Event Details
BASECAMP LIVE is Backpacking Light’s most comprehensive live online backcountry training program for hikers and backpackers interested in elevating their expertise – master outdoor gear and skills so you can enjoy the backcountry with confidence.
Interactive, Live-Streamed, Online
Each cohort consists of a small group of backcountry enthusiasts who participate in an immersive program via live-streamed online video broadcasts moderated by Backpacking Light owner/founder Ryan Jordan. The calls include a keynote discussion about a focused aspect of backpacking gear, skills, or planning, followed by an extensive live Q&A session and additional follow-up support as needed.
Watch the Trailer
Is this program appropriate for my skill level?
“I believe programs like this must address all skill levels based on the pedagogical idea that presentation of advanced skills opens the floodgates of thoughts for beginners and that the presentation of basic skills reminds advanced users to remain grounded in fundamental principles. Our presentations bring beginners up to speed and offer sound refreshers for the rest of you. The remaining issues addressed in each session are balanced so backpackers of all skill levels – whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced backpacker – can benefit from this program.” – Ryan Jordan, Instructor
Early Enrollment & Enrollment Discount Info
{Login with your Unlimited Membership to access the coupon code here}
Spring 2024 Cohort Schedule (Live Sessions)
* All sessions will be recorded and available to watch at your leisure.
| Session # | Day of Week | Date | Time | Topic |
| 1 | Wednesday | 31.January.2024 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM US MST | Training, Fitness, and Nutrition for Backpackers |
| 2 | Wednesday | 07.February.2024 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM US MST | Backpacks, Packing, and Storage Systems |
| 3 | Tuesday | 13.February.2024 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM US MST | Shelter Systems |
| 4 | Wednesday | 28.February.2024 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM US MST | Clothing Systems for Trekking, Inclement Weather, and Camping in the Cold |
| 5 | Wednesday | 06.March.2024 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM US MST | Hydration, Nutrition, Cooking, Stoves, and Meal Planning |
| 6 | Wednesday | 13.March.2024 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM US MST | Trip & Route Planning |
Watch this video to learn more about the curriculum:
FAQ
- Is enrollment limited?
- Yes – Cohort participation is limited to preserve interaction quality and participant support.
- Will enrollment fill during the period of time it’s available only to Unlimited Members?
- Based on past programs similar to this, Unlimited Members usually secure at least 90% of available enrollment slots before the program is offered to the general public.
- How many hours of training sessions are included with this program?
- There are 6 scheduled LIVE sessions ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours each = 12 hours total.
- LIVE session length may be extended to give all enrollees a chance to participate in the Q&A.
- If I can’t make a live session, can I watch a recorded version later?
- Yes, all sessions are recorded, and you can watch them at any time after the scheduled session. In addition, you’ll have access to all recorded sessions forever.
- What’s the format of each live session?
- Keynote presentations + Live Q&A with participants
- What if I have other questions that weren’t able to be addressed in the live sessions?
- All participants will have email access to Ryan for additional support. In addition, Ryan is available for private coaching/consulting either online or in person as needed (additional fees may apply).
- What’s the enrollment fee?
- $299 for Unlimited Members • Become an Unlimited Member Now
- $399 for other Members and the general public
- When is enrollment open?
- Unlimited Members: January 5, 2024
- Open Enrollment: January 10, 2024
Event Program
Module 1
Training, Fitness, and Nutrition for Backpackers
- Fundamentals of endurance training for backpackers and hikers
- The Backpacking Light pre-season training program
- How to adapt the training program to your individual physiology, lifestyle, and local geography
- Off-season nutrition to prepare for seasonal backpacking
- Case Study: physiological performance data from a six-month backpacking endurance training cycle
Module 2
Backpacks, Packing, and Storage Systems
- Load suspension systems
- Analysis of backpack suspension types vs. load-carrying comfort
- Backpack fitting and adjustment for optimal load-carrying efficiency
- Case study: managing bear canisters
Module 3
Shelter Systems
- How to stabilize ultralight shelters effectively in storm conditions
- Condensation management – principles and techniques
- Case study: what shelter type vs. type of trip & locale
Module 4
Clothing Systems for Trekking, Inclement Weather, and Camping in the Cold
- Physiological fundamentals of vapor and moisture transmission in clothing systems during activity
- Case studies: clothing systems for trekking in heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow
Module 5
Hydration, Nutrition, Cooking, Stoves, and Meal Planning
- State of the science: hydration physiology
- Nutritional deficiencies that negatively impact backpacking
- Improving your morale – good food and easy cooking without complexity and cost
- Case studies: macronutrient ratios vs. endurance performance
Module 6
Trip & Route Planning
- Finding campsites – evaluating terrain, vegetation, ground cover, and topography using 2D and 3D satellite imagery
- Energy-mile theory
- Routefinding and planning – off-trail in non-technical terrain
