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What we’re about
Want to spend more time in nature, learn new skills, and meet great people? This is the biggest outdoor adventure meetup in WI. All skill levels are welcome. We have free social events at least once per month that focus on things like backpacking skills, wild edibles, cold weather adventure, day hikes, gear, or just sitting around the fire sharing stories.
We hold a variety of classes and trips based on member interest including Wilderness First Aid certifications, backpacking and canoe camping trips, survival courses, cooking classes, firearms training and more. We also offer very unique and one of a kind international expeditions. From Mt. Everest to the Arctic to the Amazon Jungle these trips are organized and guided by NOW Outdoors.
We help people become more skilled, more experienced, and more confident outdoors. We never want to exclude anyone from classes or trips so please contact us with any questions or concerns so we can help you to be fully equipped for any adventure.
If you have a trip or event idea that you'd like to see, please email us at info@nowoutdoors.org.
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Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 9-Day Boundary Waters Canoe AdventureEly, Ely, MN$1,300.00
Join us for a paddle through the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) in Northern Minnesota. This is a true wilderness experience far from any roads or towns. Wildlife includes moose, otter, beaver, wolves, eagles, and more. We provide lodging before and after the trip, all necessary group gear, amazing food, permit reservation and user fees, and of course your licensed professional wilderness guide committed to your successful adventure.
This trip starts in Ely, MN. We will arrive on the evening of August 3rd at a designated lodge to go over gear and trip details. Sunday morning, we head out for an early start to our adventure.
Enjoy 7 full days of paddling expedition style through 45+ miles of pristine lakes and wilderness. We plan for a couple layover days during the trip to relax at camp, practice coutdoor skills, fish, etc. The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or group interest. Everyone will paddle tandem canoes, help with portages, set up/take down camp, process firewood, share cooking and cleaning up of meals and any other activity of the day. We not only have years of experience in all aspects of the BWCA, but we are teachers, cooks, leaders, storytellers, fishermen and naturalists. We can assure you that our team leads a safe, fun, and educational trip!
Menu items: We believe cliff bars and ramen soup have their place but not on our trips. We love a varied menu that includes delicious meals. A few camp favorites include our famous BBQ pork spaghetti, Rumchata French toast, fruit and yogurt parfait, steak fajitas, and more. We can accommodate some special diets as well. Just let us know how we can help.
Difficulty: Moderate
This trip is not for first-time campers or paddlers. You should be comfortable in a canoe and in the water. You should be able to provide sufficient clothing and personal items as per the gear list. Everyone will be expected to help around camp and on the water including portaging gear and canoes between waterways. Expect to carry 50 - 60 pounds of gear or a canoe for short distances on portage trails. The pace will be relaxed at times and challenging at others. Expect to paddle several hours on paddle days and portage over land when necessary. We plan to have two zero-travel days for time to fish, swim, relax, etc.Price: $1,300
Upon registration, you will have access to the event group where the gear list and directions can be found.
> Payments can be made on the NOW Outdoors website at https://www.nowoutdoors.org/event-details/9-day-boundary-waters-canoe-adventure-august-3rd-2024
> Spaces are limited and are filled in the order payments are received. An RSVP on Meetup will not hold your spot.
> Cancelations made within seven days of payment and on or before the payment deadline are eligible for a refund. Other cancelations will be converted to a credit to be used within one year for another Now Outdoors event.Price Includes:
• Expert guides
• BWCA permits and user fees
• All meals from put-in to take-out
• Purified water in camp and on the go
• Lightweight Wenonah Spirit 2 tandem canoes
• Premium CCS packs with padded backs, waist belts and adjustable straps
• Paddles and PFDs
• Camp kitchen including mess kits
• Group tarp and other misc. group items
• Lodging fees the night before put-in and after take-out
• Free parking/shuttleNot Included:
• Personal gear items (rental items available)
• Fishing licenses
• Guide gratuities
• Transportation to/from the BWCAPlease send all questions to info@nowoutdoors.org.
