Backcountry Basics
The Way of the Guide
You don’t become a backcountry guide by memorizing gear lists or following someone else’s map. You become a guide by stepping into the unknown, learning through experience, and discovering how you show up for yourself, your group, and the awesome places we call the great outdoors.
Backcountry Basics: The Way of the Guide is more than a book. It is a field companion built to help you plan, act, reflect, and grow through real outdoor experiences. Rooted in the 10 Essentials and the principles of Outdoor Adventure Leadership, this guide blends practical skills with leadership development, presence, and connection in wild places.
Inside, you’ll learn how to build systems that keep you safe and effective on the trail, while also developing the mindset of a guide who can lead boldly, inspire others, and cultivate meaningful connections.
But this is just the trailhead.
Members of OAL Utah gain full access to the complete Backcountry Basics system, including the full book, guided lesson plans, the Trail Challenge (with official shirt), and exclusive discounts on trips and gear. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to lead, membership gives you the tools, community, and experiences to keep moving forward.
Ready to step into the way of the guide? Start where you are. Choose a section (button) below and step onto the trail
Backcountry Basics: Intro!
Most people think the backcountry is about gear, miles, views, or just getting away. While we admit we love those points as well, there is more! The backcountry is a place where our decisions meet real-life. This is where small choices can impact trip outcomes, and where how you show up affects not just you, but everyone around you.
At OAL Utah, we don’t just teach people how to go outside. We teach people how to move through the backcountry with awareness, responsibility, and purpose.
A Different Way to Think About It
Instead of memorizing lists or following someone else’s plan, we focus on building simple systems that help you respond to what’s actually happening. This is where the 10-Essentials really come into their own. Within the 10-Essentials, we also learn about risk assessment and safety management skills to help you develop your trail awareness.
This shows up everywhere:
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When the trail disappears
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When the weather shifts
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When energy drops in the group
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When something just feels off
As you work through this short introduction to backcountry basics, you will be introduced to what it means to be a guide beyond just technical skills. As we say throughout our courses, good leadership in the backcountry isn’t about always being right; it’s about being in partnership with our fellow travelers as we consider the context we find ourselves.
Try This
Before your next hike, take a look at your route and ask:
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Where are the 2–3 moments where decisions will matter most?
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What might challenge you there?
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What would you do if things don’t go as planned?
That shift alone moves you from following a trail to thinking like a guide.
How This Builds
Everything in Backcountry Basics builds from simple ideas like this.
Over time, those ideas connect into a system we call: The Way of the Guide! Couched in the 10 Essentials of backcountry travel,
each one adds another layer of skill, awareness, and responsibility, helping you grow from participant to leader.
Start Exploring
You can explore each essential below and start building your own approach to the backcountry.
Take your time. Try things out. See what works.
That’s where the real learning happens.