Check out the Kula Academy Calendar for a complete list of classes and events.

Backpacking Tips and Trail Wisdom

Wander More. Worry Less!

Don’t head into the backcountry without the skills and knowledge to make your trip both safe and enjoyable! Join former park ranger and backpacking instructor, Anastasia Allison for 90 minutes of backpacking knowledge and inspiration.

In this 90 minute Zoom meetup, we’ll include tips on trip planning, gear considerations, clothing, foot care, food, first aid, plus Leave No Trace and backcountry hygiene best practices. Anastasia has over a decade of backpacking and mountaineering experience and is eager to share stories, tips, and a touch of humor to ensure you're prepared and inspired for all of your adventures.

What You’re In For In This Virtual Zoom Meetup:

• Hilarious ode to backpacking
• Tips for success: planning your route, assessing the weather
• The Essentials
• Gear and clothing considerations
• Foot care and first aid kit prep
• Food glorious backpacking food... and stoves
• Sleep systems and shelters
• Water treatment and hydration
• Camp site selection and Leave no trace principles
• Hygiene, peeing and pooping in the woods
• How to pack your pack / Lightweight packing techniques
• Emergency situations/float plan (satellite messenger, personal locator beacon options)

• A dance party (okay maybe just one song)
• And a few surprises

In this class, you’ll learn everything you need to know to plan a successful overnight adventure — from planning your route, assessing weather and trail conditions, to what to bring, what to wear, what to eat and where to go... literally.

Prepare for an hour of wisdom, inspration and newfound confidence as you gear up for your summer hiking and backpacking adventures.

About Your Instructor:

Anastasia Allison, Former Park Ranger and Entreprenuer

Anastasia Allison is a former park ranger turned full time entrepreneur and the founder of Kula Cloth. She has tested gear extensively for Backpacker Magazine and REI, is a wilderness first responder and has been backpacking and climbing in the Pacific Northwest, and around the world, for over two decades.

She has been a backpacking instructor with Washington Outdoor Women since 2009 and has taught numerous in-person and virtual backpacking workshops. Her personal outdoor passion is exploring off trail high routes in remote locations - but she's just as happy sitting outside and looking up at the sky. It is her hope that through your backpacking adventures, you will connect more deeply with yourself, others and our planet.

Anastasia’s approach to backpacking and hiking is different than most – instead of focusing on all of the things that could go wrong, she has devoted her life to focusing on all of the things that can and will go right. You will leave this session feeling empowered about your backpacking adventures… and hopefully feeling a bit of inspiration about finding a bit more peace and connection in your life.