Special Note: The half day indoor portion of this course is also available virtually.
Activity Description
“Knowing where you are and where you’re going,” they say, “means you’re not lost.” Well, we agree. These exact points we emphasize during our teaching of wilderness navigation, right along with the critical thinking that goes into it. And so much more… this comprehensive map and compass-plus course is designed to take an ordinary person, a hiker for instance, and completely empower them and give them the confidence and ability to venture forth into the wilderness. To enable him or her — or you — to seek that isolated peak, hunt in places no one else goes, to fish that remote pond, to explore the wilderness between the map’s red lines, to poop in the woods without dying, to just get away from it all, be one with the backcountry, and to even navigate safely above treeline if clouds suddenly engulf you robbing your precious sightlines.
Activity Offerings
We offer this course a few different ways. First there is a half day classroom segment lasting 3-4 hours or so. This is in of itself a complete offering. You will have the nuts and bolts as well as all the fine details to navigate in the wild. Mostly. Upon completion you would be capable of executing this for practice for yourself. That said, we also offer a half day field segment that keys in on the work that happens out there while performing a pin-point bushwhack. Even though the morning is complete, doing both is by far the best, combined into a full day course lasting 6-8 hours or so. And if you really want to step up your game and be a bushwhacking master, we also offer this as a two-day course with the second day keying in further and solidifying even more everything you’ve learned. As always, we do hope to really tune into your needs and strive to be adaptable. If you have any specific interests or needs, please let us know in the comments box of our Booking Form.
What to Wear
To ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, we offer this important clothing information. When dressing for the half-day field segment and full- and two-day offerings, noted above, you will dress and gear up for spring-to-fall hiking as described below (the outdoor segments of this course generally stop once the snow covers the ground). The half-day classroom segment, which can be done anytime, is almost entirely indoors but does have an outdoor bit at the start so just come dressed for the weather.
- Think layers. While a ski jacket, for example, may be warm and waterproof, if the insulation can’t be separated from the rain/snow protection layer, it really isn’t suitable. You will overheat if you need rain/snow protection while hiking and bushwhacking. Bring independent layers. Having our “Ready Pack” will help.
- Never wear cotton, even at the underwear level. Synthetic materials, wool, and especially performance/wicking materials should be your clothing of choice. For hiking, since cotton won’t dry and doesn’t insulate while wet, it can pose a hazard. You will want to wear the right type of sports or hiking clothing and you will want to bring extra.
- Bring more than you think you need. Mountain weather can be very tricky and unpredictable. While it may be nice in town, the mountains can be very different. Being prepared can save your life.
- For footwear, a sturdy, seasonally-rated one, two, or three-season mid- to full-height boot is best so as to offer better protection to your feet and ankles.
- Be visible. Wear colors that will stand out in the woods for the season if taking the full- or two-day courses.
- Think scratch protection. The field segments of this course will take you into the woods, off-trail, and amid blowdowns and debris. Aim to protect your exposed skin and eyes. Eye protection, long pants, and a long sleeve top is highly recommended. Eye protect is available to rent. See below.
Necessary Gear
For your hiking/bushwhacking gear needs, in addition to your own protective non-cotton base layers, hiking/climbing pants with shirt, and footwear, as described above, we offer three options (which are modified by the season). Click to expand.
Gear Option 1 - Open
Gear Option 1 - Close
- Personal first aid kit/meds.
- Personal hygiene items.
- Camera/phone (weather-protected).
- Lip balm, sun block.
- Sunglasses.
- Insect repellent.
- Altimeter (optional).
- Proper footwear (see information above).
- Proper clothing layering (see information above).
- Seasonal specialty clothing (see information above).
- Pencil and notebook for taking notes.
SPECIAL NOTE: You may get a “Ready Pack, Lean” without food and water for $40/person/day. Due to the proximity to prepared foods, this is recommended for the one-day course and day one of the two-day course only! The Ready Pack, Full is appropriate for day two of the two-day course, only.
SPECIAL NOTE: You can also order just food and water for $15/person/day. (Available with any option, but due to the proximity to prepared foods, this is not recommended for any day other than day two of the the two-day course. Included with the Ready Pack, Full, of course.)
Gear Option 2 - Open
Gear Option 2 - Close
- A lined pack with hip belt and room for the items below (~30-40 liters).
- Rain jacket and pants, or rain poncho (mountain weather can be quite wet).
- Mountain-rated insulated layer (mountains are much colder than in town).
- Seasonally-rated mid-layer (much colder).
- Food for the day, plus extra.
- Water for the day, at least 2 liters, plus extra (or filter).
- Seasonally-rated hat, gloves/mittens.
- Headlamp with spare batteries (or backup device).
- Whistle or sound-making device (sternum strap whistles are okay).
