Windy City Backcountry Live BIG Experience
Hiking, swimming, cycling—just getting outdoors and moving have been shown to have dramatically beneficial health effects. In fact, Scottish doctors are now issuing prescriptions to go hiking.
At Windy City, we believe in training for life, getting outside the gym, exploring the world and seeking new adventures with an amazing group of people. We've teamed up with a local adventure outfitter to offer you this one of a kind experience to put your fitness to the test, learn about natural ecosystems and master backcountry survival skills.
Windy City will provide the group with the lead-up training and nutrition to get you ready to have the time of your life with fellow members.
When:
Friday April 26th -- Monday April 29th
Where:
Shawnee National Forest
Details:
- 4 day backcountry trip in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois
- 40+ miles of hiking / rucking
- Leave on Friday morning from Windy City, and return on Monday evening
- 10% of revenue will be donated to the Adventure Worth Sharing fund in support of Sierra Club Inspiring Connections Outdoors program.
What You Get:
- 6 weeks lead-up supplemental programming
- Individualized nutrition coaching
- Backcountry gear, guide, food and transportation
Backcountry gear provided:
- Tents and enclosed hammocks
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads
- Packs
- 15L dry bag for sleeping bag
- 13L dry bag for clothes and personal items
- Pack cover (raincoat for backpack)
- 2L hydration bladder
- 1L nalgene
- Camp stoves and fuel
- Camp kitchen pots and group use gear (cutting boards, chef knives, etc.)
- Supplemental shelter / tarps
- Cords
- Camp chairs and a few extras for fun and leisure
The group can expect to be challenged both physically through long days on the trail and intellectually as they take on new skills, battling fatigue and the elements along the way. We'll learn about the natural ecosystem of the forest as well as natural history. The group will also have the chance to learn all about fire science and construction with a ferro rod, water sourcing and filtration, cooking in the backcountry and much more. So much fun!
Personal items list:
*All group members should have on the trip
*Note: Not all items are applicable, depending on the time of year.
- Hiking shoes / boots
- Flip flops (optional)
- Clothing for duration of trip
- Waterproof coat / shell / poncho
- Lip balm
- Sun block
- Hat
- Sun glasses
- Bug spray
- Hygiene gear
- Baby wipes
- Medication (if needed)
- Eating utensils -- spork, bowl -- anything from home works -- tupperware is a great and lightweight option
- Flashlight / headlamp
- Spare batteries
- Small towel
- Pocket knife
- Toilet paper -- you won't need a whole role -- consider taking a few days supply and storing in plastic sandwich bag
- Clean clothes to change into after trip
- Paperback book (optional)
- Favorite snacks
- Road snacks / packed lunch or cash -- the drive to the forest can span lunch time, and we don't want to start hungry
- Journal / small notebook and pen
- Positive attitude
Appropriate Attire:
Avoid cotton Cotton is slow to dry and loses its ability to maintain warmth when wet. Cotton may be used for sleeping or wearing around camp, but is not recommended for hiking and other strenuous outdoor activity. Prepare to dress in layers and keep light to mid-weight long sleeves, including a sweatshirt or hoodie to wear over lighter layers.
- Socks -- lightweight wool hiking socks are best -- cotton socks will amplify risk of blisters
- Shirts -- lightweight, breathable athletic style shirts are best -- bring a combination of lightweight t-shirts, long sleeves and a heavy insulating layer such as a fleece or sweatshirt
- Pants -- shorts are acceptable, but pants with legs are best to prevent bug bites and ticks -- poly, lightweight pants will be quick to dry and keep cool -- jeans are durable, but are heavy and may cause chafing
- Underwear -- wear some
- Boots / shoes -- water resistant hiking boots, hiking shoes and even gym shoes are good for hiking -- footwear should be a snug fit with strong laces to prevent movement and friction inside the shoe -- blisters are preventable -- feet will be getting wet from sweat, stream crossings, potential rain and trail conditions -- so proper foot attire is top priority
Price:
$749 per person (includes training, nutrition and the outfitted experience described above)
*information night 2/8 (after last class of day...~7:45pm)
*training kicks off 3/25
8 total spots available