The Essential Guide to Hanging a Bear Bag

The Wilderness Knows No Names

Handling Black Bear Encounters: What You Need to Know

THE WILD IS CHANGING.

Winter Is Coming In Hot (Well, Cold)

The forecast shifted: comfort’s out, consequence is in.

Icy mornings, bone-deep chill, and short days punish guesswork.

Ready to turn “surviving” into “thriving” this season?

Build a smarter kit.

Build a stronger mind.

View the Backpacker's Library

Building a Stronger Mind for Life's Challenges

Your First Backpacking Trip: A Guided Walk Into the Wild

Mindset First: Building a Lifestyle That Strengthens Mental Resilience

Strategic Wilderness Foundations – a comprehensive beginner-level course in smart, safe backpacking.

Just Launch: The Backpacker’s Ten Course

I’ve built a new course around The Backpacker’s Ten—the same framework I use to plan my own trips. Strategic Wilderness Foundations is for new and growing backpackers who are done guessing their way through gear, planning, and risk.

Instead of random tips and YouTube rabbit holes, you’ll get a clear system for thinking, planning, and making better decisions when the wild doesn’t follow the script.

Get Course Details

Founding students will get early access and 50% OFF using coupon code: NATURE50

The Backpacker’s Ten:
A Strategic Guide to Backpacking

A Modern Backpacking System to Keep You Safe, Self-Reliant, and Ready for Anything.

#1 Mindset & Strategy

Your mental framework for planning routes, checking weather, developing contingencies, staying aware, and managing risk—while treading lightly on the land, following Leave No Trace principles, and embracing the beauty of nature.

#2 Shelter & Insulation

All means of protecting your body from exposure—tents, tarps, bivvies, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and proper clothing layers.

#3 Water & Purification

Methods and containers to obtain, carry, and purify water in the backcountry.

#4 Fire & Light

Everything needed to produce flame or heat and light—matches, lighters, ferro rods, tinder—plus headlamps, flashlights, or lanterns for illumination.

#5 Tools & Repairs

Items for backcountry work—knives, multi-tools, repair kits, duct tape, paracord—to craft solutions or fix gear in the field.

#6 Food & Fuel

All your calorie sources plus a method to cook or heat water if required.

#7 Navigation & Orientation

Tools to prevent or overcome getting lost—maps, compasses, GPS devices, route guides—and the know-how to use them.

#8 First Aid & Hygiene

Supplies to address injuries and maintain basic cleanliness—bandages, antiseptics, medications, hand sanitizer, and proper waste disposal techniques.

#9 Communication & Signaling

Devices and techniques for contacting help or making yourself visible—phones, satellite communicators, PLBs, whistles, signal mirrors, bright clothing.

#10 Loadout & Gear Security

How you choose, organize, and protect all your gear—proper pack selection, dry bags, rain covers, and smart compartmentalization (so critical gear stays safe and accessible).

Start Thriving in the Wild

Get the Guide

Now on Amazon

What is The Backpacker’s Ten?

It’s a complete framework that teaches you how to think, plan, and adapt in the backcountry. Instead of just focusing on gear, it helps you develop real strategies to handle anything the wild throws at you.