Backpacking

NOLS grad Claire Burgeson shares her study abroad experience in Baja through stunning photos of beaches and wildlife, local practices and food, and more.

Sometimes being a good leader means admitting you don't know the answer, a lesson Carolyn Highland learned on her outdoor educator course in the Absarokas.

On an Alaska backpacking and sea kayaking course, NOLS grad Caroline Dooley realized that hiking like a girl is something to celebrate. Here's why.

Katie Raymond relives the unforgettable day when she paddled for 13 hours in stormy weather on her Yukon Backpacking and Whitewater Canoeing expedition.

Winterline gap year students share reflections on an eight-day NOLS expedition spent backpacking through Gila National Forest in September 2018.

In April 2019, Gear Patrol consulted Senior NOLS Instructor Marco Johnson for advice on packing for a backpacking trip.

In June 2019, the New York Times highlighted the NOLS LQBTQ+ Canyonlands Backpacking - Prime as part of a feature story on LGBTQ outdoor expeditions.

Students from the University of Texas’ Canfield Business Honors Program (BHP) reflect on an eight-day backpacking expedition with NOLS in January 2019.

A part of Colorado’s growing refugee population, Muna Oweidat recently went backpacking for the first time on a NOLS expedition for MBA students.

Choose a different kind of spring break this year. Forget the touristy beaches and overcrowded ski resorts and dive into a real outdoor adventure!

The Engineer, His Camera and an Alaskan Love Affair: Part Two

Once upon a time, two young bankers met by chance, bonding over their NOLS expeditions in Wyoming's mountains. The rest is history—a true NOLS love story.

An invitation into a poblador's home becomes an opportunity for learning about the one family's history and the gaucho lifestyle on the Patagonia Cultural Expedition

NOLS LGBTQ+ Canyonlands Backpacking grad, Mat Pryfogle, recounts his takeaways from NOLS' first LBGTQ+ Expedition.

Check out our seven new expeditions for summer 2020 and start planning your next adventure!

On a NOLS expedition, Jack Johnson fell in love with wilderness medicine. Read about his journey from a 14-year-old backpacker to a Wilderness EMT!

Come to NOLS India to explore the landscape and culture of the Himalaya. Engage with local communities while backpacking and mountaineering.

NOLS grad-turned-instructor Katiya Gombar says that not a single day goes by without thinking of her expedition in Alaska and the lessons she learned there.

In Alaska I realized I might not be the most extroverted human, but I didn’t have to be. Someone else could do that and there would still be space—a need—for me.

My friends were confused about why someone who'd just gotten a masters in Public Health would join a NOLS expedition in Patagonia—quite frankly, so was I.

Kenyan mountain guide and medic Carol Wanjiru shares her journey on a NOLS course for East African outdoor professionals.

Your favorite photos of wilderness, friendship, and leadership from the NOLS Instagram account in 2018.

In the middle of a semester of complete chaos, Olivia Hewitt decided to take a NOLS course and writes about why you should do a NOLS course even - and especially if - you're scared

Take a look at new upcoming courses for winter and spring in 2019.