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Welcome.

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Welcome.

Many people want to go into the backcountry on a camping trip, but don’t know how. There are so many things to learn, and many are vital to you having a good time and returning home, safe and unharmed. A lot of these topics are also really important for the wildlife and environment that you’re going to be visiting, and you should know how best to protect them, if you are heading out to enjoy their areas. Everything in this course is explained simply, but in great detail. You are able to learn at your own pace, from anywhere that is convenient for you, and can go through the entire course in a day, or a year, it’s totally up to you.

I created this online course so people who are new to backcountry camping, or want to learn more about it, can have just one place to go to, to learn all of the things needed to head out on a backcountry camping trip, from start to finish. I have also priced it economically, as my real passion is to have people head out into the backcountry with the knowledge required for a safe and successful adventure. I sincerely want people to embark on their adventure feeling confident and able to deal with most issues that will arise,  and be able to handle them with ease.

In this course, you will find 22 sections each covering a specific topic. Each section will have lectures inside of it, which will go over the items related to that topic. Each lecture will consist of a short video, combined with pictures and examples to go along with what that lecture is covering. Each lecture will cover as much detail as needed for that particular subject. There are over 100 lectures in this course.

At the end of some sections, I have also included Alternative Lessons, showing the same topic being discussed in an outdoor setting and in another way, to help those of you who may learn a bit differently. Some sections have resources at the end of them, and others have quizzes, so you can test your knowledge along the way. The entire course is also full of tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years. You can pick and chose parts of this course, if you are already familiar with certain topics, but as each lecture is short, it is recommended that you view all of the lectures, as there are many ways to do things. You never know what new information you might discover.

My name is Christina, and I will be leading you through the course. I have 19 years of experience backcountry camping. The majority of the trips I’ve gone on in the past five years have been solo trips in remote areas. I have also successfully completed many courses in kayaking, canoeing, navigation and wilderness first aid and have gained valuable information along the way. I began sharing my experiences through my blog and YouTube channel in 2015. In 2017, I began creating backcountry camping presentations to share in front of large audiences at events and trade shows, and that has all led me here.

So many people have fears associated with backcountry camping, but sometimes, fear can be disguised as a simple lack of knowledge. Learn about all the things you need to know while backcountry camping, and your fears should subside. With knowledge, you have power and my goal here is to give you as much knowledge as possible, so you are sufficiently prepared for your backcountry camping trip and it is filled with incredible moments that will last a lifetime. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started.

PLEASE NOTE:  A paddling course or paddling experience is a pre-requisite for this course, and something that is highly recommended if your backcountry trip involves paddling in any way, and you are not heading out with experienced paddlers.

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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the intricacies of backcountry camping, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject
Taught by an experienced backcountry camper, who has successfully completed wilderness survival courses
Includes a variety of learning materials, such as videos, pictures, and alternative lessons
Lays a strong foundation for beginners who want to embark on backcountry camping trips
Covers a wide range of topics, from camping gear to wildlife safety, providing a holistic view of backcountry camping
Provides tips and tricks gained from years of experience, offering valuable insights for campers

