Learn new skills with a badass group of sober women!
Whether you're looking for a cool new hobby or a new way to commune with nature, Backpacking 101 is your launchpad to outdoor independence.
You'll learn backpacking basics and put your skills to the test into the great outdoors with a group of badass sober women who will feel like your besties by the time you return to the trailhead.
Together, you’ll tackle trails, swap stories while cooking dinner, and laugh through those “we’re really doing this!” moments.
You’ll master the art of packing your backpack, conquer miles with a smile, and discover just how much you’re capable of surrounded by incredible women cheering you on and lifting you up.
What's Included:
- Meals: 2 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners, Snacks & NA Bevvies
- Hands-on course led by Your Sober Pal Laura!
- Workbook & Journal
- Fun badges (rewarded based on what you accomplish on the trail)
- Permits under Sierra Summit Expeditions
- Access to the private YSP Adventures Facebook community where you can connect with and plan future backpacking excursions with other sober, adventurous baddies
Gear Rental Includes:
- Backpack
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- One-man tent
- Bladder
- Water filtration system
- Silk liner
- Bear canister
- Headlamp
- Shared cooking equipment
- Coffee cup
You'll learn how to:
- Pack a backpack
- Set up a tent
- Filter water
- Cook in the backcountry
- Take care of basic injuries
- Poop in the woods like a rockstar
- Leave no trace basics
- Embrace discomfort as a magical and essential part of personal growth
- Connect more deeply with yourself, others and nature
- Feel SAFE and CONFIDENT to spend the night outdoors
Itinerary:
Day One:
2:00 pm: Arrive at camp, meet & greet, get settled in. BRING OUT THE SNACKS AND NA BEVVIES!
4:00 pm: Grab a Dr. Pepper Cream Soda and a camp chair, it's time for class with Laura! We'll walk you through a Duffle Shuffle as we pass out gear and learn how to pack our packs! We'll also learn how to set up our tents, filter water, and master the art of going to the bathroom outside! After this trip, you'll scoff at regular toilets!
6:00 pm: Dinner time! Laura to prepare a camping dinner at the picnic table for us to enjoy!
7:00 pm: Sober Share Circle
Day Two:
7:00 am: Coffee and breakkie time!
9:00 am: Morning Stretch/Yoga sesh
10 am: Start hiking
Noon: Break for snack/lunch on the trail.
2:00 pm: Arrive at camp, set up. Charcuterie board is served. Plenty of time to swim and wander.
4:00 pm - Water Filtration Workshop.
5:00 pm - Games (Get ready to LAUGH SO HARD)
6:00 pm: Dinner! Learn how to cook in the backcountry.
8:00 pm: Sober Share Circle. Journal prompt.
Day 3:
7:00 am: Coffee and breakfast time! Hang out by camp and giggle about outdoorsy girl stuff.
9:00 am: Morning stretch/yoga session
10:00 am: Start hiking
2:00 pm: Arrive back at camp.
2:30 pm: AWARD CEREMONY! Hand out badges for your accomplishments (yes, including a Pooped in the Woods award)!
3:00 pm: Final Share Circle to reflect on the experience together.
YOU FREAKING DID IT - backcountry camped with nothing but the stuff on your back. It feels awesome, doesn't it?
Don't forget to exchange phone numbers with your new adventure besties!
FAQ
How strenuous will it be?
While this course is designed to be a pleasant experience for beginners, it's important to note that you will be carrying a 25lb pack UPHILL for a few hours on the trail.
Distance: 3.5 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
What should I bring?
We provide most of the backpacking gear, but you'll be responsible for clothing and shoes. You'll get a detailed packing list in advance to ensure you're prepared!
How will you keep us safe?
Both your guides are certified Wilderness First Responders and CPR certified. We will have satellite communicators and robust protocols to ensure the safety of all participants. In other words: we gotchu boo boo!
Prices
$650 with gear included
$550 without gear included
*Payment plans available.
Apply to Join!
If you're interested in participating in Backpacking 101, please click below to apply! If you are selected, we will reach out and get you all set up to join. We can't wait to share this awesome experience with you! Woo hoo!
Backpacking 101 Scholarship
Are you a sober girlie who is eager to learn how to adventure in the backcountry but can't afford to join? We are awarding one scholarship for this awesome course! We believe in the transformative power of this experience and want to ensure that financial hardships don't stand in the way of your participation.
Payment Plan & Cancellation Policy
Payment Plan
Payment Plan Option
After a deposit to secure your spot, your remaining balance will be split into TWO installments that are due before October 4. We will send you payment reminders to ensure you don't forget!
Due dates for payment plans will have a seven day grace period. Any payments 14 days overdue will be assessed a $25/week late fee. We will make every effort to contact you before the 14 day fees are applied. Payments exceeding 30 days overdue will be subject to trip cancellation with no refund. you before the 14 day fees are applied. Payments exceeding 30 days overdue will be subject to trip cancellation with no refund.
Cancellation Policy
This cancellation policy has been designed to be as flexible and compassionate as possible because we know LIFE HAPPENS, but please understand that it also serves to protect the Sober Pal team and the blood, sweat and tears we put into these experiences.
- Full refund before August 30
- 50% refund after August 30
- No refunds after September 27
- Bookings are transferable, meaning someone can take your spot as long as their application is approved. This must be done at least five days before the trip!
No one books with the intention of canceling, but unexpected events do occur, so please consider purchasing travel insurance. We put months of work into each retreat and cancellations cost us time, labor, and money (I learned this the hard way and it was not fun). Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies. No refunds or credits for failure to attend or failure to complete the retreat, or for arriving late or leaving early.
I recommend that you purchase travel insurance if you want additional protection with things like flights, transportation, lost luggage, etc. Trip cancellation insurance is also a good idea because fees will be covered should you have a medical problem prior to your trip or while on the trip. Trip insurance can also cover medical expenses in the event you have an accident while on the retreat. TRUST ME it’s worth the investment!
Here is a link to a travel insurance policy that past sober pal attendees have used and loved!
Button to this link: https://www.travelexinsurance.com/travel-insurance/benefits/trip-cancellation-interruption
In the unlikely event that we cancel a retreat, your payment will be credited to a future retreat or a full refund will be provided.