A Backcountry Guide for Those Who Wander is a 50 page practical and approachable introduction to backpacking, created for anyone who has ever dreamed of spending a night beneath the stars but wasn't quite sure where to begin. Built from years of personal experience, extensive research, and guidance from trusted organizations including the National Park Service, NOLS, the American Red Cross, and Leave No Trace, this downloadable guide is designed to help you build the knowledge and confidence to take that first step into the backcountry.
Inside, you'll find guidance on trip planning, choosing and packing gear, food and hydration, water filtration, Leave No Trace principles, backcountry hygiene, first aid, wildlife safety, navigation, and the most common mistakes new backpackers make. Rather than overwhelming you with technical information, this guide focuses on the practical skills, habits, and mindset that will help you feel prepared before you ever step onto the trail. Along the way, I've included lessons learned from my own adventures, personal recommendations, and tips I wish someone had shared with me before my first backpacking trip.
Whether you're planning your very first overnight adventure or looking to build confidence before tackling longer backcountry routes, my hope is that this guide helps you spend less time wondering if you're ready and more time experiencing the incredible places that await beyond the trailhead.
Coming Fall 2026: An expanded hardcover edition will feature beautiful full color photography, recommended beginner and advanced backpacking routes, printable packing checklists, gear recommendations, trip planning worksheets, and even more stories, tips, and resources to help you confidently explore the outdoors.
Because every great adventure starts with taking that first step.
A Backcountry Guide for Those Who Wander is a 50 page practical and approachable introduction to backpacking, created for anyone who has ever dreamed of spending a night beneath the stars but wasn't quite sure where to begin. Built from years of personal experience, extensive research, and guidance from trusted organizations including the National Park Service, NOLS, the American Red Cross, and Leave No Trace, this downloadable guide is designed to help you build the knowledge and confidence to take that first step into the backcountry.
Inside, you'll find guidance on trip planning, choosing and packing gear, food and hydration, water filtration, Leave No Trace principles, backcountry hygiene, first aid, wildlife safety, navigation, and the most common mistakes new backpackers make. Rather than overwhelming you with technical information, this guide focuses on the practical skills, habits, and mindset that will help you feel prepared before you ever step onto the trail. Along the way, I've included lessons learned from my own adventures, personal recommendations, and tips I wish someone had shared with me before my first backpacking trip.
Whether you're planning your very first overnight adventure or looking to build confidence before tackling longer backcountry routes, my hope is that this guide helps you spend less time wondering if you're ready and more time experiencing the incredible places that await beyond the trailhead.
Coming Fall 2026: An expanded hardcover edition will feature beautiful full color photography, recommended beginner and advanced backpacking routes, printable packing checklists, gear recommendations, trip planning worksheets, and even more stories, tips, and resources to help you confidently explore the outdoors.
Because every great adventure starts with taking that first step.
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