course Highlights:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Our course comprehensively covers essential aspects of camping and backcountry backpacking, providing you with a solid foundation to build upon for future adventures.
• Hands-On Activities: Gain practical experience through interactive activities and demonstrations, including setting up camp and using essential gear.
• Supportive Community: Connect with other women who share your passion for the outdoors, and create connections to a supportive network.
• Short Hike: Put your newly acquired skills into practice with a short hike, experiencing some backpacking skills, such as carrying a balanced pack firsthand.
• Overnight Camping Experience: Immerse yourself with a front-country camping experience, learn outdoor skills and put them to the test, and have a fun overnight trip in a supportive environment.
• Exclusive Resources: Receive a packing list, a Manitoba Backpacking trails resource, our printed Prairie Essentials Guidebook to Exploring to take home, and priority access to register for overnight "alumni" trips designed to further enhance your skills and level of experience. See Events page for upcoming Alumni trips.

Course Details:

• Friday (Overnight #1):

• 5:00-6:00 PM: Arrival for camp welcome and set up

• Camp Setup Session: Set up your tents and sleep systems - support and tips available. There will be an opportunity to try out gear you don't own - rental gear options, including tents and sleep systems available via Gear Library donation.

• Evening Session: Recap of camp set up, challenges discussion, Leave No Trace tips, group fire, lawn games, and other activities.
  
  
• Saturday (Overnight #2):
• Morning Warm-up: Fun game/activity (e.g. outdoors bingo). Discussion/reflection.
• Full-Day Course: Comprehensive coverage of essential backpacking skills (coverage will be flexibly adapted to the group needs). 
• Evening: Fire building lesson/skill building exercise in the evening.
  
  

• Sunday (Departure):

  • Relaxed Morning: Coffee/tea included
  • Share and discuss a dehydrated backcountry food sample.
  • Pack Up.
  • Reflections and Q&A.
  
  
• Location: Exact location details will be provided via email closer to the course date. Further instructions, important information, and a course packing list will be emailed out to participants. Check your confirmation and reminder emails.
• What to Bring: You don't need to own any top-of-the-line gear! Bring what you have, and we'll discuss various options and answer your questions. Our demonstrations and gear provided for you to check out in person can help you make informed decisions before investing in any gear! 
• Please come prepared to participate fully, and hike a short distance during the course.
• Provided: Our Prairie Essentials guidebook, expert instruction, follow up resources post-course, and a variety of equipment for demonstration and hands-on learning.

Ready to embark on your backpacking and wilderness overnight journey with confidence? Register for our "Backpacking with Confidence" course today for an immersive, hands on experience to build your self sufficiency!

Contact us with any questions or to learn more. We look forward to adventuring with you!

Further details will be provided to registered participants. Participants are responsible for having a valid e-mail address, communicating with the event organizer regarding any changes in attendance, and for checking e-mail prior to an event.

This event allows cancellation no less than 14 days before start of event. If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy.