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Become a wilderness baddie!

Is your soul craving a new hobby that make you feel unstoppable? Backpacking 101 is your launchpad to outdoor badassery and the most FUN and approachable course you'll ever take.

Over three days, you'll learn backpacking basics from the experts and have a chance to put your wilderness skills to the test alongside amazing sober and sober-curious women.

Together, you’ll master how to pack a backpack, filter drinking water, cook dinner in the backcountry and, yes, even how to poop in the woods like a wilderness queen!

This weekend will be part slumber party, part educational course, and part wilderness retreat --- complete with epic views and heartfelt conversations that make you feel INSPIRED!

UPCOMING COURSES

June 19-21

Backpacking 101 in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

Level: Beginner, 3 miles hiking with backpack

We're partnering with Blue Ridge Hiking Company to bring you the ULTIMATE crash course in trail smarts and a chance to reconnect with yourself and a supportive community of sober baddies!

We’ll teach you everything you need to know to feel like a pro on the trail, including packing, navigation, cooking, staying safe, and yes - even pooping in the woods.

Join us for an adventure that will leave you with confidence, epic memories, and your new besties!

learn more!
July 17-19

Ultra Novice Backpacking 101 in Tahoe National Forest, Truckee, California

Level: Ultra-Novice, 1.5 miles hiking with backpack

This ultra-novice backpacking course offers a shorter, more accessible hike to camp, and an optional 2 mile day hike.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, easing into movement, or just don't feel like doing a longer hike (hey--we get it!), this is our most accessible adventured esigned to help you feel like a badass on the trail!

learn more!
September 18-20

Backpacking 101 in Tahoe National Forest, California

Level: Beginner, 4 miles hiking with backpack

This weekend will be part slumber party, part educational course, and part wilderness retreat.

Over three days, you'll learn backpacking basics from the experts and have a chance to put your wilderness skills to the test alongside amazing sober and sober-curious women.

Together, you’ll master how to pack a backpack, filter drinking water, cook dinner in the backcountry and, yes, even how to poop in the woods like a wilderness queen!

learn more!

Price

$800 with gear included
$700 without gear included

*Tip not included! If your guides made your experience extra magical, a tip is a great way to show appreciation! Industry standard for a guided backpacking trip is 15-20% split between the guides however you like!

Payment plans available!

Apply for a Scholarship!

Are you a sober girlie who is eager to learn how to adventure in the backcountry but can't afford to join? We award one scholarship for each BP101 course so someone can attend for FREE! We believe in the transformative power of this experience and want to ensure that financial hardships don't stand in the way of your participation.

Apply for scholarshp!

Photo Album

Ready to see what trail magic looks like? Check out the grit, giggles, and epic memories from last year’s Backpacking 101 adventures with our badass crew of sober women!

Word on the Trail

See testimonials from amazing women who said YES to joining the Whitewater Adventure Retreat!

Nourishing For My Soul!

Backpacking 101 was informative and nurturing. I came into the weekend not knowing much about it backpacking. I learned how to filter water, pack my backpack efficiently, set up camp and my tent, poop in the woods, and most importantly, "leave no trace" ethos.

I really enjoyed spending time with other like minded women who have been on a similar journey and have decided to break up with alcohol.

It was nice to be able to talk openly about our experiences and even laugh at some of the drunk escapades we used to have.

The guides were informative and patient and took time to answer all our questions and make sure we felt confident and safe. They had a wealth of knowledge from their years of backpacking experience and I really appreciated them sharing that knowledge so that I could become confident backpacking myself.

Spending time with sober adventurous women in nature was nourishing for my soul and I highly recommend anyone curious about backpacking!

Highly, highly recommend!

What an amazing time in nature with an awesome group of sober, like-minded women. I have always loved nature and have always wanted to go on a backpacking trip. I'm so glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to go on this trip with a group of women who I had never met before.

The guides did an amazing job organizing everything and making it such a fun and smooth process. I signed up because I was longing for a community with like-minded women who have also decided to remove alcohol from their life, and that is exactly what I got.

Stepping away from everyday life and immersing ourselves in nature and having deep conversations around our sobriety stories and what we have been through was so enriching and fulfilling.

I hope to go on another one this year. Highly, highly recommend!

These connections will live with me forever!

This was my second YSP Adventures Retreat and Laura blew it out of the park, once again!

This retreat in particular, is very special. Because, not only do you get to experience community/connection with like-minded women who are on a similar journey, you ALSO get to learn how to be a self-sufficient BADASS in the great outdoors!

We learned how to precisely pack all of the gear/food we would need into a single backpack, that would basically act as our house/lifeline for the next few days/nights.

We learned how to filter water from nearby water sources and LNT (leave no trace) best practices, to keep our carbon footprint light. And soo much more- no spoiler alerts here!

The connections I’ve made with this special group of women will live with me forever. SO grateful!!

I left the woods empowered and inspired!

I was super nervous about this one (could my body handle it, could my MIND handle it LOL?!) - and honestly felt so much relief when we were finally all together, giggling in the woods.

The guides were so passionate about backpacking, it was easy to feel comfortable. The course provided a great foundation of skills - it's so overwhelming to try to figure out best practices and best gear just by googling.

