Wilderness Adventure Courses

1. What gear do I need?

Please visit my gear guide for a list of my recommended products and affiliate links.

Recommended Gear List (Optional items):

• Knife 

• Eating bowl

• Spoon

• Cup 

• Toothpaste 

• Small Camp Towel

• Extra Snacks

• Water Filter

• Jetboil or similar stove

Provided Gear List

• Shelters*

• Comprehensive First-Aid Kit

• Communication Device for Emergencies

• Horseback Support

• Group Shovel

• Saws & Axes (although we recommend that you bring your own favorite tools)

  • The cutting of live trees in wilderness areas is prohibited

• Paracord

• 21/22 Gauge Wire

• Fishing Line/Hooks

• Assorted Survival Gear

*As it would be quite hard on the land to build a shelter for everyone individually, we will provide tents. However, feel free to bring your own that you like (tent, hammock, tarp). Something with a bug net is highly recommended.

2. How do I get there?

The arrival airport for the trip is Missoula, MT. There are a number of direct flights to MSO from major airports.

3. Do you provide transportation to the trip site?

A car can be rented to get from Missoula to the staging point, or a shuttle can be arranged with a local shuttle service. Students in a course will be connected with one another to potentially organize ride sharing. More information and details will be provided to students.

4. I’ve never really camped before. Is that a problem?

No prior experience is needed to join our courses, just the right attitude and an openness to learn and adapt! I enjoy showing people the beauty and richness of the wilderness for the first time!  

5. I’m interested in honing my tracking skills. Will there be opportunities to do so?

We are always on the lookout for the situations nature provides to learn. When we find tracks, animal signs, etc we will most certainly use them as an opportunity to teach. In the past we tracked wolves to the site where they had killed a baby moose.

6. What kind of animals are we hunting?

Wilderness regulations and seasons limit what animals can be harvested to small game and fish. We will also be on the lookout for potential learning experiences with larger game even if they can’t be taken. We will explain the effective techniques that could be used to hunt the game. Past trips have included cooking fresh marmot, calling in elk to bow range, and howling to wolves. A valid Idaho fishing license is required, and a small game hunting license is optional. Purchase here: https://idfg.idaho.gov/license/purchase-options

7. Do we only eat what we find/kill?

Not only is it harder to learn and stay sharp mentally when on a limited diet, but also most of the time you would be spending would be focused on gathering food - not learning and perfecting the techniques to do so. Also it would be asking a lot of the land to provide all the meals for a group of people, and thus would conflict with the “leave no trace” ethic we try to maintain. Therefore, we will provide meals. That said, we will teach and hone the skills necessary so that you will be asked to provide all of your own food from the land on the final day. If you would like to attempt a more “Alone” like survival experience, contact me for a custom course!

8. What level of fitness do I need?

For courses involving horses (Wilderness Course), you should be able to ride a horse for several hours, hike on sometimes steep terrain, and complete tasks such as gathering firewood. It is always an advantage to be in good physical shape and may allow you to take part in more demanding “expeditions” that take place throughout the week. Explorer’s Expeditions naturally require a higher fitness level.

9. What should I go on, the Explorers Expedition or a Wilderness Course?

Both experiences are exciting, and both are unique. For an all around wilderness adventure, I recommend the Wilderness Course as it is a very well-rounded experience with a bit of everything. The courses involve robust skills training in pre-vetted and absolutely amazing locations, plenty of time to tailor and practice the said skills, and an open ended itinerary that allows us the flexibility to take advantage of unique opportunities - all while allowing for a final 24 hour practicum that involves an extended expedition to remote, incredible locations where we put ourselves and our skills to the test. This all while still giving us plenty of time to get to know each other and immerse ourselves in the wilderness. Although fitness is an advantage on all my offerings, these could still be possible if you are in some way limited. All in all these are the flagship courses we have been running for years where I include a bit of everything I love about the outdoors.

Explorers Expeditions are a more focused trip. They are an opportunity to explore places that otherwise might not facilitate a full wilderness course - either the trails are non-existent, the fishing conditions are a complete unknown, the areas are inaccessible for stock etc. This allows us to visit areas otherwise rarely visited. They are also more hiking/mobility focused and thus allow for less down time and skills practice overall. It does, however, allow us to explore multiple unique locations in the course of the 5 day trip - many of which even I have never seen. Who knows what kinds of gems we could discover. We can even change course in the middle of the adventure should we be intrigued by a particular peak or lake. On these courses a good level of fitness is definitely required. We will be hiking with packs over extremely varied and often steep and rocky terrain. This is exactly what its called - an expedition with the goal of discovering unique and otherwise unexplored areas - something I love doing.

Private/Custom Courses

1. What kind of private or custom courses do you offer?

Private Courses are completely customizable for your group size and skill levels. We create an experience that is unique and memorable and suits your specific needs. Location, length of trip and size of group are adjustable. Please email info@jordanjonas.com for more specifics.

Have other questions? We’re here to help. Email info@jordanjonas.com and ask away.