NOLS Blog
Epistaxis on a Llama Packing Trip
The Setting It’s day two of a guided family llama packing trip deep in the Andes of South America. The scenery is stunning—glacial valleys, high alpine meadows, and dramatic peaks. You’re one of the trip guides, certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). The group includes several families, and this morning’s plan is to trek…
Medicine in Orbit
Space, some say, is the final frontier. For N. Stuart Harris, M.D., M.F.A., Massachusetts General Hospital Emergency Department ...
6 Reasons Why You Should Take A WEMT Course (And Tips for How to Prepare)
Practicing patient care during a scenario. Photo by Angelica Rydelius Bergman. During the first multiple casualty scenario of ...
Paul Petzold, the U.S. Army, and NOLS
Paul Petzoldt was 36 years old in 1943 when he joined the U.S. Army’s prestigious 10th Mountain Division, an elite group of soldiers who were trained for alpine warfare. Already decades into his career, the future founder of NOLS had worked a slew of jobs, including farmer, waiter, and used car salesman. He was best…
How to Make Hash Browns with Cheese
Hash browns have a well-deserved reputation as a delicious breakfast treat, but this cheesy version is great for lunch or dinner too—and that’s before you add nuggets of ham or bacon and a few shakes of hot sauce into the mix! This recipe requires a little forethought—both the hash browns and dried onions benefit from…
NOLS Picante Sauce
Picante perks up almost any savory recipe—try it on eggs, beans, in soups and coupled with anything on a tortilla. This, our favorite picante recipe, can be made with a little tomato base and a well-stocked spice kit, but don’t shy away from adding your own favorites! NOLS Picante Sauce (makes about 1 cup) 1…
Backpacking Among Giants: A Trip Report from Norway’s Jotunheimen Mountains
In August of 2025, the inaugural NOLS Alumni Norway Backpacking Trip ventured into the Jotunheimen Mountains for ten days of challenging hiking amongst stunning scenery. Our group first met in Oslo before traveling about five hours by bus to the Jotunheimen region in western Norway. The bus conveniently dropped us off at our first hut of the trip and…
Case Study: Altitude Illness While Trekking
The Setting You are on the trip of a lifetime hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal with one of your best friends. This trip has been in the works for over a year. You’ve spent countless hours training, reviewing maps, and daydreaming about being in the mountains. You can’t believe you’re finally here! You flew…
What a NOLS Risk Review Really Looks Like: A Case Study with NatureBridge
In the same year as NOLS’ 60th anniversary, we are celebrating 20 years since the formation of NOLS Risk Services. For 60 years, NOLS has operated in remote locations all over the world, and in 2005, NOLS Risk Services was formed to share what NOLS has learned about operational risk management in the process. NOLS…
Filling the Gap
For the newest high school generation, some students have decided that taking a year before starting college is in their best interests.
Self-Care in the Backcountry: Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
Self-care, any action or behavior that helps us avoid triggering health problems, is totally necessary but often goes ignored.
Results from National Gap Year Survey Show Positive Outcomes
The American Gap Association (AGA) released a report containing results from a new survey on gap year participation among college-age students.
Educator Expedition: La Patagonia Desconocida – The Unknown Patagonia
Educator Expedition: La Patagonia Desconocida - The Unknown Patagonia
The Ethics of Cheap: Why You Don’t Need the Newest Gear
The Ethics of Cheap: Why You Don't Need the Newest Gear
How You Can Be More Sustainable Every Day
Get some inspiration for sustainable practices from each of our locations around the world.
How to Make Your Own Instant Backpacking Meals
You can make your own low-cost & lightweight instant backpacking meals using items from your local grocery store.
Keep Calm and Medic On: How a WEMT Course Can Transform Your Backcountry Experience
Keep Calm and Medic On: How a WEMT Course Can Transform Your Backcountry Experience
Smart Ways to Protect Yourself from the Sun
Learn ways to protect yourself from sunburn and how to treat it