Being in the elements, with very funny and amazing and cool experts, took all of that pressure away and I feel like I can really do this! I felt safe. I feel prepared. And I'm so sad the weekend is already over.

Once again, gathering with a group of super cool strangers, sharing our hearts and fears and triumphs was one of the best parts of the weekend (and we did it all under the stars, between big trees).

I left the woods feeling super empowered, inspired, and like I can conquer things I am anxious about. Can't wait for my next adventure and to put into practice all that I learned and experienced.

These experiences, and these people, are absolutely a major highlight of my time on this planet so far.

Changed My Life!

This BP101 course changed my life!

It was so awesome to learn new skills and feel like a badass sober woman in the woods while adventuring with the most special group of women.

Everyone was so welcoming, loving and accepting! I felt connected immediately. I never once felt intimidated or like I didn't know what I was doing because the guides are freaking AWESOME!

Thank you for the time of my life! This will hold such a special place in my heart always and forever.

A 100/10 Experience!

I literally flew across the country from Florida for this trip and my expectations were beyond surpassed.

The sober women in my group, the scenery, the guides, just everything about it made the most magical weekend. I never wanted it to end. 

I loved learning to set up my tent and sleep like an absolute baby in it, waking up on an alpine lake, watching the sunrise. Learning to filter DELICIOUSLY crisp water makes me hate being back to my Brita filter at home. 

I was most nervous about the pack, but the guides made sure that we only packed what we would need and nothing that we didn't, which ultimately left the pack lighter than I was expecting - and I still think I was over packed in the end!! 

You learn everything. How to set up your tent, cook food, filter water, and have the space to be authentic and open with other women who make you feel so seen and validated.  We laughed, we cried...I am so grateful to have connected with the community I never even knew I was missing.  I even saw the milky way!

A 100/10 experience.  Looking forward to more YSP trips! If you're still reading this -- go apply NOW!!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring?

If renting, we provide most of the backpacking gear, but you'll be responsible for clothing and shoes. You'll get a detailed packing list in advance to ensure you're prepared!

Can I bring my dog?

As much as we love dogs (and all pets), unfortunately they are not permitted to join overnight backpacking trips. That said, we know your dog will be STOKED for you to come home with a super fun new hobby to do together!

How sober do I have to be?

We welcome women at all stages of their journey with alcohol. Please note that the retreat environment centers around open and vulnerable conversations about sobriety and personal growth.

We seek to create a safe and respectful environment where everyone feels supported in their unique path in sobriety.

How strenuous will it be?

While this course is designed to be a pleasant experience for beginners, it's important to note that you will be hiking with a 15-20lb pack.

We do hike slow, and take lots of breaks to learn, drink water, and take photos of all the pretty nature!

If you are very concerned about your physical condition, we strongly recommend our ultra-novice course which only requires .8 miles of hiking with a pack (about 25 minutes) on a flat trail.

Payment Plan & Cancellation Policy

Payment Plan

We’re all about making this dream adventure as accessible (and stress-free) as possible. If you opt for the payment plan, here’s how it works:

Deposit: Non-refundable $100 to secure your spot
Payment 1: Due 30 days before course start date
Payment 2: Due 14 days before course start date

Payment plans are often adjusted case-by-case depending on when you signed up. You’ll get a friendly email reminder a few days before each payment is due, so keep an eye on that inbox.

We know life can get a little messy sometimes, so we’ve built in a seven-day grace period for each payment. If a payment is overdue by 14 days, a $25/week late fee will be applied (but don’t worry, we’ll do our absolute best to reach you before that happens!).

If payments fall 30 days overdue, your spot on the retreat may be canceled without a refund, which we really don’t want to happen—so please keep us in the loop if you’re having any issues. We’re here to help!

Cancellation Policy

We get it—LIFE HAPPENS. This cancellation policy is designed to be as flexible and compassionate as possible because we truly understand the unexpected, but it’s also here to protect the blood, sweat, and (occasionally happy) tears the Sober Pal team pours into crafting these courses.

Here’s the deal:

  • Cancel more than 30 days out: Full refund minus deposit
  • Cancel 15- 30 days out: 50% refund
  • Cancel less than 14 days out: No refunds, no exceptions.

But here’s some good news: BP101 bookings are transferable! If you find someone who wants to take your spot (and their application is approved), they’re in—just make sure this is done at least one week before the retreat.

We know no one signs up for an adventure like this planning to cancel, but we’ve learned (the hard way) that last-minute changes cost us in time, energy, and resources. While we’d love to make exceptions, we simply can’t—for any reason, including weather, illness, personal emergencies, or other unexpected life curveballs.

This is why we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance—trust us, it’s worth it! Trip insurance can cover fees if you need to cancel for medical reasons, flights, lost luggage, and more.

If you’re looking for a good travel insurance option, here’s a link to one past attendees have used and loved: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/

In the unlikely case that we cancel for severe weather, a full refund will be administered!

We pour our hearts (and snacks) into making these retreats happen. This policy helps keep things fair for everyone, including us! Thank you for understanding and for your support!

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