NOLS Blog
Instructor Spotlight: Caeden Greene
A NOLS experience can truly be a transformative experience for a young person’s life, and that was certainly the case for field instructor Caeden Greene. In high school, Caeden embarked on a 30-day Waddington Range Mountaineering Expedition (WAD), long known as one of NOLS’ most rigorous courses. The WAD expedition had such a profound effect…
Case Study: Jellyfish Sting in Paradise
Photo by Molly Hagbrand The setting You and your friend are enjoying some early morning sunshine and perfect ...
Through the Diamond Heart of Brazil: Our Next Alumni Adventure!
Lush valleys, waterfalls, ancient ruins, and diamonds can all be found in Brazil’s Chapada Diamantina National Park, the ...
Kickstart your Summer: A NOLS-Inspired Guide to Outdoor Adventure
Summer is a season of possibility—new places to explore, skills to sharpen, and friendships to deepen. At NOLS, we believe that thoughtful preparation, intentional choices, and community connection lay the foundation for safe, rewarding, and meaningful adventures. Whether you’re planning a long expedition or a weekend hike, here are key ideas to guide your summer…
Rothberg-Birdwhistell Exploration Fund: Expedition Isla Wager y Mas
With dreams of personal adventures in Patagonian Chile, Dave Watson asked Nacho Aguilera and me to join him paddling in the archipelago south of the Golfo De Penas. Almost a year before we put our paddles in the water, we started talking and planning. Tasks were delegated to be ready to begin our expedition in…
NOLS 1965 • 2025 • 2085
NOLS winter camping in the 1970s. It was December 1973, in the midst of a two-week winter course somewhere in the Winds. With our 70+-pound packs, we used seal skins on our wooden Army-issue skis to ascend a steep ridge. The day was clear and very cold. The snow was almost to our knees, as…
How to Make Deluxe Mac and Cheese (and Fried Macs too!) in the Backcountry
Photo by Jordan Cranch Cheesy pasta is a staple for any expedition. This recipe for macaroni and cheese, made deluxe by the addition of butter and dried veggies, is hot and delicious and transitions well from the backcountry to your kitchen at home. Be sure to check out the recipe for NOLS Famous Fried Macs!…
Navigating the Path: the U.S. NOLS Instructor in Training Program
2024 US Instructor In Training Cohort at the start of their instructor course: top, left to right, NOLS field instructor Jerick Lee, NOLS field instructor Elsie Freland, Matt Medina, Dane Gare, Amber Davis, and bottom left to right, Alison Sikowitz, Vicky Albores, Yessi Aguilar, and Jianna Kaufman The U.S. NOLS Instructor-in-Training (IIT) Program is a…
Rothberg-Birdwhistell Exploration Fund: Mountaineering in Rwenzori Mountains
This 15-day expedition began with an interest to take on a challenge we had not encountered before. One day, after working a contract in East Africa, James “KG” Kagambi, Evan Kuria, and I began discussing enhancing our outdoor skills. Evan suggested we explore the Rwenzori Mountains, the nearest mountains with easy access to a glacier.…
Clare Dallat Receives the WRMC’s 2018 Charles (Reb) Gregg Award
At the October 2018 Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC) in Portland, Oregon, Clare Dallat received the Charles (Reb) Gregg Award for her contributions to risk management in the outdoor industry.
Jessica Wahl Receives 2018 NOLS Stewardship Award
Jessica Wahl, Government Affairs Manager for the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), received the 2018 NOLS Stewardship Award in recognition of her commitment to environmental stewardship and involvement in the permitting process for public lands.
Ride the Wind: Szu-Ting Yi’s Wind River Traverse
In an article for Alpinist, former NOLS instructor Szu-ting Yi reflects on her 2017 traverse of Wyoming’s Wind River Range. She and her husband, Dave Anderson, climbed 33 peaks in the Winds over the course of 20 days despite challenging conditions.
NOLS Horsepacking in Wyoming’s Red Desert Threatened by Oil and Gas Development
September 20, 2018 press release from NOLS regarding the recent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) decision to move forward with an oil and gas lease sale in Wyoming's Red Desert, a key operating area for NOLS horsepacking courses.
How to Raise an Adventurer
A climber, alpinist, skier, photographer, filmmaker, and former NOLS instructor, Jimmy Chin believes adventure in the outdoors is key to successful parenting.
The Top 10 Hiking Illnesses and Injuries
Backpacker magazine consults NOLS Wilderness Medicine Curriculum Director Tod Schimpelfenig on how to prevent and treat the top 10 hiking injuries and illnesses identified in the NOLS database of medical incidents.
Freezer Bags: The Secret to Eating Well While Backpacking
Popular Science consults NOLS Rocky Mountain Rations Manager Claudia Pearson on how to prepare the best freezer bag meals for backcountry camping.
Building a Proper First Aid Kit
Outside Online looks to NOLS Wilderness Medicine for some tips on how to build a well-stocked first aid kit, starting with knowing how to use the supplies you packed.
Netflix Founder Says You Learn Leadership by Doing
Netflix co-founder and NOLS Board Chair Marc Randolph says the leadership experience he gained in the field as a NOLS student and instructor was the “single biggest contributor to my success as a businessperson.”
Why You Should Sleep Outdoors
NOLS Instructor and Financial Aid Counselor Cristina Edwards shares her thoughts on the benefits of sleeping outside.
Seeley Lake Student Funds Gap Year Working at Coffee Shop
He registered for a five-month course with NOLS. The Year in Patagonia course starts in Chile in October. Batchelder said this is exciting and very expensive.
TDA Cyclist Reflects on Expedition Behavior
Inspired by NASA astronauts who’ve completed NOLS leadership training, TDA cyclist Henry Gold reflects on how expedition behavior taught on NOLS courses applies to cycling tours.
