Backpacking can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you’re equipped with the basic knowledge of backpacking, venturing out with nothing but your pack gets easier than you’d ever think! If you’ve been backpacking curious and looking to get experience before investing in gear or heading out on your own, you’re in the right place! Our 1-Night Beginner Backpacking trips give you a great, hands-on introduction and basic backpacking knowledge to get you started on your journey! 

A step up from our 101 trip, this camping intensive will throw you in the thick of all things outdoors — perfect for beginners and those looking to brush up on camping skills! Wander Women guides and state & county naturalists will lead you through a super interactive weekend that includes instruction on: Comfort while camping; camp cooking & food preparation; hiking; the ethics of Leave No Trace; Iowa plant & animal ID; beginner kayaking skills; fishing; foraging; fire starting; and planning a camping trip of your own! This trip is jam-packed! 

Designed for folks who are brand new to camping, have never slept outside, or who can’t get away for an entire weekend, our 1-Night Camping 101 trips are the perfect short and educational adventure! On these trips, you’ll learn the basics of camping, including: Essential camping gear; setting up equipment & camp; building a campfire; easy camp meals; best tips for sleeping outside; basic camping safety; and hiking basic! You’ll arrive on Saturday afternoon, set up camp, spend the night and leave Sunday late morning. The perfect taste of camping!

Backpacking can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you’re equipped with the basic knowledge of backpacking, venturing out with nothing but your pack gets easier than you’d ever think! If you’ve been backpacking curious and looking to get experience before investing in gear or heading out on your own, you’re in the right place! Our 1-Night Beginner Backpacking trips give you a great, hands-on introduction and basic backpacking knowledge to get you started on your journey!