YUSQUATCH FIELD PROGRAM | BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL FUNDAMENTALS

Field Notes Backcountry learning experience in the wild North Built around hands-on navigation, camp systems, mountain movement, northern wilderness skills, and real field time in Yukon terrain. Program Date 2026 October 17, 2026 Book this date You’ll be redirected to our secure Square checkout to pay your 25% deposit. This confirms your spot in the program. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the start date. A confirmation email with program details, preparation information, and a packing list will follow after booking. Learn how to travel confidently through the northern wilderness. Yukon, Canada Learn how to travel confidently through the northern wilderness. 📍 Yukon, Canada PROGRAM OVERVIEW Backcountry Travel Fundamentals is a hands-on wilderness immersion designed to teach the real foundations behind backpacking, navigation, mountain travel, and remote life in the North. Based out of a remote Yukon wilderness cabin, this program combines practical field-based learning with real backcountry travel through some of the wildest landscapes in the Yukon. Throughout the week, participants will learn expedition systems, wilderness travel techniques, navigation, campcraft, and mountain movement through hands-on experience in real terrain. The program is led by passionate ACMG-certified hiking guides and experienced wilderness professionals, combining years of experience traveling, guiding, and operating expeditions throughout the Yukon, northern Canada, and Arctic environments. Rather than simply guiding participants through the landscape, the goal of this program is to help build the confidence, knowledge, and practical tools needed to begin exploring wild places more independently in the future. CURRICULUM Throughout the week, participants will build a strong foundation in backcountry travel through hands-on field sessions, wilderness scenarios, expedition-style travel, and real Yukon terrain. EXPEDITION SYSTEMS & CAMP LIFE Expedition systems & mindset Gear organization Layering for cold conditions Pack fitting & adjustments Cabin systems & camp life Expedition routines & efficiency Introduction to wilderness travel systems NAVIGATION & TERRAIN READING Topographic maps Terrain interpretation Compass basics GPS fundamentals Route planning Navigation challenges Wilderness decision-making Route finding in real terrain BACKPACKING & WILDERNESS TRAVEL Backpack organization Efficient expedition packing Wilderness food systems Bear-safe travel Camp selection Water systems Weather awareness River crossing theory Group travel dynamics FIELD CAMP & SURVIVAL SYSTEMS Camp setup Route leadership Navigation in real terrain Cold-weather systems Outdoor cooking Team movement Expedition decision-making Survival basics & emergency thinking MOUNTAIN MOVEMENT & OFF TRAIL TRAVEL Scree & talus movement Off-trail navigation Group pacing Terrain hazards Risk management Route adjustments in changing weather Efficient mountain travel TEAM EXPEDITION CHALLENGE Route planning Team navigation Leadership rotations Communication systems Camp organization Wilderness problem-solving Group decision-making ADDITIONAL PROGRAM COMPONENTS First Nations cultural introduction & workshop Campfire discussions & route debriefs Expedition-style communal living Wilderness confidence building Northern lights opportunities Optional rope systems & mountain movement depending on conditions and guide availability