DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, 2 DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT (May 22)

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

Registration opens April 4! *CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR COURSE WAITLIST TO RECEIVE MORE INFO*

Are you eager to experience the excitement of 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 full-day 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 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.
• NOTE: topics covered are flexible based on participants and available time frame.
• 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 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, helping you feel comfortable and prepared for your own trips.
• 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.
• 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:

• Time: 8:00 AM - approximately 6:00 PM (flexible to ensure comprehensive coverage of topics) NOTE: precise end time of this course can be unpredictable due to factors such as weather and group dynamics. 
• Location: Birds Hill Provincial Park (exact location details will be provided via email close 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.

Note:

• While there may be some overlapping topics with our Hiking with Confidence course, we recommend choosing the course that best aligns with your current experience level and interests. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Ready to embark on your backpacking journey with confidence? Register for our "Backpacking with Confidence" course today!

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.