Wilderness Self-Reliance
Move beyond emergency survival. Learn to live in the wild.
Wilderness Self-Reliance takes survival beyond waiting for rescue. Designed for students who already understand basic survival skills, this course focuses on becoming more capable, resourceful, and comfortable while traveling and living in the wilderness.
What this course is about
Survival Foundations teaches you how to stay alive. Wilderness Self-Reliance teaches you how to take care of yourself. That's a different question — and it requires a different set of skills.
This course is for students who are ready to move beyond emergency response and start developing real wilderness capability. You'll expand your range through navigation, primitive fire, natural materials, wild plants, primitive tools, advanced shelter, and wilderness travel.
You'll also be challenged to rely less on manufactured equipment and start using what the surrounding environment provides. The goal is to change the question from 'How do I survive until someone finds me?' to 'How can I take care of myself out here?' — and to leave with the judgment, confidence, and adaptability to answer it.
$650
per person · 2-day weekend
- All instruction and field materials
- Shared camp meals
- Course reference guide
- Certificate of completion
Prerequisites: Survival Foundations or equivalent experience
Skills you'll learn
Wilderness navigation
Map, compass, and natural navigation — reading the land and moving through it with confidence.
Primitive fire
Bow-drill and other friction fire methods using natural materials found in the field.
Wild plant identification
Safe foraging fundamentals — identifying edible and medicinal plants in your region.
Natural materials
Cordage, containers, and tools made from plant fibers, bark, and other raw materials.
Trapping concepts
Principles of trapping and snaring for food procurement, including ethics and legal considerations.
Advanced shelter
Long-term shelter construction and camp organization for extended wilderness stays.
Wilderness travel
Route-finding, terrain reading, and moving efficiently through varied wilderness environments.
"Stop waiting for rescue. Start knowing you don't need it."
What to expect
Expanded skill set
This course builds directly on Foundations. You'll be challenged to apply what you know and push further into real wilderness capability.
Natural materials focus
A significant portion of the course involves working with what the land provides — less gear, more skill.
Small group instruction
Maximum 12 students. Kyle works with each student directly and adjusts instruction to your current level.
Real conditions
Courses run in all weather. Adapting to conditions is a core part of developing genuine self-reliance.
What to bring
At this level, gear choices start to matter more. Bring functional, durable equipment you're comfortable working in. A detailed packing list is sent after registration.
Clothing
- Sturdy, broken-in boots (ankle support recommended)
- Durable work pants or trail pants (no jeans)
- Moisture-wicking base layer
- Insulating mid layer (fleece or wool)
- Rain jacket
- Hat and gloves (season-dependent)
Gear
- Fixed-blade knife (3–5 inch blade, full tang preferred)
- Water bottle or hydration system (2L minimum)
- Daypack or medium backpack
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Compass (baseplate style recommended)
- Small notebook and pencil
Food
- Lunch and snacks for both days (camp meals provided for dinner)
- High-energy trail snacks
- Coffee or tea if desired
Leave the survival gadgets at home. A good knife, a compass, and the right clothing will serve you better than any multi-tool or electronic device.
Upcoming dates
Dates for the next round of courses are being finalized. Check back soon or send us a message to get on the notification list.
Get notified when dates openFrequently asked questions
Ready to go further?
Stop waiting for rescue. Start learning how to take care of yourself out there.