Backpacking 101

Become a wilderness baddie!

Whether you're looking for a cool new hobby or a new way to explore in nature, Backpacking 101 is your launchpad to outdoor badassery.

Over three days, you'll learn backpacking basics and put your wilderness skills to the test with a group of awesome sober women.

Together, you’ll master how to pack a backpack, filter water, cook dinner in the woods and so much more!

This weekend will be the ultimate confidence-builder and give you a whole new reason to get stoked for summer. Best part - you get to share with an incredible group of women cheering you on and lifting you up.

Reserve Your Spot!

Upcoming BP101 Courses

June 27-29 - Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. Required hiking distance: 1.5 miles each way. Guided in partnership with Blue Ridge Hiking Company.

July 25-27 - Tahoe National Forest, California. Required hiking distance: 3 miles each way. *Guided in partnership with Sierra Summit Expeditions

September 19-21 - Tahoe National Forest, California. Required hiking distance: 3 miles each way.*Guided in partnership with Sierra Summit Expeditions

What's Included:

Meals: 2 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners, Snacks & NA Bevvies
Immersive, hands-on course led by Your Sober Pal Laura and the experienced co-guides
Workbook & Journal
Fun badges (rewarded based on what you accomplish on the trail)
Hiking permits

Gear Rental Includes:

Backpack
Trekking poles
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
One-man tent
Bladder
Water filtration system
Silk liner
Bear canister
Headlamp
Shared cooking equipment
Coffee cup

You'll learn how to:

Pack a backpack
Set up a tent
Filter water
Cook in the backcountry
Take care of basic injuries
Poop in the woods like a rockstar
Leave no trace basics
Embrace discomfort as a magical and essential part of personal growth
Connect more deeply with yourself, others and nature
Feel SAFE and CONFIDENT to spend the night outdoors

Tentative Itinerary:

DAY ONE: Welcome to the Wild

Arrive at basecamp around 2pm and get settled
Meet the crew, sip on sparkly NA bevs and snack like the backcountry royalty you are
Class in the prettiest classroom you’ve ever had! We'll learn about gear, packing a backpack, practice setting up camp and so much more!
Group dinner + cozy share circle to finish the night

DAY TWO: Trail Babes in Action

Morning coffee + breakfast with a view
Optional yoga/stretch sesh
Hit the trail! Expect scenic views, snack breaks, and bonding with your new adventure BFFs. Hiking distance: 1.5 miles in Pisgah National Forest or 3 miles in Tahoe National Forest.
Arrive at camp, set up tents, and maybe dip in a lake or day hike to another pretty spot!
Wilderness skill workshop: water filtering, outdoor cooking, or something else you’ll lowkey brag about later
Group dinner, Games, giggles, and share circle to the sunset

DAY THREE: Officially Backcountry Babes

Wake up to coffee, giggles, and good vibes
Optional morning hike or yoga/stretch session
Hike back out with pride (and maybe a sunburn)
Final reflection circle + award ceremony (yes, there’s a “Pooped in the Woods” badge)
Hugs, selfies, and exchanging numbers with your new trail fam

Why BP101?

Backpacking 101 was created specifically for sober and sober-curious women who are craving something more—more connection, more adventure, more joy that isn’t centered around alcohol.

This course is for the woman who’s ready to:

Try something totally new (and maybe a little intimidating)
Learn how to backpack in a way that feels fun, empowering, and beginner-friendly
Find new ways to have a good time that don’t involve a hangover
Deepen her connection to nature and herself
Build confidence and feel strong in her body and mind
Make genuine friendships with other women who are walking a similar path
Start a badass new hobby that might just change everything

You don’t need experience—you just need a little curiosity, a willingness to learn, and maybe a love of snacks.

Price

$700 with gear included
$600 without gear included

*Tip not included! If your guides made your experience extra magical, a tip is a great way to say thanks! Industry standard for a guided backpacking trip is 20%.

Payment plans available!

Reserve Your Spot!

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 every 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 Scholarship

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!

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.

Laura 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.

Thank you Laura for putting together and hosting these amazing trips! 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. Huge and heartfelt thanks to Laura for building an incredible community of women - these experiences, and these people, are absolutely a major highlight of my time on this planet so far.

Such an incredible experience!

Such an incredible experience. The adventure and the community Laura organized was above and beyond my hopes. All nerves were calmed the moment we met along with the other woman and the experience just got better and better. We had everything we needed, it was such an enriching experience and I’m so grateful I took the leap and did it! Don’t hesitate, you won’t regret it!

I learned a lot and laughed a bunch!

The BP101 adventure was a great experience. I highly recommend any woman who is seeking to connect with other sober folks, gain a sense of accomplishment and learn more about how to backpack sustainably and safely.

Laura was thoughtful and thorough. We had a blast sharing stories, drinking bubbly water, swimming in lakes, pushing our comfort zone and enjoying the beautiful magical delights of the outdoors. I felt both physically and psychologically safe the whole trip.

That safety allowed the group to connect, be vulnerable and try something new. I learned a lot, laughed a bunch and walked away from the experience proud and feeling like I have friends to backpack with in the future. Get out there and go!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring?

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 carrying a 15-20lb pack for 1-2 hours on the trail. A great way to prepare for backpacking season is incline walking or jumping on a stairmaster!

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!