7 Day Intermediate Wilderness Survival
Welcome to the 7-Day Intermediate Wilderness Survival Class! Over the next week, we’ll build upon the foundational skills you’ve already learned and dive deeper into more advanced survival techniques. This course is designed for those who have some basic knowledge of wilderness survival and are ready to take their skills to the next level.
Throughout these seven days, we’ll focus on refining your ability to navigate challenging environments, build more complex shelters, master advanced fire-starting methods, and source food and water from the wild with greater efficiency. We’ll also explore techniques for long-term survival, including emergency medical care, effective signaling, and navigating by natural landmarks.
Each day will be hands-on, immersive, and challenging—pushing your physical, mental, and emotional limits in a supportive, experiential learning environment. As we move through the course, you’ll gain not only practical survival knowledge but also the confidence and resilience to thrive in the wild, no matter the circumstances.
By the end of this class, you’ll have the skills and mindset needed to handle more complex survival situations, and you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for nature’s power and beauty. Let’s begin this journey and prepare for the unexpected!
For this 7-Day Intermediate Wilderness Survival Class, you’ll need to bring a combination of essential gear, tools, and clothing to ensure your safety, comfort, and ability to effectively practice the skills we’ll be covering. Here’s a list of the items you’ll need:
1. Personal Gear:
• Backpack: A sturdy, comfortable backpack with enough capacity to carry your gear for multiple days. Ideally, 40-60 liters.
• Sleeping Bag: A 3-season sleeping bag appropriate for the weather conditions. Consider one rated for temperatures 10-20°F lower than the forecasted night-time low.
• Sleeping Pad: A lightweight, insulated sleeping pad to provide comfort and insulation from the cold ground.
• Tent or Shelter System: A lightweight tent or tarp. If you prefer a more minimalist approach, a tarp or emergency bivy will suffice. We’ll be practicing various shelter-building techniques, so a personal shelter system is helpful.
2. Clothing:
• Weather-Appropriate Layers:
• Base layers (moisture-wicking top and bottom)
• Insulating layers (fleece or down jacket)
• Outer layer (waterproof/windproof jacket and pants)
• Sturdy Footwear: Waterproof boots with good ankle support and moisture-wicking socks (bring extra pairs).
• Hat and Gloves: A warm hat and gloves for cold weather, and a sun hat for hot conditions.
• Gaiters: Optional, but useful for keeping debris and water out of your boots when traversing muddy or rough terrain.
• Extra socks and underwear: Essential for staying dry and comfortable.
• Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF.
3. Tools & Equipment:
• Survival Knife or Multi-Tool: A high-quality fixed-blade knife with a sturdy handle, or a multi-tool with a strong cutting edge.
• Fire-Starting Kit: Waterproof matches, a lighter, and a ferro rod. Consider a magnesium fire starter for additional practice.
• Compass: A compass with a sighting mirror or a basic field compass to practice navigation.
• First Aid Kit: A comprehensive first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, pain relievers, blister care, and any personal medications.
• Water Bottle or Hydration System: A sturdy, refillable water bottle or a hydration bladder. You may also want to bring a water filter or purification tablets for practice.
• Headlamp/Flashlight: With extra batteries. A headlamp is ideal for hands-free lighting at night.
• Rope or Paracord: 50-100 feet of paracord or utility rope for building shelters, securing gear, or emergency use.
• Duct Tape: For emergency repairs of gear, clothing, or shelter.
• Whistle: A loud whistle for signaling in emergencies.
4. Food & Cooking Equipment:
• Compact Cooking System: A lightweight stove or cooking kit (e.g., a small camp stove, mess kit, or pot). If you plan to cook over an open fire, bring a pot or small grill grate.
• Food: High-energy, easy-to-carry food items for 7 days, such as freeze-dried meals, jerky, trail mix, energy bars, and nuts. Consider including some fresh food for variety.
• Utensils: A lightweight spoon, fork, or spork, and a small knife for food prep.
• Water Purification System: A portable water filter or purification tablets, especially if you plan to practice water sourcing.
5. Miscellaneous Items:
• Notebook and Pen: For keeping a survival journal or taking notes on techniques and observations.
• Map of the Area: A local topographic map if available, and a pencil to mark important locations.
• Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, biodegradable soap, towel, and wet wipes. Please bring eco-friendly products to minimize environmental impact.
• Emergency Signal Mirror: A small, durable signal mirror for signaling if you get lost or need to attract attention.
