NOLS Expedition Planning

The guide for planning a successful trip, short or long Research access to public land, domestic and international Create a budget and find additional funding Choose essential gear, with checklists for personal and group gear Plan food and fuel requirements How to prepare mentally and physically Health issues, including insurance, illnesses, and injuries Transportation and lodging How to deal with risks in the wilderness Leave No Trace principles for sustainable travel

Molly Absolon, a NOLS instructor since 1986, lives and writes in Lander, Wyoming. Her personal expeditions have taken her to 15 different countries on 4 continents, from long traverses in the Wind River to Alaska, the Yukon, Nepal, India, Ecuador, and throughout the western United States. With 35 years of instructing for NOLS between them, these trip-planning experts highlight the necessary steps of any successful expedition.

Dave Anderson is a NOLS senior field instructor. He resides in Seattle, Washington.