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Backcountry Camping For Beginners with these activities:
Join a backcountry camping club or online forum
Connect with other people who share your interest in backcountry camping and learn from their experiences.
Show steps
  • Search for a backcountry camping club or online forum.
  • Join the club or forum.
  • Participate in discussions and activities.
Watch a video tutorial on how to purify water in the wilderness
Learn how to purify water from natural sources using different methods, such as boiling, filtration, or chemical treatment.
Browse courses on Water Purification
Show steps
  • Search for a video tutorial on water purification.
  • Watch the video tutorial.
  • Practice purifying water using the method you learned in the video tutorial.
Review the basics of wilderness survival
Review the 10 essentials of wilderness survival, including water, shelter, fire, and navigation.
Browse courses on Wilderness Survival
Show steps
  • Watch a video or read an article about the 10 essentials of wilderness survival.
  • Gather your gear and practice setting up your shelter and fire.
  • Go for a short hike in a wilderness area and practice using your navigation skills.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a gear list for a specific backcountry camping trip
Create a comprehensive gear list for a specific backcountry camping trip, taking into account the destination, duration, and weather conditions.
Browse courses on Backpacking
Show steps
  • Research the destination and weather conditions.
  • Create a list of essential gear.
  • Add optional gear based on your preferences.
  • Review and finalize your gear list.
Practice packing for a backcountry camping trip
Practice packing your backpack with all of the essential gear for a backcountry camping trip.
Browse courses on Backpacking
Show steps
  • Create a packing list based on the length and difficulty of your trip.
  • Gather all of your gear and lay it out on the floor.
  • Pack your backpack according to your packing list.
  • Weigh your backpack and adjust the weight if necessary.
Read 'Backcountry Camping: A Complete Guide to Wilderness Camping' by Rick Curtis
Gain a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping techniques and best practices from an experienced author.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
  • Read the book.
  • Take notes and highlight key passages.
  • Apply what you learned to your own backcountry camping trips.
Write a blog post about your backcountry camping experience
Share your knowledge and experience by writing a blog post about your backcountry camping trip.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your blog post.
  • Write a draft of your blog post.
  • Edit and revise your blog post.
  • Publish your blog post.
Lead a group of friends on a backcountry camping trip
Share your knowledge and experience by leading a group of friends on a backcountry camping trip.
Show steps
  • Choose a destination and plan your itinerary.
  • Gather a group of friends who are interested in going on a backcountry camping trip.
  • Lead your group on the backcountry camping trip.
  • Reflect on your experience and share your lessons learned with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Backcountry Camping For Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Outward Bound Instructor
Outward Bound Instructors lead groups of students on outdoor expeditions, teaching them wilderness skills, teamwork, and leadership. This course can help Outward Bound Instructors by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping, including how to plan a trip, choose the right gear, and stay safe in the wilderness. The course also covers topics such as environmental ethics and Leave No Trace principles, which are important for Outward Bound Instructors to know in order to protect the environment while leading trips.
Park Ranger
Park Rangers work in national and state parks, protecting natural resources and providing visitor services. This course can help Park Rangers by providing them with a strong foundation in backcountry camping, which is essential for working in remote areas. The course also covers topics such as wildlife management, environmental education, and search and rescue, which are all important skills for Park Rangers to have.
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologists study the behavior and ecology of wildlife populations. This course can help Wildlife Biologists by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping, which is essential for conducting research in remote areas. The course also covers topics such as wildlife tracking, habitat assessment, and data collection, which are all important skills for Wildlife Biologists to have.
Environmental Educator
Environmental Educators teach people about the environment and how to protect it. This course can help Environmental Educators by providing them with a strong foundation in backcountry camping, which is essential for leading outdoor education programs. The course also covers topics such as environmental ethics, Leave No Trace principles, and wildlife interpretation, which are all important for Environmental Educators to know in order to effectively teach about the environment.
Outdoor Recreation Planner
Outdoor Recreation Planners develop and manage outdoor recreation areas such as parks, forests, and trails. This course can help Outdoor Recreation Planners by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping, which is essential for planning and managing backcountry recreation opportunities. The course also covers topics such as environmental impact assessment, land use planning, and public involvement, which are all important skills for Outdoor Recreation Planners to have.
Adventure Travel Guide
Adventure Travel Guides lead groups of people on adventure trips, such as hiking, backpacking, and kayaking. This course can help Adventure Travel Guides by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping, which is essential for leading safe and enjoyable trips. The course also covers topics such as group management, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness, which are all important skills for Adventure Travel Guides to have.
Search and Rescue Technician