- Ultimate Everest Base Camp Adventure 2024Kathmandu, Kathmandu$2,600.00
NOTE: Trip is 9/15/2024, 9 am - 9/30/2024, 9 am
This bucket list trip embodies the spirit of adventure and the romance of traveling to far off places. Everest Base Camp combines the world’s highest mountain views and Buddhist culture in the captivating Khumbu Valley.This trek features beautiful landscapes that range from dense rhododendron forests to alpine birch and juniper. As we climb higher, you'll see incredible glaciers and raging wild rivers stemming from the Kumbhu ice falls. Namche bazaar, Khumjung, and Tengbuche are some of the spiritual places where you can view the ancient Everest monasteries, Chhortens, and Sherpa rituals. Imagine walking outside the teahouse after breakfast to see the white peaks of several of the worlds tallest mountains including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Island Peak, Thamserku and more. You wont want to miss this adventure and spots are limited. This trip might be a year away but it will fill quick.
Click HERE for a detailed itinerary (Sept 15-30, 2024)
Itinerary overview
Day 1: Kathmandu arrival
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing & trip preparation
Day 3: Fly to Lukla (35 min) & trek to Phakding, 3-4 hrs walk
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar, 6-7 hrs walk
Day 5: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Day 6: Trek to Tengbuche, 5-6 hrs walk
Day 7: Trek to Dingbuche, 5-6 hrs walk
Day 8: Acclimatization day
Day 9: Trek to Lobuche, 5-6 hrs walk
Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep-EBC - Gorakshep, 7-8 hrs walk
Day 11: Hike to Kalapatthar, trek to Pheriche, 7-8 hrs walk
Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar, 7-8 hrs walk
Day 13: Trek to Lukla, 7-8 hrs walk
Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu, 35 min
Day 15: DepartureDifficulty: Challenging due to altitude and steep terrain. This trip takes you to Everest Base Camp (17,600') and Kala Patthar (18,400'). Our starting elevation will be in Lukla at 9,400'. We have a relaxed pace and two acclimatization days to help our bodies adjust to the altitude.
Gear: Gear needs are similar to typical hiking gear back home: warm base layers, good footwear, and a few other things. A full gear list will be provided. Some items including a warm puff jacket or sleeping bag for this trip can be provided if needed at no extra cost. Our team of professional porters will carry the bulk of your gear so all you need to worry about are snacks, water, and rain gear.
Price: $2,600 deadline July 1st
A $500 non-refundable deposit will secure your spot.
> Spaces are limited and filled in the order payments are received. > Cancelations made within seven days of payment and on or before the payment deadline are eligible for a refund. Other cancelations will be converted to a credit to be used within one year for another Now Outdoors event.
> Payments can be made on the NOW Outdoors website at https://www.nowoutdoors.org/event-details/ultimate-everest-base-camp-adventure-2024
An RSVP on Meetup without payment will not hold your spot. The trip may fill before the payment deadline.Cost Includes:
- All airport pick up/drop off
- Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley with tour guide
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight and airport departure, taxes
- Duffle bag, down jacket, sleeping bag
- Shared tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- English-speaking guides - Porters
- All necessary paperwork and permits (National park permit, TIMS)
- Comprehensive medical kit
- Farewell dinner in Nepali Authentic Restaurant
- All government taxes
- VAT and office service charge
Cost Excludes:
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu (can be included upon request)
- Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and 2 passport size photographs)
- Rescue insurance
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu before/after our trek
- Excess baggage charges
- Early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides and porters (tipping is expected but not compulsory)
- Wilderness Land Navigation 4-Day Immersion CourseNeeds location$425.00
The ability to find your way is a critical skill to ensure your safety, survival, and success when traveling in the backcountry.
Build your skills and confidence with us during this 4-day intensive, immersive, hands-on workshop led by land navigation expert instructor, Steve Fritz. This is not a basic demo or slide show presentation. This course will take place in a wilderness setting, which allows us to immediately apply our skills in real life.
During this weekend workshop, you will learn and practice several skills and cover topics including:
- Map Reading and Characteristics
- Declination
- The 3 Norths
- Point Plotting
- Measuring Map Distance
- Route Planning
- Pace Counting
- Compass Use
- Dead Reckoning
- Nighttime Navigation
- Terrain Association
- Instructor-Led Routes
- Individual Routes
Price: $425 Payment deadline is October 1, 2024
To avoid credit card service fees, you can opt to pay with a check at checkout.
Optional food package: $125.00 (includes 10 meals, day 1 lunch through day 4 lunch & tableware)
Space is extremely limited and will be filled in the order that payments are received.> Payments can be made on the NOW Outdoors website at https://www.nowoutdoors.org/event-details/wilderness-land-navigation-4-day-immersion-course
> An RSVP on Meetup will not hold your spot. The event may fill before the payment deadline.
