Backpacking 101

Online Course with Private Coaching 

If you're hoping to learn to backpack confidently on your own, this is the course for you! The course includes access to a repository of instructional content divided into three lessons and a 1-hour Private Video Coaching Session. Lesson topics include planning, gear and clothing, food, hygiene, special considerations for female hikers, and what to expect on trail and in camp. During the Coaching Session, you'll have the opportunity to ask clarifying questions based on your goals and plan details of a backpacking trip with guidance from your instructor.

This course is designed to help you plan and execute trip anywhere from 1 night up to a few weeks. For longer thru-hikes, we recommend taking one of our Thru-Hike Workshops offered each winter after the completion of this course. No prior backpacking experience is necessary for either workshop.

 "I completed this course and highly recommend. 5 Stars." -D.C., Backpacking 101 Workshop; Summer 2022

Cost:

$240

Price includes access to all course materials in Google Classroom, plus a 1-hour Private Coaching session with instructor Nancy East (to be scheduled after the purchase is complete).  Nancy recommends that participants complete all three lessons prior to the video coaching session.
 

Sign-Up Details:

You can purchase this course in our online shop.  After purchasing the course, participants will have access to all course materials described below.  The instructor will reach out to schedule the Private Video Coaching session.
 

Course Details:

The Backpacking 101 Course has three lessons, each including a video lecture, several written lessons, and 1-2 assignments, with the instructor providing feedback about each assignment once it is complete. Each lesson takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The instructor recommends that participants complete all Lessons and Assignments prior to the online coaching session.

• Lesson 1:
  • Planning - permitting, itinerary considerations, seasons, budget
  • Gear and Clothing - the big 3, needs vs wants, fabric, layering principles
• Lesson 2:
  • Food - calories per day, balanced nutrition, food storage
  • Safety - basic safety skills, precautions to take before leaving home, navigation
  • Special Considerations for Female Hikers
• Lesson 3:
  • Hygiene
  • What to Do Before Leaving Home - gear checklist, printing permits, last minute gear checks
  • What to Expect on Trail and in Camp - timing for your hike, camp chores, nighttime worries, what to do before bed

Instructor:

Your instructor for this course is Nancy East.  Nancy retired from a career as a vet in 2020 to pursue opportunities that took her outdoors more. She is passionate about sharing the natural world and teaching hikers how to stay "safe and found". She is a Southern Appalachian Naturalist and is on Haywood County's Search and Rescue Team. Nancy has hiked all 800 miles of trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park four times, and co-holds the speed record for the Smokies 900 Miler Challenge. She shares stories and educational content on Hope and Feather Travels.

Nancy has completed backpacking trips all over the world including the Tahoe Rim Trail, Timberline Trail, Wonderland Trail, Trans Catalina Trail, Bartram Trail, Foothills Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, Tour du Mont Blanc, and West Highland Way.

Return Policy:

Because all course materials are emailed after the purchase, this Course is non-refundable.  If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our office at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.

If your instructor does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip.  Our team of highly trained professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip.  Industry standard gratuity is 15-20% of trip cost.

If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach us by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.