- Tarp, bivvy, or personal shelter.
- A lightweight emergency sleeping pad.
Plus any of these specialty items also available from the master rental list, below…
- Trekking Poles.
- Magnetic Baseplate Compass.
- Safety Glasses.
- Light Traction (As Needed).
- Snowshoes (As Needed).
- General Rental Gear Pricing
-
- Empty Backpack: $15/person/day.
- Headlamp w/ Batteries: $5/person/day.
- Trekking Pole Set: $5/person/day.
- Bushwhack Kit (Compass/Glasses): $5/person/day.
- Food and Water (Lunch Kit): $15/person/day.
- Summer Clothing/Layers Pricing
(NOTE: By “Summer” we mean warmer, summer-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Fleece (Midlayer): $5/person/day.
- Puffy Jacket (Midweight): $20/person/day.
- Hardshell Set: $35/person/day.
- Light Gloves: $5/person/day.
- Climbing Gloves: $10/person/day.
- Winter Clothing/Layers Pricing – Add to List Above
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Puffy/Parka (Heavyweight/Winter): $25/person/day.
- Hardshell Set: $35/person/day (Gaiters Req. w/ Crampon Use).
- Mitts/Overmitts: $10/person/day.
- Watchman’s Hat: $5/person/day.
- Balaclava: $5/person/day.
- Face Protection (Faceglove/Mask): $5/person/day.
- Ski Goggles: $5/person/day.
- Gaiters (Winter): $10/person/day.
- Winter Rental Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Light Traction: $10/person/day.
- Mountaineering Snowshoes: $15/person/day.
- Mountaineering Crampons: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Helmet: $5/person/day.
- Ice/Snow Axe: $10/person/day.
- Whippet: $10/person/day.
- Alpine Harness: $10/person/day.
- Winter Technical Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Ice Climbing Crampons: $15/person/day.
- Technical Ice Tools: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Harness: $10/person/day.
- Mountaineering Boots: $25/person/day.
- Avalanche Beacon: $25/person/day.
- Avalanche Probe: $10/person/day.
- Avalanche Shovel: $10/person/day.
- Avalanche Kit: $40/person/day.
- Summer Technical Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Summer” we mean warmer, summer-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Climbing Helmet: $5/person/day.
- Alpine Harness: $10/person/day.
- Rock Climbing Shoes: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Harness: $10/person/day.
- Chalk Bag w/ Chalk): $5/person/day.
- Personal Flotation Device: $10/person/day.
- Backpacking Gear Pricing
-
- Sleeping Bag (Rated): $20/person/night.
- Sleeping Pad (Foam): $5/person/night.
- Sleeping Pad (Inflatabe): $15/person/night.
- Tent (1-2 People): $20/person/night.
- Tent (3-4 People): $30/person/night.
- Stove w/ Fuel: $15/person/night.
- Other Gear-Related Pricing
-
- Gear Insurance (Regular/Hiking): $10/person/day.
- Gear Insurance (Alpine/Winter): $20/person/day.
- Gear Insurance (Backpacking): $30/person/day.
- Outsourced Gear (Pick Up Fee): $40/person/day.
Gear Option 3 - Open
Gear Option 3 - Close
Okay… Let’s Do This!
What follows below is the pricing and other information you’ll probably want or need to know.
| Half Day Wilderness Navigation Pricing | |
|---|---|
| For one person | $175 |
| For two people | $125 each |
| For three people | $110 each |
| For four or more | $100 each | Full Day Wilderness Navigation Pricing |
| For one person | $275 |
| For two people | $200 each |
| For three people | $175 each |
| For four or more | $150 each | Two Day Wilderness Navigation Pricing |
| For one person | $475 |
| For two people | $275 each |
| For three people | $250 each |
| For four or more | $200 each | Wilderness Navigation Premiums |
| Make it private | INCLUDED |
Other Information
- The difficulty of this activity is as requested, but variable.
- This activity has 1:8 instructor/student ratio (1:4 on day two).
- The maximum group size is 8 with 1–2 guides, depending on day.
- For parties larger than 8, please contact us.
- The indoor half of the first day also available virtually.
- Gratuities not included; 15-25% is customary for a good job.
Not ready for this? Maybe our Intro to Hiking course would be a better starting point. Otherwise, go ahead and BOOK IT NOW!
Suunto Compasses Now Available! Buy then learn… Please note that you can now order a Suunto A-10 or Suunto A-30 magnetic baseplate compass from us and pick it up when you take your Wilderness Navigation course. Not only is the price right, but you’ll be taught in-depth on how to use this important piece of equipment. Just mention this in the comments section of our booking form. If you would prefer to have the compass shipped directly to you ahead of time, please use the order form below.