Explore the Wind River or Absaroka Mountains on a transformative lightweight backpacking adventure.
Join NOLS for a 14-day expedition that combines lightweight technical backpacking skills, leadership training and wilderness medicine, all while traveling through some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the Rockies. Designed for those who want to master the art of traveling light, this course will help you trim your pack weight and explore the backcountry with minimal gear. Whether you’re preparing for a long-distance trail like the Appalachian Trail (AT) or Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) or simply seeking a new challenge, this course will teach you the skills needed to travel efficiently, safely, and confidently.
Photo credit: Micheline Callicott
Lightweight backpacking isn’t just about reducing weight—it’s about a new way of experiencing the wilderness.
The Rocky Mountain Lightweight Backpacking - Hybrid course isn’t just a backpacking trip; it’s a journey of personal growth and skill mastery. You’ll learn to minimize your gear, maximize your efficiency, and experience the mountains in a more intimate, mindful way. Hiking through alpine meadows, past crystal-clear lakes, and beneath towering peaks, you’ll discover the freedom that comes with traveling light—both physically and mentally.
Beyond technical backpacking skills, this course is about pushing your limits, enhancing your decision-making abilities, and learning how to lead and support others in challenging backcountry environments. You'll gain confidence in navigating rough terrain, adapting to unpredictable weather, and managing group dynamics—all while preparing for your next big outdoor adventure.
Photo credit: Matt Hage
A stunning, wild landscape of granite peaks, alpine lakes, and rugged trails.
The Wind River and Absaroka Mountains are among the most beautiful and remote ranges in North America, renowned for their dramatic granite cliffs, wildflower-filled valleys, and pristine alpine lakes. During this course, you’ll cover 100-140 miles of on- and off-trail terrain, from towering peaks to glacier-carved valleys, all while navigating some of the most rugged and scenic landscapes in the Rockies.
Expect a mix of terrain—mountain passes, wild rivers, and densely vegetated areas—requiring you to employ a range of wilderness skills, from map reading and navigation to efficient gear packing and Leave No Trace principles. You’ll also learn to manage risks associated with hiking in bear country, ensuring that your adventures are both safe and enjoyable.
Gain invaluable skills that will help you thrive in the backcountry, no matter where your next adventure takes you.
The Rocky Mountain Lightweight Backpacking - Hybrid course offers a comprehensive set of skills that blend outdoor technical proficiency with leadership and decision-making capabilities. By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to embark on your own lightweight backpacking trips, knowing how to manage risk, navigate complex terrain, and lead a group in challenging environments.
Key skills you will develop include:
Lightweight Backpacking Techniques: Learn how to efficiently pack your gear and reduce pack weight while maintaining safety and comfort in the backcountry.
Wilderness First Aid: Gain the skills to manage self-care and provide basic medical support in remote settings.
Map Reading and Navigation: Master both on- and off-trail navigation, including the use of a compass and map for backcountry travel.
Leave No Trace Principles: Adopt environmentally sustainable practices to minimize your impact on the wilderness.
Risk Management: Learn to assess hazards, make informed decisions, and stay safe in challenging terrain, including glacier crossings and steep rock slopes.
Group Leadership and Expedition Behavior: Develop leadership skills as you work closely with peers, balancing decision-making with teamwork in a dynamic backcountry environment.
Photo credit: Micheline Callicott
A detailed, hands-on curriculum designed for active engagement and personal growth.
The course begins with a 2-day Wilderness First Aid module, providing foundational skills for self-care and emergency response in the backcountry. You will review and assemble your own lightweight first aid kit, which will become an essential tool throughout your journey.
Over the next 12 days, you’ll embark on a backpacking expedition, covering 100-140 miles of diverse terrain. Your days will consist of:
Daily Backpacking and Navigation: Learn to hike efficiently and navigate through rugged terrain with minimal gear.
Technical Skills Training: From stove use to map reading, you’ll hone your skills to ensure a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience.
Bear Awareness and Safety: Learn how to live and travel in bear country, applying best practices for risk mitigation.
Group Dynamics and Leadership Development: Work closely with your team, practicing leadership and supporting others as you travel together.
Conquer physical and mental challenges while developing invaluable wilderness and leadership skills.
While this course offers breathtaking beauty, it also comes with its share of challenges. Weather in the Rockies is unpredictable, ranging from scorching sun to snowstorms, high winds, and sudden rain. You’ll need to adapt quickly and stay resilient in the face of whatever the elements throw your way.
Terrain can be equally demanding, with steep ascents, rocky terrain, and river crossings, requiring physical endurance, problem-solving, and teamwork. Additionally, traveling through bear habitat presents its own set of risks, which will teach you to stay vigilant, work together, and practice responsible wilderness ethics.
The reward for overcoming these challenges is immense—both in terms of personal growth and outdoor skill mastery. By the end of the course, you’ll have a stronger sense of self, newfound confidence in the backcountry, and the ability to lead and support others in wilderness settings.
Photo credit: Matt Hage
For those who want to test their limits and prepare for extended backpacking adventures.
This course is ideal for individuals who are already comfortable with basic backpacking but are ready to take their skills to the next level. If you’re preparing for a long-distance trail or want to improve your lightweight backpacking knowledge, this course will allow you to practice a variety of systems (cooking, navigation, etc.) that will provide you with the skills to travel efficiently and confidently in remote wilderness areas. A strong physical condition and the desire to embrace challenges are essential, but previous wilderness experience is not required.
Become part of a network of adventurers, outdoor leaders, and environmental stewards.
Upon completing the Rocky Mountain Lightweight Backpacking - Hybrid course, you’ll join the NOLS community of alumni who lead and inspire others in the world of outdoor education, environmental conservation, and leadership. The skills you gain on this course will not only benefit your backcountry adventures but will also shape your personal and professional growth.
Ready to challenge yourself, reduce your pack weight, and lead in the wilderness? The adventure of a lifetime awaits—join us in the Rocky Mountains and discover your potential.