> Cancelations made within seven days of payment and on or before the payment deadline are eligible for a refund. Other cancelations will be converted to a credit to be used within one year for another Now Outdoors event.Included:
- Primitive on-site camping
- Water, coffee
- Group gear
- Protractor
- Pacing beads
- NOW Outdoors notebook
- All necessary materials for class
- Expert instruction
Each person will receive a compass with adjustable declination to use during the course. Compasses will also be available for purchase for $80.
Not Included:
- Personal camping items (clothing, tent, sleeping bag, camp chair, etc.)
- Personal meals if you choose to bring your own (meal package is available for purchase)
- Snacks and drinks
AS ALWAYS >>> You will have access to a full recommended gear list and directions via our "group" page once your payment has been received. We have a limited quantity of gear for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact us with any gear needs.
Please email us with any questions at info@nowoutdoors.org.
- Winter Workshop 3-Day (Beginner Friendly)Waupaca, Waupaca, WI$275.00
This trip is perfect for beginners and experienced winter campers. Join us for a fun weekend of presentations and hands-on activities focused on cold weather skill building. Let us help you gain the knowledge and experience needed to camp comfortably in winter. You won’t freeze, guaranteed!
The Plan:
Due to popularity, we are offering both 2- and 3-day options again this year. Join us Friday though Sunday for all day presentations and hands-on skills training. Friday check-in is 9-11 am. Saturday check-in is 8-9 am (for those attending just 2 days). This event is located on 40 private acres at our NOW Outdoors basecamp in Waupaca, WI just west of Hartman Creek State Park. Map and directions will be available upon registration via our group discussion page. Upon arrival, you will check in and hike down to the site. This hike is roughly 5-minutes from your car on a wide path. If there is deep snow on the ground, you may need a sled and snowshoes to haul your gear to camp. If you do not have a sled, we have several sleds available to use for free. We can help you find a place to set up your tent or hammock.All meals will be provided Friday lunch through Sunday breakfast. Coffee and hot water for tea, cocoa, or apple cider will be available throughout the day as well. If you have attended this event in the past, join us again for a whole lot more! In addition to the awesome folks who attend every year, we have an incredible crew of expert presenters from the region joining us for a wide variety of topics including these and more:
- Clothing and footwear
- Building a winter fire
- Axe and saw use
- Winter-specific first aid skills
- Shelters and sleep systems
- Camp cooking and baking
- Women's-specific camping discussion
- How NOT to get lost
- Cold weather survival skills
Hot tent rental:
We have canvas wall tents outfitted with wood stoves available for rent. Our 9x11.5 sleeps 2-3 on the ground or 2 on cots. Our large 10x13 tent sleeps 4-5 people on ground pads or 4 on cots. Rental rates are an additional $300 for the 9x11.5 and $350 for the 10x13 for the entire weekend. You can opt to have the tent to yourself or share with others. Split and dry wood for the stove is provided along with a set of LED lights. Cots available as well.AS ALWAYS >>> A full gear list and directions will be available via the group page. You will have access to this group page upon registration.
Price:
Saturday - Sunday only: $200
Friday - Sunday: $275> Payments can be made on the NOW Outdoors website at https://www.nowoutdoors.org/event-details/winter-workshop-3-day-beginner-friendly-3
> Spaces are limited and are filled in the order payments are received. An RSVP on Meetup without payment will not hold your spot. The trip may fill before the payment deadline.
> Cancelations made within seven days of payment and on or before the payment deadline are eligible for a refund. Other cancelations will be converted to a credit to be used within one year for another Now Outdoors event.Included:
- Expert-led presentations each day
- Complimentary gift
- 6 fantastic meals: Friday lunch through Sunday breakfast
- Coffee all day and water for tea, cider, cocoa, etc.
- Misc. group gear (tables, lights around camp, kitchen equipment)
- Large warming tent 24hrs a day
- Porta-potty toilets
- Firewood
Not Included: (rental gear available)
- Personal gear
- Footwear
- Tent/hammock
- Sleeping bags
- Backpacks
- Snowshoes
We have a limited quantity of gear for rent on a first-come first-serve basis. This included winter hammocks, -40F down sleeping bags, sleeping pads, headlamps, backpacks, and more.
Please send all questions to: info@nowoutdoors.org