What is the best way to learn how to backpack safely, comfortably, and confidently in a lightweight fashion? Ultralight Backpacking Boot Camp!

What is it?

Ultralight Backpacking Boot Camp is a 6 - 9 week online course designed for beginner-to-intermediate backpackers. It covers everything including philosophy, gear, and techniques to minimize pack weight and maximize adventure without having to drink your pee!

Not only will the course cover backpacking, it will also provide valuable information on how to apply ultralight backpacking techniques to other contexts such as fishing, packrafting, and photography. When carrying gear for any activity in the outdoors, going lighter directly correlates with more comfort and enjoyment - you will be able to focus on and take pleasure in the moment, rather than endure the pain of too-much-stuff. This course will get you there.

Who is it designed for?

The course is designed for beginner or intermediate backpackers who want to learn how to backpack in a lightweight/ultralight style.

This course is NOT designed just for 20-year-olds with too much money and no responsibilities - it is designed for everyone, and that is one of the reasons I am so excited about it. If you want to travel solo, as a couple, in a group, as a family, in the winter, as a thru-hiker, or on a long distance trek, then this course is for you. At the core, ultralight backpacking philosophy and techniques are similar no matter what the scenario. The course curriculum has modules to address your special considerations, whatever they may be. Whether you want to head out for a weekend with your family and don't know how much your kids can carry, or you want to tackle the PCT with your buddy but can't decide which sleep system will best suit your needs, the course material will have you covered.

Does being out in the woods strike fear in your bones? Perhaps you are a backpacker (or want to take-up the habit) but are fearful of the weather, the bugs or the bears. The greatest countermeasure for fear is to arm yourself with knowledge. The thorough curriculum will provide you with the knowledge you need to travel outdoors with safety and confidence, and allow you to enjoy every moment as much as possible without worrying about what could go wrong.

Who is teaching the course?

Ladies and gentlemen, meet your instructor...

If this guy looks like one of those crazy outdoorsmen who is having too much fun, well it's because he is! Ryan Jordan - ultralight backpacking guru and guide extraordinaire, founder/CEO of Backpacking Light, photographer, fisherman, packrafter, family man, and boyscout leader - loves the outdoors. In fact, one of the main reasons I think he loves the outdoors so much is because he doesn't wear a heavy pack. He has spent years in the backcountry building his experience and refining his art of lightweight backpacking.

In addition to Ryan, select parts of the course will be contributed by other domain experts as appropriate. Yours truly (yes, me!) will be contributing two sections: Footwear, and Trekking with Children. Others will be contributing in their specific areas of expertise as well.

If you sign-up for the course, not only will you be receiving world class instruction, you will be supporting our family too!

Something for everybody

The course is being offered in three different packages:

• A 6-week self-directed online course - This is the basic online course materials; a good starter for someone who is just dipping their toes in the water.
• A 6-week directed online course with mentoring - If you are looking to get serious about ultralight backpacking, this package steps-it-up a notch by including email mentoring with Ryan. You get to tap into a wealth of information, more customized to your specific requirements. Enrollment is limited.
• A 9-week directed online course with mentoring and a 5-day expedition trek - This course is the full enchilada. It includes everything you need to learn the fine art of ultralight backpacking: it includes everything in the 6-week mentored program with the addition of live teleconferences and a 5-day expedition with Ryan (and one or more other instructors) as part of Backpacking Light's Wilderness Trekking School. Enrollment is very limited.

Registration officially opens today and space is limited so make sure you sign-up now to take advantage of this incredible opportunity!