Two nights in the woods. A lifetime of knowing what to do when things go sideways
Survival skills aren't just for the wilderness. They're for the blackout, the blown-out tire on a back road, the hiking partner who goes down three miles from the trailhead, the storm that turns a weekend trip into something else entirely. This course teaches you to handle all of it — and understand why your mind behaves the way it does when things go wrong."
This isn't a camping trip with some survival tips sprinkled in. It's a genuine immersion in the skills, mindset, and psychology that separate people who panic from people who problem-solve.
On this two night course in the Catskill wilderness, you'll build shelter, make fire, find water, read the landscape, and sit around a campfire talking about the one survival tool that most courses overlook entirely: your own mind.
Trips stats
🏕️ Activity: Overnight wilderness survival immersion
⏱️ Duration: 2 days / 1 night
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate — no prior experience required, base fitness recommended
📍 Location: The Catskills
👥 Small group experience
Curriculum Snaphot
🧠 The psychology of survival: the most important part of any survival situation
🔥 Lighting a fire without matches
🪵 Building a survival shelter with natural materials
🆘 What to bring in your survival pack
💧 Obtaining water
🚑 Effecting rescue and other rescue methods
🌿 Prelim wild edibles
What's Included? Curriculum Snaphot
🚐 Transportation to and from NYC
☕ Breakfast: Your adventure includes a breakfast of fresh fruit and donuts and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive to the trailhead
🧀 Lunch: We will provide a healthy, gourmet lunch and snacks during our adventure. We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs.
🌄 On trail guidance from an expert NYS licensed guide
The Destination Backcountry Difference
Why hike with us? Expert guides. Founded in 2011, our NY State-licensed guides are not merely hike leaders, they are ambassadors for the outdoors, dedicated to sharing their passion for nature with others.
This is our founder's specialty and our survival school has been covered by outlets like the Wall Street Journal, Backpacker & Men's Health Magazines and more
Schedule
Day One
Between noon-3pm TBD Brooklyn Pickup near Barclays
12:30-3:30pm TBD Manhattan Pickup at Grand Central
Rest Stop
Arrival at Trailhead, hike in to make camp
Campfire + Dinner + Smore's + Stargazing until Bedtime
Day Two
7:00–8:30 Breakfast + Coffee
9:00 Instruction & Practice
12:30 Lunch
1:00–4:00 Instruction & Practice
4:00-6:00 - independent time Board Van
~7:00 - Campfire + Dinner, Psychology of Survival
Day Three
7:00–8:30 Breakfast + Coffee
9:00– Instruction & Practice
12:30 Lunch
1:00–3:00 Finish teaching & practice, break camp, hike to van
~3:30 Board Van
~4:30 Rest Stop
~7:00 Manhattan Drop Off
~7:30 Brooklyn Drop Off
*All times are estimates. We adjust every adventure to the pace and needs of the group. Travel time are subject to many factors, including weather and traffic.
What Do I Need to Bring With Me?
Must have
💧 2, 1-liter water bottles
🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes. Standard workout clothes are great for hiking
🥾 Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, trail runners, or hiking boots. We’ll let you know well in advance if conditions call for special footwear.
🧣A few extra layers of clothes for breaks
Good to have
🌧️ Rain shell
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧢 Hat
FAQs
What happens after I book my adventure? You will receive a confirmation email for your adventure within 24 hours of booking. Your guide will reach out 7-10 days before your adventure with an update on trail conditions, weather, a final packing list, our adventure waiver, and more.
More questions? Visit our FAQ page here.
