Wilderness Travel and Navigation
This course is designed to teach you what to do after the first 72 hours have passed and you have not been rescued – survival on the move. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers to learn new skills!
Overview
Most rescues happen within the first 72-hours. This Wilderness Survival Travel and Navigation course is designed to teach you what to do after the first 72 hours have passed and you have not been rescued; survival on the move. Instructors demonstrate techniques associated with more advanced concepts of wilderness survival: lost human behavior, hydration, and energy conservation, navigation and orienteering, basic concepts of foraging, and more.
This fun two day wilderness survival course gives students the option of sleeping overnight at the survival site and reviews important survival gear and equipment needed for self-rescue.
The coursework requires an above-average level of physical fitness.
What You’ll Learn
Instructors teach and demonstrate techniques associated with advanced concepts of wilderness survival.
- Lost Human Behavior
- Hydration & Energy Conservation
- Navigation & Orienteering
- Basic Foraging Concepts
- Review of Important Survival Gear & Equipment for Self Rescue
Skills You’ll Acquire
- Lost proofing
- Signaling
- Making improvised containers/backpacks
- Direction-finding with and without a compass
- How to set a course, and stay on track
- Using a topographical map, and more.
What to Expect
Participants should check in at the SOLO Southeast office on NOC’s main campus in Bryson City, NC. This course begins at 8:30AM and concludes at 5PM daily, participants should check-in by 8AM. Students will be subject to wilderness elements during this course and should pack accordingly. Lodging discounts are available for course participants at NOC’s onsite lodging.
Dates
Upcoming Dates
| Dates | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17-18, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | |
| Sep 30-Oct 1, 2023 | Bryson City, NC |
Location
Before You Visit
- Primary gear and equipment
- All course materials
- Professionally trained instructors
You should plan to have clothing appropriate to the season in which you will be taking the class, as you will spend a significant amount of time outside. The following list is to SUPPLEMENT the clothing you will be wearing. If you have trouble locating some of these items please call us as we have a limited amount for loan.
Recommended Items
- Backpack to put everything in (medium to large)
- Rain gear (tops and bottoms)
- Layers of clothing (weather dependent)
- Warm hat or sun hat (weather dependent)
- Water bottles (at least 1 qt/liter)
- Snacks
- Pen and notepad
- Wrist Watch (cell phone is not sufficient)
- Footwear appropriate to the terrain (closed toes, no flip flops)
- Insect repellent & Sunscreen
- Leather gloves
- Old Sleeping bag or blanket
- Fixed-blade knife (NO folding knife) Note: If you don’t own a fixed-blade knife, we recommend trying some of our knives to see what you prefer
- Sleeping pad (foam or inflatable)
- Personal first aid kit
For Overnight Courses
- Sleeping bag or sleeping pad
- Eating utensils (including bowl & cup)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Non-perishable food (e.g. mountain house camping food)
- Students staying in Basecamp lodging – bring linens/sleeping bag, pillow, towel, & cooking utensils (if planning to use the shared kitchen)
- Students must be at least 14 years of age. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- The coursework requires an above-average level of physical fitness.
NOC is home to two onsite restaurants, and hours vary seasonally. View hours for River’s End Restaurant and Big Wesser. Snacks are available for purchase at the General Store. Snacks are available for purchase at the General Store.
Reviews
Humor and honest feedback made this course stay interesting, educational, and overall very effective.
Good mix between scenarios and classroom instruction. Great organization of class materials and great interaction with students.