• Sunscreen & Insect Repellent: Depending on the environment, bring the appropriate protection against sunburns and bug bites.
6. Optional (But Recommended):
• Trekking Poles: To provide stability and reduce strain on your legs during long hikes.
• Camera or Smartphone: For documenting your experience (though please be mindful of screen time in the wilderness).
• Personal Items: Any personal comfort items you might need, such as a journal, book, or small lightweight hammock.
Important Notes:
• Please pack your gear in a way that’s easy to access and keeps your pack balanced. Proper packing techniques are part of our course, and we’ll provide guidance during the first day.
• Be sure to double-check your gear before coming, as we’ll be spending a significant amount of time in the wilderness, and it’s essential to be fully prepared.
This class is about pushing your limits, developing confidence, and refining your survival skills. The gear you bring will play a key role in your success, so be sure to pack thoughtfully, but also keep in mind that a big part of wilderness survival is learning to make do with what you have at hand. We’ll teach you how to adapt, be resourceful, and make the most of your environment. Let’s get ready for an exciting and transformative week in the wild!
Throughout this course, we’ll emphasize practical, hands-on learning and focus on using minimal gear effectively. With these tools and skills, you’ll be prepared for any adventure, and more importantly, you’ll know how to stay safe in case the unexpected happens.
Wilderness survival isn’t just about physical skills—it’s also a powerful journey for the mind and spirit. The experience of spending time in nature and overcoming challenges can offer significant spiritual and self-confidence benefits. Here’s how:
1. Spiritual Connection to Nature:
• Mindfulness & Presence: In the wilderness, you’re stripped of distractions, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the present moment. This deep connection with nature fosters a sense of peace and mindfulness, helping you reconnect with your inner self.
• A Sense of Belonging: Being in nature can evoke a feeling of being part of something much larger than yourself. Whether it’s the quiet of the forest, the vastness of the mountains, or the simplicity of the wilderness, it can help ground you and remind you of your place in the world.
• Renewed Perspective: Time spent in the natural world often brings clarity and perspective on life’s challenges. The wilderness teaches patience, resilience, and humility, allowing you to reflect on your purpose and values in a way that can deeply nourish your spirit.
2. Building Self-Confidence:
• Mastery Over Your Environment: Successfully navigating the wilderness, whether it’s starting a fire, building a shelter, or finding clean water, boosts your confidence in your abilities. Every challenge you overcome in the wild reinforces your capability to handle adversity in any area of life.
• Problem-Solving & Resourcefulness: Survival situations often require quick thinking and creative problem-solving. As you learn to rely on your resourcefulness, you gain confidence in your capacity to handle unexpected situations, both in the wild and in everyday life.
• Resilience & Mental Strength: Facing and overcoming the challenges of survival—whether physical discomfort, isolation, or unforeseen obstacles—helps build mental toughness. The resilience you develop in the wilderness transfers to your life back home, giving you the strength to cope with life’s challenges.
• Achievement & Empowerment: Completing a wilderness survival course or a challenging outdoor experience is a powerful form of self-empowerment. Knowing you’ve conquered difficult situations boosts your self-esteem and can give you a renewed sense of purpose and inner strength.
3. Increased Emotional Awareness:
• Emotional Regulation: Time in nature encourages introspection and self-awareness, helping you become more attuned to your emotions. By stepping out of your comfort zone and confronting fears or doubts head-on, you learn how to manage anxiety, stress, and frustration with greater ease.
• Personal Growth: Every aspect of survival—from building shelter to navigating unfamiliar terrain—becomes an opportunity for personal growth. You learn how to trust your instincts, embrace challenges, and approach adversity with a positive mindset.
4. Spiritual and Personal Growth Through Challenge:
• Facing Fear & Overcoming Limits: In wilderness survival, you’ll inevitably face fears—whether it’s being out of your comfort zone, dealing with isolation, or tackling a challenging environment. Confronting and overcoming these fears builds inner strength and trust in your own abilities.
• Gratitude & Humility: Nature often humbles us, reminding us of the fragility of life and the importance of gratitude. As you gain new skills and face challenges, you’ll find that the simple joys—such as warmth from a fire or a satisfying meal—take on deeper meaning, enriching your perspective on life.
By pushing yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally in the wilderness, you not only develop practical survival skills but also strengthen your spiritual connection to nature and cultivate a deep sense of self-confidence. These benefits can stay with you long after you’ve left the wild, helping you lead a more grounded, confident, and empowered life.