Civilian Training Schedule

MAY 23-25, 2025: BACKCOUNTRY PACK TRIP

2-NIGHT/3-DAY PACKING COURSE IN THE NC BACKCOUNTRY. $995 PER PERSON, INCLUDES MEALS. INTRO TO MULE PACKING COURSE IS A PRE-REQUISITE.

DAY 1: 8am – at the trailhead we’ll go over basics of packing and start prepping and preparing loads to pack in. Once all camp supplies and animal needs are packed, we’ll hike in to our camping location. It will be a 2- to 4-hour trek into the camp, so participants need to be physically capable of handling the hike. Mules will be carrying all of the gear. Participants need to bring their own pack lunch for this day only. Once at camp, we’ll go over selecting and setting up a proper camp, caring for mules and horses in the backcountry, filtering water for camp needs, and more. Dinner will be provided by MMPR.

DAY 2: After caring for animals, we will start with breakfast provided by MMPR, with instruction on camp cooking. We will then focus on building different types of loads. We’ll address any questions as we go along and can determine if we will just explore and come back to camp or move the camp to a second location. There will be time for backcountry lounging, fishing, or other activities depending on the location. Lunch and dinner will be provided by MMPR as well.

DAY 3: We’ll care for animals and then have breakfast. After breakfast, we’ll break down camp, start the load-out process, and return back to the trailhead.

Prior to the course, participants will be given a list of what they can bring for the trip, as well as exact location of the trailhead. All camp gear will be provided, and participants will just need to bring their personal belongings and sleeping bags if they have them. Participants are able to bring their own snacks and discuss any dietary needs with MMPR prior to trip.