INTRO TO
BACKPACKING
A beginner-friendly overnight experience for women who want to build real confidence outdoors.
Small group. Real skills. Real support.
You do not need prior backpacking experience.
April 24-26, 2026 | Durham, NC
Intro to backpacking | Beginner friendly
FIND YOUR FREEDOM
ONE STEP AT A TIME.
Backpacking doesn’t have to be intimidating - it can be empowering, freeing, and unforgettable. On this retreat, you’ll learn everything you need to know to take your first steps into the backcountry with confidence.
We’ll cover the essentials: how to pack your bag, set up camp, stay safe on the trail, and navigate with ease. But more than that, you’ll experience the deep joy of slowing down, carrying only what you need, and finding strength you didn’t know you had.
This retreat is designed to teach you how to:
• Pack and carry your gear properly
• Set up and break down camp
• Filter water safely
• Cook simple backcountry meals
• Move through discomfort calmly
• Understand Leave No Trace principles
You will leave knowing you can do this again on your own.
Here’s what’s to expect:
Guided Instruction – An experienced trail guide will teach you backpacking basics in a supportive, beginner-friendly way.
Hands-On Practice – From packing your pack to building a fire, you’ll try it all.
Connection + Community – Laugh, learn, and share stories around the campfire with women who are right there with you.
Challenge + Confidence – Step out of your comfort zone and discover how capable you truly are.
Who It’s For
This is for you if:
• You’ve always wanted to try backpacking but felt intimidated
• You don’t know what gear to buy
• You want to build physical and mental confidence
• You’re craving space away from noise, pressure, and expectations
• You want to try something that feels a little brave
This is beginner-focused and supportive. We move at the pace of the group.
Why Join?
Because the trail has a way of teaching us what we’re made of. And when you’re supported by a pack of SheWolves, you’ll not only learn the skills, you’ll leave with memories, friendships, and a new sense of power that lasts long after the hike is over.
SAFETY & SUPPORT
This retreat is led by Maria, an experienced outdoor guide, who has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, The PCT, and various other amazing trails nationally and abroad.
We intentionally cap this retreat at 5–8 women to ensure personalized attention and safety.
We follow Leave No Trace principles aligned with American Hiking Society standards.
Emergency plan and communication protocols will be reviewed during our pre-retreat Zoom call.
RETREAT PRICING
EARLY BIRD PRICING (NOW THROUGH MARCH 27)
Members: $420
Non-Members: $525
REGULAR PRICING (MARCh 28- APRIL 20)
Members: $500
Non-Members: $625
LET'S GO, BABEWHAT’S INCLUDED
• Campsite reservation + permits
• Professional guide support
• Group dinner + breakfast + trail snacks
• Pre-retreat Backpacking 101 Zoom
• Local Shopping day with Great Outdoor and packing practice workshop
• Detailed packing checklist
• Conditioning tips
• SheWolf swag
• Ongoing group support
Not included:
• Personal gear
• Transportation to trailhead
• Optional rental gear
What to Pack:
Clothing (Bring Exactly This):
1 sun shirt · 2 moisture-wicking tanks/tees · 1 pair shorts · 1 swimsuit · 1 sports bra · 2 undies · 3 socks · 1 leggings/sleep base layer · 1 fleece/light jacket · 1 wool/synthetic base layer · sun hat · beanie · hiking boots or trail shoes · lightweight camp shoes
Gear (Rent or Buy):
Backpack (40–60L), tent, sleeping bag (20–30°), sleeping pad, headlamp + batteries, packable towel, trekking poles (optional).
👉 We recommend rentals through REI Co-op Rentals or Kit Lender.
Food + Kitchen:
Group meals/snacks provided (you’ll carry ~5 lbs of community food). Bring reusable bowl, mug, and spork.
Personal Essentials:
Sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, toothbrush, small first aid kit, hand sanitizer, pack towel/bandana.
Optional Fun:
Trail journal, cards, book, lightweight camera.
Don’t Bring: Cotton clothing, glass bottles, full-size toiletries, heavy electronics, valuables.
What to Expect
Privvys: Rustic outhouses at camp.
Trails: Flat, beginner-friendly paths, no big climbs.
River Time: Jump into the Eno!
Campsites: Group sites in the woods, only reachable by foot.
Shared Load: Everyone carries part of the community food (~5 lbs).
Pack Vibes: Campfires, connection, courage, and laughs.
What Should I Budget for Gear?
You can expect to spend anywhere from:
$0–$150 if borrowing or renting
$250–$600 if purchasing beginner gear
We will provide:
• A clear packing list
• Budget-friendly recommendations
• Rental options
• Borrowing support inside the community
You do not need top-of-the-line equipment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
Nope! This retreat is designed for beginners. If you can walk a few miles and carry 25 lbs, you’re good.
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We will give you gear rental resources, source from our community for anyone that has extras, and we are partnering with some local shops to give us discounts and a private shopping experience.
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We’ll provide group meals and snacks. Let us know about any dietary restrictions and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
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Expect moderate hiking (2–4 miles at a time) with breaks and support. It’s more about learning and trying than pushing your limits.
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Absolutely. Many SheWolves come solo and leave with new friends.
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We’ll go rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe. If needed, we’ll adjust the plan to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
A Note from Jordan, Our Founder:
Why I love backpacking? Because it’s the simplest kind of freedom I know.
Out there, the only thing you have to worry about is putting one foot in front of the other. No one asking for snacks. No inbox calling your name. No phone buzzing with things that can’t wait.
It’s just you and the trail. Breathing in the air. Feeling your body carry you forward. Realizing you’re capable of so much more than the world usually gives you credit for.
I went for the first time with our guide, Maria, who has hiked the PCT, the AT, and countless other incredible trails end to end. I joined her for just a few days and immediately said HOWL YES to this. Even during the rocky sections, when the bottoms of my feet ached from balancing every step, I still thought: damn, this is awesome.
Later, I went into the Beartooths with guides, a women’s group, and my dear friend, Sheryl - the powerhouse behind Dare to Detour. And again, I found myself saying: DAMN, this is awesome. There’s something about being out there in the wilderness, just with women, that feels electric.
That’s the gift of backpacking - it strips away the noise until all that’s left is presence. Step by step. Breath by breath. And when you do it with a pack of women who cheer you on? That’s when the magic really happens.
PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Interested in being a sponsor?
To keep our retreats intimate, impactful, and unforgettable, we accept a limited number of aligned sponsors for each experience. If your brand shares our values—community, empowerment, and a little wild freedom—we’d love to explore how we can partner. Fill out the form below to tell us more. Let’s create something powerful together.
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QUESTIONS?
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