Event Details
ENROLLMENT FOR THIS PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED. See the Events Calendar for upcoming cohorts.
Basecamp Live • Spring 2025 Cohort
Basecamp Live • Spring 2025 Cohort
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
Spring 2025 Cohort Schedule (Live Sessions)
* All sessions will be recorded and available to watch at your leisure.
| Session # | Day of Week | Date | Time | Topic |
| 1 | Thursday | 20.March.2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM US MST | Training, Fitness, and Nutrition for Backpackers |
| 2 | Thursday | 27.March.2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM US MST | Backpacks, Packing, and Storage Systems |
| 3 | Thursday | 3.April.2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM US MST | Shelter Systems |
| 4 | Thursday | 10.April.2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM US MST | Clothing Systems for Trekking, Inclement Weather, and Camping in the Cold |
| 5 | Thursday | 17.April.2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM US MST | Hydration, Nutrition, Cooking, Stoves, and Meal Planning |
| 6 | Thursday | 24.April.2025 | 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?
- $99 for Basecamp Live Alumni (check your email for your discount code or contact us)
- $299 for Unlimited Members • Become an Unlimited Member Now
- $449 for other Members and the general public
- When is enrollment open?
- Unlimited Members:
- Open Enrollment:
Event Program
Module 1
BPL Basecamp Spring ’25 • Session 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
BPL Basecamp Spring ’25 • Session 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
BPL Basecamp Spring ’25 • Session 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
BPL Basecamp Spring ’25 • Session 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
BPL Basecamp Spring ’25 • Session 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
BPL Basecamp Spring ’25 • Session 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
Meet Your Presenter(s)
Presenter
Ryan Jordan
Ryan Jordan is the owner/founder of Backpacking Light and has been a professional outdoor educator and wilderness guide for more than 30 years.
Reviews
Amazing! The Route Finding session was invaluable. I’ve taken many classes and trips but I learned more in this hour than in my previous 20 years of backpacking. Such simple tips but combined with the checklist it created a fuller picture of execution than I thought possible from an online class. Plus the entire cohort was so enjoyable.
- Gabby O. (Los Angeles, CA)
As someone who has been hiking and backpacking for almost 20 years, I was hesitant to sign up for the course as I thought I wouldn't learn anything new. This wasn't the case at all, I learned new info in every class. Ryan is a trusted source of backpacking knowledge and a great instructor. Stove session was a revelation, the data from all the testing was really useful. There were so many other areas that were useful: packing, training, food, clothing, etc.
- Michael S. (Seattle, Wa)
Excellent - the usual incredibly useful detail that Ryan always provides. [Areas where I learned the most]: The info on condensation, tent selection, energy miles for route planning, and so much more.
- Kathy Dickson (Bodega Bay, CA)
Very good presentations & very useful information; appreciate you answering questions. I learned a lot from other peoples' questions also. [Areas where I learned the most]: Trip planning and route planning were most helpful and what I knew least about. I found the case studies more helpful and wanting more of those. The various case studies & examples helped with the education process.
- Rob H. (Cleveland, OH)
It was great! Very informative. [Areas where I learned the most]: fitness, with what to assist in getting ready for trips. Clothing systems for inclement weather also helped in understanding what to wear and not to wear in inclement weather.
- Ben S. (Western NC)
BASECAMP LIVE • Spring '25
Elevate your expertise - master outdoor gear and skills so you can enjoy the backcountry with confidence.
