Frequently Asked Questions

When preparing for an outdoor survival course, it's essential to pack clothing that is versatile and suitable for various weather conditions. Opt for moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Additionally, bring durable and comfortable hiking boots, moisture-wicking socks, a wide-brimmed hat, and gloves to protect your hands.

This really depends on the course. For a 1-day course, bring enough to change 1-2 times just in case the weather is rainy. For a multi-day course, multiple pairs of dry socks and underwear will be important. For hot weather, you will want to minimize long periods in wet, sweaty clothes when possible while also focusing on sun protection. In cold weather, layers will be important, but many of your outer layers can be re-used provided the weather is dry. You don't want to overwhelm yourself carrying unnecessary gear, so focus on being weather appropriate but also meeting your personal comfort needs. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly!

Yes, packing extra clothing is essential for an outdoor survival course. Opt for moisture-wicking and insulating layers to help regulate body temperature. Include items like a waterproof jacket, extra socks, a hat, and gloves. Having the right clothing can make a significant difference in your comfort and safety during the course.

Since our primary goal is to provide you a safe and comfortable learning experience that helps to minimize your costs, we really don’t require much beyond appropriate clothing and footwear, your snacks and lunch. When you register, we’ll send you a detailed course information sheet that will list the required and suggested items. Additionally, one of our goals is to give you a chance to “test drive” the gear and supplies that we bring so that you can make better purchases after the course.

For all of our Wilderness Medicine Training Courses, True North will provide all of the needed training supplies. However, if you would like a better sense of what additional gear that you will need to bring on the course, or optional gear to consider, then check out the equipment list that will be included with the course information sheet when you register. When you register, we will send you the information for the required texts that you will need to prepare for the program and use during the course.

Since one of the course goals is to teach you about gear and offer you a chance to “test drive” it before you buy it, if you don’t have an item, don’t feel compelled to buy it right away (especially if it’s expensive). Instead, either contact us to see if we can loan or share an item, make a suggestion for what to purchase, or use one of our numerous equipment rental partners that previous clients have happily used.

You will have the choice of using either a Suunto MC-2 orienteering compass or a mil-spec Cammenga lensatic compass supplemented with a protractor. During your training, we will explain the differences and list the pros and cons of each platform so that you can make the best choice for your needs. Most military personnel preparing for a selection and assessment course will need to use the lensatic. If you’d like to use your own, please feel free to bring it.

When you register for a course, we will send you a complete equipment list of what to bring for your specific session. Some items will be “required” and others will be “suggested." However, don’t think that you need to break your piggy-bank to buy new and untested gear. We like to think of our courses as a great way to learn about and “test drive” equipment that will suit your needs, chosen outdoor activity, and your budget.

While you are welcome to travel to and from the course with items such as cell phones, iPods, tablets, and laptops, during the course, you will be asked to leave them in your luggage as they are not allowed.

When you register for a course, we will send you a complete equipment list of what to bring for your specific session. While you are welcome to bring along technological devices, please remember a few things. First of all, you don’t want to unnecessarily weigh down your pack with unnecessary items. Secondly, we aren’t God, so we don’t control the weather. We suggest not bringing anything that you definitely don’t want potentially damaged. If you have some specific questions, you are always welcome to reach out to us directly!

Our courses aren’t meant to be easy, and that’s the point. But while you need not be training for the Olympics, you should be in good enough physical condition such that you can hike through the woods with a great attitude - even if you are sweating and huffing! Trust us, we take a lot of breaks, and we have never had a student not be able to physically complete a course. If you have any questions or concerns, we recommend that you contact us. We’ll be happy to alleviate your fears!

In our open registration courses, children 15-17 years old are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian. In our private courses, however, there is no set age requirement as it depends on the specific group’s needs and goals.

Our primary training location is located in Quebec Run Wild Area, a 7,441 acre portion of Forbes State Forest, with easy access from all parts of the Western Pennsylvania region. We also teach at a variety of other state and county parks, as well as private lands, depending on the nature of the course or needs of our clients.

Non-perishable foods such as canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, and energy bars are excellent choices for outdoor survival as they provide essential nutrients and have a long shelf life. During our wilderness survival courses, we will also be educating you on what types of plants, mushrooms, and food sources you can safely source from the wild.

There are several things to consider in regards to maintaining health and focus while adventuring in the wilderness. We recommend sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn from long exposure - sunburn can really ruin an adventure! We also recommend bug spray or natural insect repelling oils. While our instructors will have first aid kits available, please also bring any medications you may require, epi-pens, inhalers, and any other emergency supplies you may require. You may also want a notepad and pen to take notes on all of the fascinating things you are going to learn. If you have questions about any other types of supplies, your instructor is at your disposal to help you prepare.

Yes, there are bathroom facilities at this location, which will be available throughout the day.

In the event of severe weather that we believe may create a dangerous situation for our students, we will of course cancel your session and refund and/or reschedule your training. However, part of basic wilderness survival is learning how to adapt to adverse weather situations. Before your course, we will send you a list of gear and equipment to bring, including weather preparation materials. Your course will also cover important weather related topics such as finding or building a shelter, building a fire, maintaining core body temperature, and more. If you have specific questions, we are here to help!

We recommend bringing a large, reusable water container that can easily be attached to your pack. We will be teaching you how to locate water sources in the wild, how to test water safety, and how to find water when you aren’t near any visible sources. We will also make sure that all students have enough water and stay hydrated throughout the duration of the course.

To ensure food safety, it's important to properly store and handle food, avoid cross-contamination, cook meat thoroughly, and stay hydrated to prevent foodborne illnesses in a survival situation.

While we will never make any judgments regarding your personal dining choices (and although some of our instructors are actually quite fond of a good squirrel stew), we will not be force feeding our students any type of roasted rodent. We will, however, teach you how to identify food sources in the wild to ensure that you are able to survive if you are ever stranded for long periods of time.

This training is open to all sworn law enforcement professionals. We highly recommend these courses for LEOs who are interested in improving their physical fitness and endurance, expanding their skills and mission readiness, or looking to advance their careers by expanding their expertise. Prior clients include federal agents preparing for their agency SOG, members of a state and municipal SRT, Game Wardens, and Rangers.

Our training site provides an ideal learning environment for all skill levels not found anywhere else. The vegetation, terrain, and climate spans the mix from open, easy, and pleasant to dense, strenuous, and harsh. This is why the SOF community uses this same area to conduct their own specialized training and assessment.

Yes, we consistently provide specific training for both individual candidates and units in both the military and numerous law enforcement agencies. We’ve worked with most branches and ranks. Many are in an SOF or leadership pipeline, like Special Forces (18X), Ranger, OCS, BOLC, and WOCS, while others are preparing for CAG selection. We also provide instructor development to combat training groups and special mission units.

Yes, our Mil-Nav Program prepares individuals for the land navigation phase of an assessment and selection course. We provide this training for both individual candidates and units. We’ve worked with most branches and ranks. Many are in an SOF or leadership pipeline, like Special Forces (18X), Ranger, OCS, BOLC, and WOCS, while others are preparing for CAG selection. We also provide instructor development to combat training groups and special mission units.