"This course puts everything in perspective, and I know I'll enjoy all my activities at a whole new level. Tom is knowledgeable, supportive and firm. Happen to meet some instructor trainees as well, I'd say their quality is also top notch. Knowledge is empowering, which makes these courses addicting. Looking forward to additional courses. Great experience and great value. I'm recommending this school to all my outdoor friends, hardcore or not."
-D. Kwon, Alumni, Facebook Review
Course Overview: A Test Of Will
Our field course is designed to give the student a taste of what a real world wilderness survival emergency can be like. The gear list is minimal; pocketknife/water bottle/small pack, in order to reinforce the principles of improvisation, and to force the participant to learn to use what is around them. You will leave with no food or water, and will consume only what is found. The terrain can be extreme, with most of the hiking off trail. The hike will be anywhere from 2.5-5 miles each way. This course is about full immersion. The ability to endure harsh conditions and still perform is emphasized. Students will learn to overcome the unexpected.
*Students will receive no outside food or water. No sleeping bags or outside gear allowed.
*Construct an all-weather survival shelter from what you find in the forest. Then sleep in it for two nights by the warmth of your campfire.
*Learn to treat water hands on; all water consumed will be from a local stream, and will be boiled in your water bottle.
*Learn to make a fire by friction (aka make a fire with sticks), and with proper emergency gear.
*Learn improvised first aid techniques.
*Learn to construct a primitive trap from scratch.
*Learn to make cordage from wild materials (string/rope).
*Learn to signal both air and land rescuers in an emergency.
*Forage wild foods from your surroundings.
*Learn to make tools from the forest around you.
Become a member and recieve unlimited training for a great value
Logistics
Price
$750 per person
12 Student Maximum, This Course Fills Fast
Upon registering you will receive a Receipt which contains a link to download all course info; gear list, start times, Addresses, etc.
2024 Dates
Click the dates to register
June 28-30
July 19-21
Location:
Just outside Anchorage Alaska. Fly into: Anchorage, International Airport. WE PROVIDE PICK UP AND DROP OFF TO THE TRAINING SITE.
We pick up 8am day 1 at the airport, and 830am at the downtown visitors center (546 W. 4th ave). Drop off on day 3 is by 3pm at the same locations.
What To Bring:
*Day pack (25 liters or less is fine)
*Stainless steel unlined water bottle (you will boil with this so it must be stainless steel an non lined). “Kleen Canteen” brand is recommended
*A full tang fixed blade, at least 4” blade length
*Headlamp (90+lumens or higher is recommended)
*Appropriate clothing for the time of year, and include rain gear (jacket and pants). A warm coat is good for the evening, as well as a beanie. You may wear a thermal/base layer if you desire.
*Leather gloves.
*Hiking boots. Absolutely NO shoes/low-top footwear. Waterproof is best, as it can always rain in Alaska.
*One change of socks is allowed.
*This is the ONLY gear allowed on the course. There is a service at Anchorage Airport which will stow your luggage for a small fee. Most hotels in Anchorage also provide complimentary luggage storage.
*Always check the weather 72 hours in advance and dress appropriately. Our Videos page has a step by step guide to dressing for cold weather and our gear page has recommendations for a full range of gear.