Wilderness Medicine & Outdoor Survival Course

Trip Length: 2 - 3 days

Multiple Dates Available

$497

Master Wilderness Medicine and Survival Skills

Transform into a confident outdoor recreationalist with our two to three-day Wilderness Medicine and Outdoor Survival Course.

Embark on a transformative journey with Alpinistas Adventures through our on-field Wilderness Medicine and Outdoor Survival Course. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, this course combines practical skills, real-world scenarios, and expert-led training to ensure you are fully prepared for any wilderness challenge. From basic first aid to advanced rescue techniques, our curriculum equips you with the crucial knowledge and skills to handle emergencies in remote environments.

This immersive course is open to recreationalists of all experience levels. Choose from our three day backpacking course to learn these skills in the wilderness or our two-day front country style of education taking place close to town.

Join us to not only learn but to transform how you interact with the wild. With post-course resources and ongoing learning recommendations, we commit to your continuous development in wilderness medicine and survival.

Gear up for an empowering adventure that extends well beyond ordinary training — it’s an investment in your safety and expertise in the wild.

Course Highlights

Core Survival Fundamentals

Introduction to wilderness first aid basics and safety protocols.
Handling encounters with wildlife and safety precautions to avoid interaction.
Hands-on practice with essential first aid techniques including bandaging, splinting, and managing environmental illnesses.
Interactive camp setup with an emphasis on Leave No Trace principles.

Advanced Medical Response

Deep dive into advanced first aid skills, focusing on injury prevention, and emergency response.
Practical session on creating makeshift stretchers and safely moving an injured person.
Scenario-based learning to handle complex medical emergencies in diverse environments.
Case studies to discuss various approaches and enhance decision-making skills.

Navigation

Comprehensive navigation training using maps, compasses, and GPS devices.
Work as a team to take on a variety of tasks while safely and efficiently traveling through wilderness terrain

Crisis Management

Emergency communication and evacuation procedures workshop.
Decision-making exercises, including when to call for evacuation and understanding
available resources.

Course culminates with a complex final scenario requiring integrated skills application and team collaboration.

Dates and Locations

July 13 - 15, 2024

Glen Aulin Trailhead, Yosemite - 2 Nights
Backpacking Event
Physical Fitness Required: Beginner+
Trail Profile: 6 miles, 500’ elevation gain round trip
Head out of Tioga Road to the beautiful Glen Aulin High Sierra Backpackers Campground.

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August 24 - 25, 2024

South Lake Tahoe
Day Event with a Campground Option
Physical Fitness Required: Any Fitness Level
Minimal hiking for this front country event.

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September 6 - 8, 2024

May Lake, Yosemite - 2 Nights
Backpacking Event
Physical Fitness Required: Beginner+
Trail Profile: 6 miles, 800’ Elevation Gain, round trip
Head out of Tioga Road to the beautiful May Lake High Sierra Backpackers Campground

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What’s Included

On Field Course
- A professional female wilderness medicine & outdoor safety guide
- 5:1 client to guide ratio or less, with a max group size of 5 clients
- Group first aid kit
- Water filtration
- Paper maps of our area
- Backcountry permit fees & park entrance reservation
- 5% back to the park
Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store

Activity, Fitness & Skills

These trips range are rated Beginner to Beginner+, depending on the itinerary.
Backpacking trips require prior backpacking experience and a general level of physical fitness.
To maximize your enjoyment of the backpacking trip, we encourage you to participate in a training program before the trip. We recommend that your program includes training by hiking with a weighted pack.

Accommodations

For backpacking trips: backcountry camping, 1-2 nights.

Accommodations before and after the trip are not included. For Yosemite based events, we recommend staying in the nearby towns of Lee Vining, June Lake, or Mammoth. There are also many Forest Service campgrounds on Tioga Road to the east of Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows entrance gate.

An alternative option is the backpackers campground in Yosemite that you may use the night before and after the event. Inquire for details.

For Tahoe based events, plenty of lodging & campgrounds nearby.

Not Included

Meals, beverages
Personal day hiking or backpacking equipment (a detailed packing list will be provided)
Park entrance fees where required or parking fees, if applicable
Guide gratuities

Gear List

Layering is the key to staying comfortable while being active outdoors. The secret to achieving maximum comfort with minimum weight is to bring versatile layers that can be mixed and matched to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection.

When packing, try to bring only what you need. This not only makes your load lighter but also helps our amazing field staff.

If you've already booked your trip, don't worry! You’ll be getting emails with a detailed list of what you'll need to bring (plus tons of other helpful information).

Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint or save some money? Check out our rental page for great gear to borrow for your trip or shop at Alpinistas Re-Cover department for gently used gear online.

Get ready to conquer the outdoors, Alpinistas! We can't wait to see you on the trail.

Group First Aid Kit
Water Filters
Topographic map of the region
Compass to share
Backpacking Trips:
Pack (Extended, 55-65L)
Tent
Bear Cannister
Compass
Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic or Wool)
Fleece/Wool Gloves
Fleece/Wool Hat
Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
Hiking Boots
Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
Insulated Jacket and/or Vest
Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
Pack Rain Cover
Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
Sleeping Bag (15°-29°, Lightweight, Compressible)
Sleeping Pad
Spork, Bowl and Mug
Sunblock and Lip Balm
Water Bottles (Three 1-Liter) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Liter Water Bottle
Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection
Day Pack (Lightweight, Compressible)
Face Mask
Hand Sanitizer
Head Net
Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
Insect Repellent
Garbage Bag for Personal Trash
Sun Hat
Sunglasses and Accessories
Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
Toiletries
Trowel
Underwear
Camera and Accessories
Camp Towel
Casual Shoes for Camp
Ear Plugs
Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
Lightweight Backpacking Chair
Liner Socks (Synthetic)
Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
Reading and Writing Materials
Sleeping Bag Liner
Small Binoculars
Small Multitool