You know what's giving empowered sober baddie?
Hiking with everything you need to sleep outdoors on your back, setting up camp, chasing waterfalls, and filtering your own drinking water like a badass amazonian queen!
Join us for a guided three-day trip where you'll learn everything you need to know to feel like a pro on the trail. That includes packing, navigation, cooking, staying safe, an yes - even pooping in the woods!
It's the ultimate confidence builder and one of the best ways to bond with other like-minded women who love having fun - without alcohol!
Level: Beginner
Total miles hiked: 3 miles with backpacks
2-5 miles dayhiking (no backpacks)
Guides: Maria & Traci
Trailhead: 45 minutes from Asheville
Why BP101?
This course was created specifically for sober and sober-curious women who are craving more connection, adventure, laughter and joy - without the alcohol!
This course is for you if you're ready to:
- Try something totally new and exciting alongside like-minded women
- Learn how to backpack in a way that feels fun, empowering, and beginner-friendly
- Find new ways to have FUN without drinking
- Deepen her connection to nature and herself
- Build confidence and feel strong in her body and mind
- Bond with like-minded women
- Start a badass new hobby that might just change everything
No experience required! You just need a little curiosity, a willingness to learn, and maybe a love of snacks.
Here's what's Included:
- Pre-trip Zoom Orientation
- Meals: 2 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners, Snacks & NA Bevvies
- Immersive, hands-on workshops with sober, experienced backpacking guides Maria and Traci
- Backpacking booklet
- Fun badges (rewarded based on what you accomplish on the trail)
- Hiking permits
Optional 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
- Plan trips
- 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
- Meet the crew at the trailhead at 1pm
- Wilderness Workshop I: We'll learn about the gear, pack our food and backpacks.
- Hike 1.5 miles to camp
- Wilderness Workshop II: Learn how to set up camp, filter water, bear hang, and more backpacking basics
- Dinner and share circle
DAY TWO: Trail Babes in Action
- Morning coffee + breakfast with a view
- Wilderness Workshop III
- Hit the trail for our day hike. Expect scenic views, epic waterfalls, snack breaks, and lots of bonding with your new adventure BFFs.
- Group dinner, Games, giggles, and share circle to the sunset
DAY THREE: Officially Backcountry Babes
- Wake up to coffee, giggles, and good vibes
- Hike back out with pride
- Final reflection circle + award ceremony (yes, there’s a “Pooped in the Woods” badge)
- Hugs, selfies, and exchanging numbers with your new trail fam
Meet Your Guides
Maria Borisevich
- 7 years sober
- Wilderness First Aid Certified
- CPR/AED/First Aid Certified
- ACE Health Coach & Personal Trainer
- Nutritional Therapy Practitioner
- Hiked 500 miles in 2024
Traci Mohl
- 3 year alcohol-free
- Wilderness First Aid Certified
- CPR Certified
- Over a decade of experience in wilderness guiding and outdoor education
- Section hiked the Appalachian Trail
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 say thanks! Industry standard for a guided backpacking trip is 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 are awarding one scholarship for this 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.
Photo Album
Ready to see what trail magic looks like? Check out the grit, giggles, and epic memories from last year’s Backpacking 101 course in North Carolina!
Word on the Trail
See testimonials from amazing women who said YES to Backpacking 101!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
We provide the food and 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 there will be 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 25lb pack for 1.5 miles (about 45 minutes) on an easy trail, and we'll be hiking 2-5 miles without packs to explore waterfalls and views on the second day. 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!