Overview
Prepare for your first night in the woods from the comfort of your own home with this comprehensive digital curriculum. This course breaks down the intimidating world of outdoor gear and trail logistics into clear, manageable steps. Whether you are a solo traveler or a "planner" who wants to feel ready before your first overnight trip, this class provides the foundational knowledge you need to step onto the trail with confidence.
Highlights
Gear Deep Dive: A clear guide to choosing the right backpack, footwear, and sleep system without the pressure of a retail environment.
Navigation Basics: Practical lessons on how to read a topographic map and plan a safe route for an overnight trip.
Backcountry Logistics: Checklists and videos covering food storage, water filtration, and Leave No Trace principles.
Supportive Community: Access to a digital space where you can ask "basic" questions and get feedback from professional guides.
Meet your guide
Trish Schales
Guide/Owner for Trails Diverged
My primary goals as a guide are to help people build confidence, feel comfortable as a beginner, leave no trace, and recreate safely. I know how it feels to be intimidated by a new activity, and I will always work to be sure you feel safe physically and emotionally so that you can enjoy our trip and learn something new.
During our time together, I will call upon of 6,000 miles of backcountry experience & Search and Rescue experience to help you enjoy the outdoors safely. I strive to provide a personalized experience that shows a different side of the world to my clients, and to help them gain a better and deeper understanding of the sites and destinations we visit.
My passion is helping people that don't have the income to "try out" backpacking and wilderness exploration. My goal is to make access affordable and safe, while building confidence and life-long memories.
I have Wilderness First Responder training and practice the Leave No Trace principles so that we can recreate responsibly and conserve our special places for generations to come. I also teach Wilderness survival classes and backcountry navigation - I take care of the planning and medical gear so you can relax and enjoy the view. I have been a dedicated Professional Guide since 2020, and I was awarded the prestigious REI Guide of the Year Award in 2024.
If you’d like to tour with me, please get in touch so I can start creating the perfect itinerary for you.
Total Mileage:
None! This is a virtual class.
Transportation Included?
Tendency for Break
Duration:
Strenuous Level:
Pace:
Max Group Size:
Minimum Age:
Anyone can join!
Experienced Needed?
You don't need any previous outdoor knowledge to start this course—just a curious mind and a desire to learn the basics from home.
This experience is perfect for:
This is for the planner who wants a safe space to ask "basic" questions and get prepared at home before they ever set foot in a high-pressure outdoor retail store.
What's Included:
A digital, step-by-step guide you can follow from home to learn how to pack your bag and choose the right gear.
Expert instruction on how to read a topographic map and navigate a trail before you ever head out.
A clear breakdown of how to plan your first overnight trip, including how to find campsites and manage your food.
Practical checklists for gear, safety, and trail etiquette that you can download and use for any future trip.
What's Not Included:
Physical gear for the trail, such as backpacks or tents.
Entry fees or permits for any individual trips you plan on your own.
In-person trail instruction or guided hiking.
Cancellation Policy:
Since this is a digital course that provides immediate access to all guides and materials from your home, we do not offer refunds once the purchase is complete, but we will work with you directly if you run into any technical issues accessing your content.
Get on the trail!
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