Embark on an Unforgettable Wilderness Adventure with NOW Outdoors! Are you ready to step into the heart of the wilderness, learn new skills, and build lasting confidence in the great outdoors? NOW Outdoors offers premium, fully guided backpacking trips designed to do just that.
Whether you're a beginner looking to experience the thrill of backpacking for the first time or an experienced trekker wanting to expand your horizon or deepen your wilderness knowledge, our trips are crafted to suit every level. With the stunning landscapes of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Upper Michigan as our backdrop, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the beauty of our northern forests than with NOW Outdoors!
Discover the Wilderness Beyond the Trail From serene lakes and babbling streams to dense forest trails, every day is filled with exploration. Our backpacking, mountain, and off-trail adventures will take you far beyond the beaten path. We hike through these pristine landscapes by day, setting up primitive camps each night.
These fully guided backpacking trips will give you more than just a taste of the outdoors—they’re an opportunity for real wilderness skill development. Each adventure is packed with hands-on learning experiences, including purifying water, setting up group tarps in rainy weather, crossing creeks, and fire-building techniques. With expert guides by your side, you’ll gain invaluable knowledge, build confidence, and develop a deeper connection with nature.
We have flexible adventure levels for all skillsets whether you're just starting or you're an experienced backcountry explorer, we offer trips that match your level. The difficulty of each trip is tailored based on distance, altitude, terrain, water access, and expected weather conditions. If you’re unsure about your readiness, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to answer your questions and make sure you feel fully prepared and comfortable.
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What to Expect:Â Meals, Gear, and Group Essentials
The wilderness shouldn’t be stressful, and we aim to make it as accessible as possible. On our trips, meals are included, and here's why: Outdoor cooking is more than just eating—it's a chance to bond and learn. By providing group meals, we can reduce the weight of redundant gear (like extra stoves and filters) and ensure that everyone has the fuel needed for high-energy days on the trail.
We create custom ultralight meals that are delicious and easy to prepare on the trail. Many of these have been enjoyed by hikers, backpackers, and professional expedition leaders around the world. Do you have dietary restrictions? Just let us know in advance, and we’ll gladly make accommodations whenever possible.
We use top of the line MSR water purification systems to ensure great tasting water is available both at camp and on the trail to keep you hydrated at all times. We also use MSR camp stoves to speed up meal prep and allow more relaxation around the campfire. In case of rain, we use large ultralight tarp from Cooke Custom Sewing. These are expedition grade but also incredibly light and packable.
Rental Gear
We have shelters, backpacks, sleep pads, sleeping bags, trekking poles, and more available. Just let us know in advance if you need any items as quantities are limited. We will have a detailed page on gear rental items and rates soon. If you have questions, please email us at info@nowoutdoors.org
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NOW Outdoors trips are designed to be more than just a hike; they’re an invitation to grow your skills, your knowledge, and your appreciation for the natural world. With expert guidance and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers, you'll leave each trip with unforgettable memories, a deeper awareness of the outdoors, and newfound confidence in your abilities. Ready to start your adventure? Reach out to NOW Outdoors to learn more and reserve your spot today.
Upcoming guided backpacking trips will be posted here and linked to our events page. We will have our 2025 spring and summer lineup of trips posted soon.