Test01 Course

Learn to critically evaluate every piece of gear in your pack. We cover ultralight cooking systems, shelter options, and the principles of base weight reduction. You will practice packing and repacking to find your optimal setup, ensuring you carry only what you need without compromising safety or comfort in the backcountry.

• Base weight optimization and gear audits
• Ultralight stove and cooking system selection
• Multi-use gear strategies
• Weather-appropriate layering systems

Canyon systems present unique navigation challenges with limited visibility and complex terrain. You will learn to read topographic maps in three dimensions, use compass bearings to navigate slot canyons, and develop route-finding intuition through daily practice in real-world conditions.

• Topographic map reading for canyon terrain
• Compass and bearing navigation
• Off-trail route-finding techniques
• GPS backup and emergency navigation

The desert demands respect. You will learn critical water management strategies, how to identify and respond to heat-related illness, and how to travel safely through flash-flood terrain. We also cover the unique ecology of cryptobiotic soil crusts and desert wildlife.

• Water sourcing, treatment, and rationing
• Heat illness prevention and response
• Flash flood awareness and terrain reading
• Desert wildlife identification and safety

Every participant rotates through leadership roles throughout the expedition. You will practice group decision-making, risk assessment, and communication under pressure. Our instructors provide real-time feedback to help you develop a leadership style that is effective, inclusive, and adaptable.

• Rotating leadership of the day assignments
• Group decision-making frameworks
• Risk assessment and management
• Giving and receiving constructive feedback