Misty Mountains Ranger - 5 day wander
Resilience - Curiosity - Exploration
Appalachian Mtns NC/TN/VA $1250 TBD Spring 2027
What does the word 'ranger' mean to you? Do you picture Aragorn, running across the iconic mountains of Middle Earth in pursuit of Orc? Rangers are warriors of the wilderness, with skills that allow them to thrive even in the most rugged conditions. A ranger must be proficient at navigating, tracking, stealth, fire building and have a deep connection with the wild. ​
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You won't just practice these skills, you'll rely on them during your journey. This is your chance to master them, with the safety net of professional wilderness guides at your side.
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*Functional costumes encouraged*
The Quest
We'll rendezvous in the southern Appalachian mountains (either Tennessee, North Carolina or Virginia)
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We'll be moving each day, traveling from camp to camp like rangers; navigation across the landscape and collecting things we need along the way. Each morning and evening we'll share a meal cooked over an open fire. Our purpose may not be as exciting as Aragorn hunting orc, but we hope you'll find fulfillment in camaraderie, exploration and challenge.
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Within a couple of days, your body will settle into the rhythm of wilderness travel and you'll get to experience the feeling of thriving in the wild, a sort of comfort within discomfort. Sunrise and sunset may be reliable as clockwork, but the views and discoveries are anything but monotonous.
Gear You'll Need
You'll need to bring a pack with a frame that distributes weight to your hips and fits you properly. We do have a couple of packs for rent, please email us for more info. Each person should bring their own sleeping bag, sleeping pad and clothes. We ask that your base weight be less than 10 lbs so that you can help carry group gear and food. Other items you'll need to bring are things like a bowl and spoon, headlamp, bug spray, etc. You will receive a complete gear list once you sign up, and we'll have a zoom call to answer any questions once you register. If you have never backpacked before don't worry, we'll help you figure out what to bring and wear.
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We will provide the tarps to sleep under, ground sheets, as well as cooking pots, a first aid kit, GPS signaling device and all food. We'll get your dietary restrictions and allergies when you apply.
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We trust you to know your body and your gear, so our packing list is less specific than many outdoor companies you may have explored with. For example, most companies require ankle high, backpacking style boots, but Ali hikes in sandals, because that's what works best for her. You'll find our gear list much more relaxed.
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This is an opportunity to challenge yourself. Want to only start fires with a flint and steel? Or friction? Bring it on. Carrying a pack you made yourself? Awesome!
What is a 'functional costume?'
We want you to wear what you feel badass in. We want you to wear clothes and accessories that show the world who you are and what you love. While we want you to look and feel awesome, we will be living and traveling outdoors for five days, so some fabrics and styles just won't cut it.
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Fit and Function
​Your clothes should be comfortable and allow you to move freely. They should not create a tripping hazard (like long skirts) and should provide protection against things like sun, wind, rain, and cold. You should be able to climb, squat and sit comfortably in your clothes and they should not interfere with carrying your pack.
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Layers
Your clothes for the trip should include warm layers and rain gear to keep your dry. The southeastern mountains tend to be warm during the day and chilly at night, with high winds on ridgelines.
Fabrics
The composition of the fabric matters just as much as the fit. Cotton and spandex LOVE water. They soak up water and hold onto it, keeping you wet and cold. Aim to wear clothes made from materials that dry quickly and keep your body temperature regulated even when wet. These include: polyester, nylon, wool, cashmere, alpaca, hemp and linen. If there is spandex in your clothes, keep the amount under 13%.
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Ali in a fast drying hunter's hoodie, running shorts (with pockets!) and a sword belt with a ranger knife
About Your Instructor
Ali
Ali has wanted to live off-grid in the woods since she was little. Everyone told her it was impossible, so she did the next-best thing and became an outdoor educator. She has led wilderness expeditions all over the world in diverse landscapes- from the Sahara desert to the Thai jungle. She is an avid explorer, hunter and hide tanner. Always looking to go deeper, to learn more, and to transform, she tackled the 21 day challenge on Naked and Afraid- surviving 21 days in the Zambian bush.
She has developed outdoor education programs, developed risk assessments and safety protocols for three expedition companies globally. She has been a Wilderness First Responder since 2010. She has extensive experience managing risks and dealing with medical issues in remote places all over the world- from China to Oman, California to North Carolina.