
As the season winds down and vacation days grow scarce, this compact two-day sprint at Blackridge packs the core of Rugged's curriculum into a single crisp autumn weekend without cutting any real corners. Led by instructor Ryan Caldwell, it runs October 3–5, 2026, built specifically for anyone squeezing in one last course before the colder months settle in for good.
Cooler October air makes for comfortable, low-sweat training days that feel noticeably different from the height of summer, and the shorter daylight hours mean the compressed two-day format fits naturally into the season's rhythm instead of feeling rushed. It's a favorite last-minute booking for people finishing out the season before the calendar fills up with holiday plans and colder weather closes the window entirely.
Expect a fast-paced but genuinely focused weekend covering fire, shelter, water, and foundational navigation, taught at a pace that respects your limited time without sacrificing any of the substance found in our longer courses. Ryan keeps instruction calm, clear, and precise even under this compressed schedule, prioritizing the handful of skills that matter most if you're ever caught out in a real situation.

Blackridge's easy access and genuinely varied terrain suit this condensed autumn format especially well, packing enough variety into just two days to cover every core skill before the season closes for the year and the trails grow quiet again until spring.
All 15 seats are currently available for this October 3 departure with Ryan Caldwell, making it a great, low-commitment option for anyone short on vacation days but not on curiosity.

A retreat in tool-making and shelter-building, timed to autumn's peak.

A beginner-friendly intro to fire, shelter, water, and navigation.

A holiday climbing camp for complete beginners, gear included.