Search and Rescue Technicians locate and rescue people who are lost or injured in the wilderness. This course can help Search and Rescue Technicians by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping, which is essential for conducting search and rescue operations in remote areas. The course also covers topics such as wilderness navigation, survival skills, and medical emergencies, which are all important skills for Search and Rescue Technicians to have.
Conservation Officer
Conservation Officers enforce environmental laws and regulations. This course can help Conservation Officers by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping, which is essential for patrolling remote areas and enforcing backcountry regulations. The course also covers topics such as wildlife law enforcement, search and rescue, and environmental education, which are all important skills for Conservation Officers to have.
Naturalist
Naturalists interpret the natural world for the public. This course can help Naturalists by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping, which is essential for leading guided tours and educational programs in remote areas. The course also covers topics such as wildlife identification, habitat ecology, and environmental education, which are all important skills for Naturalists to have.
Backcountry Guide
Backcountry Guides lead groups of people on backcountry trips, such as hiking, backpacking, and camping. This course can help Backcountry Guides by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping, which is essential for leading safe and enjoyable trips. The course also covers topics such as group management, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness, which are all important skills for Backcountry Guides to have.
Wilderness Therapy Guide
Wilderness Therapy Guides lead groups of people on wilderness therapy trips, which use the wilderness to help people overcome personal challenges. This course can help Wilderness Therapy Guides by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping, which is essential for leading safe and therapeutic trips. The course also covers topics such as group dynamics, counseling skills, and wilderness ethics, which are all important skills for Wilderness Therapy Guides to have.
Outdoor Photographer
Outdoor Photographers capture images of the natural world. This course can help Outdoor Photographers by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping, which is essential for taking photographs in remote areas. The course also covers topics such as wilderness ethics, Leave No Trace principles, and wildlife photography, which are all important skills for Outdoor Photographers to have.
Backcountry Chef
Backcountry Chefs prepare and cook food for groups of people on backcountry trips. This course can help Backcountry Chefs by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping, which is essential for planning and preparing meals in remote areas. The course also covers topics such as food safety, nutrition, and cooking techniques, which are all important skills for Backcountry Chefs to have.
Backcountry Horseman
Backcountry Horsemen ride horses in the wilderness for recreation or work purposes. This course can help Backcountry Horsemen by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping, which is essential for travelling safely and responsibly in remote areas with horses. The course also covers topics such as horse care, packing techniques, and wilderness navigation, which are all important skills for Backcountry Horsemen to have.
Backcountry Skier
Backcountry Skiers ski in the wilderness, away from developed ski trails. This course may be useful for Backcountry Skiers by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of backcountry camping, which is essential for travelling safely and responsibly in remote areas while skiing. The course also covers topics such as avalanche safety, wilderness navigation, and survival skills, which are all important skills for Backcountry Skiers to have.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Backcountry Camping For Beginners.
Lorene provides detailed and easy-to-follow instructions for backcountry campers. highly recommended read for anyone new to backcountry camping, as well as a compliment for this course.
Comprehensive guide to backcountry camping, covering everything from planning and preparation to gear and food. It valuable resource for anyone who is new to backcountry camping or wants to learn more about it. Additionally, the book also contains trip reports from the author's own experiences, which can be helpful for planning your own trips.
If you're going backcountry camping, it's important to be prepared for any emergency. provides comprehensive first aid instructions, making it an excellent reference tool for backcountry campers.
Covers all the essential topics of wilderness navigation, including map and compass use, GPS, and celestial navigation. It valuable resource for anyone who plans on doing any backcountry camping or hiking.
Helpful resource for anyone who wants to learn how to deal with common injuries and illnesses that can occur in the wilderness. It covers topics such as wound care, splinting, and treating altitude sickness.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the art of wilderness survival. It contains detailed instructions and helpful tips, making it a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Comprehensive guide to hiking and backpacking, covering everything from gear and food to route planning and safety. It helpful resource for anyone who is new to backpacking or wants to learn more about it.
Is specifically for those who are planning to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. It covers all the essential topics, from planning and preparation to gear and resupply.
Is specifically for those who are planning to hike the Pacific Northwest Trail. It covers all the essential topics, from planning and preparation to gear and resupply.
Provides a comprehensive overview of wilderness first aid. It contains detailed instructions and helpful tips, making it a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of backpacking. It contains detailed instructions and helpful tips, making it a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.

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