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Stabilization
Establish a solid foundation focusing on balance, coordination, and joint stability.
Designed for backpackers aiming for everything from weekend trips to long thru-hikes, our Backpacker’s Bootcamp enhances stability, strength, and cardiovascular endurance. This top-rated program prepares you for any terrain, ensuring you’re ready for the wilderness’s demands with confidence and robust fitness.
At OAT, we’re dedicated to empowering hikers and backpackers to reach new heights in their outdoor adventures. Our Backpacker’s Bootcamp is founded on science-based training methods aimed at reducing injury risk and boosting performance on the trail. Whether you’re gearing up for your first extended trek or tackling challenging multi-day hikes, we’ll help you develop the strength, endurance, and stability needed to make every journey memorable and rewarding.
EXCELLENT Based on 70 reviews Posted on Jon Preece2026.01.24.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really enjoy working with Mikey and the OAT team — their grasp of anatomy and exercise science is impressive. They have a huge catalog of movements and training approaches to pull from, so everything feels thoughtfully tailored to your specific situation instead of generic programming. The focus on functional training and the balance of mobility/strength is what distinguishes them from other trainers and programs I’ve used and they have it nailed. Highly recommend.Posted on jhesskeeptraveling2026.01.18.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outdoor Adventure Training (OAT) is a phenomenal. Mikey and Emily have created one of the best outdoor adventure fitness programs out there. I deliberated for like 6 months whether to join and I am so glad I took the leap. I am currently doing the Backpacker boot camp to climb a mountain in my own backyard for long term training in Nepal in few years. You get 1:1 chat with your trainer and the app is so easy to navigate. There’s guides on cardio, backpack weight and more. You feel like you are apart of a hidden gem community. Do yourself a favor and book a free consultation with OAT and be prepared to work diligently to your outdoor adventure goals/objectives. You get research-based training and support from outdoor adventure coaches who truly care. I have reoccurring injuries that have improved with guidance and the training plan. Even though the training is tough sometimes, you will feel better them when you are in the outdoors. Blessings to OAT and the community. My life is better for choosing to join. Thank you so much Mikey and Emily!!Posted on Pankaj Raithatha2025.12.31.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started hiking about 18 months ago and have climbed Snowdon (Wales) and done the Annapurna trek in Nepal. In both, I found that my old knee injuries held me back from fully enjoying the treks without pain and stoppages. I came across the Outdoor Adventure Training website and saw a knee strength youtube video where the trainer was Emily. Before the Nepal trek, I did some training following the video. The benefit was evident during the trek and I then decided to start their 8 week 'kneehab' programme. The video exercise sessions were excellent with both Mikey and Emily providing clear explanations and advice on the purpose and benefits of the exercises. The results surprised me. I can now walk on treks with more speed and less pain during the walk and also after the walk. Climbing steps up or down used to be a challenge. Now I can confidently manage them. I am planning to embark on a further tailored training programme to increase knee strength and enhance my performance. My thanks to the Outdoor Adventure Training team.Posted on Erika Grouell2025.12.29.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I found Mikey through one of his YouTube videos when I realized my training wasn’t quite where it needed to be. I was preparing for a backpacking trip to Patagonia and, with only five weeks to go, knew I needed expert guidance. Mikey built me a customized training plan that completely changed how I approached my prep. He helped me understand the importance of building endurance, balance, and mobility, areas I hadn’t been intentionally training before. His mobility work, in particular, was a game changer. The evening stretch routines he gave me kept me feeling strong, loose, and pain free throughout training and all the way through my trip. I completed four consecutive days of 16 mile hikes feeling confident and capable, and I came home injury free. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome or a better coach. If you’re looking for someone knowledgeable, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in your success, you’re in excellent hands with Mikey.Posted on Lyndsey Scofield2025.11.30.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you’re interested in functional training and conditioning, especially in preparation for outdoor adventures like long hikes or backpacking trips, I highly recommend checking out OAT’s programs. I had a solid baseline of fitness, but had become more prone to injury over the years. I signed up for 3 months of Backpacker’s Bootcamp to prepare for a trip to New Zealand. I enjoyed the workouts and app, including the ability to drag and drop workouts if I needed to make an adjustment. I could notice the difference in my knees and felt so much less sore after long hikes. Mikey also added some extra targeted mobility exercises when I mentioned a shoulder issue I was having. On my trip to New Zealand I was able to do over 80 miles of hiking without any injury and often without much soreness at all! The community is also inspiring with tales of triumph and beautiful photos of hikes around the world!Posted on Antony JC2025.11.24.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Used OAT for training for the Patagonia O circuit hike in November 2025 at Torres del Paine National Park. Took the 3 month course for the hike. The 3 phases builds up your endurance gradually. It was a grueling 85 mile hike, but the training helped me immensely. Was able to avoid any significant injuries despite a rocky terrain. All the stretching exercises minimize the injury risk. Mikey responds promptly to any queries. His infectious enthusiasm is great. Would strongly and wholeheartedly recommend the program to anyone embarking on an endurance hike. Thank you Mikey!Posted on MJ Camerino2025.11.06.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience with my trainer, Emily, who prepared me for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in September via OAT's "TREK PREP" Program. The program provides a structured workout calendar and endurance recommendations accessible through their web-based portal and app. These routines specifically focused on the strengthening and conditioning required for multi-day hikes. The combination of focused training and dedicated mobility and stretch sessions made a significant difference; I felt strong and capable throughout my time on the mountain. I truly appreciated Emily’s comprehensive guidance on various aspects of my preparation, including adequate nutrition and leveraging fitness tracking equipment to understand my unique cardio zones, all while we tackled a plantar fasciitis flare-up. Through the OAT program, I felt myself getting stronger over the almost four-month process. We formed a great rapport, and Emily bolstered my confidence. Bottom line: any goal requires work and dedication, but the OAT Team supplies you with the necessary tools to reach your peak—pun intended !!Posted on Roger Loyer2025.10.31.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. At age 75 I am nowhere close to having the strength and endurance I one had so when my son asked me to do a 4 day 3 night backpacking trip in the grand canyon I turned to OAT fitness for a remote training session to help me prepare for the trip. Over the course of 8 weeks the daily 45 minute training sessions provided progressive workouts to prepare my body for the rigors of the trail. The program also provided guidance about nutrition, backpack fitting and weight distribution as well as other useful tips. I was still a bit anxious about how my body would respond to the stress of a 8 mile down climb of 4000 feet on day 1 when I arrived at the staring point. The hike presented many challenges but I am happy to say that rather than exhaustion and body aches at the end of the day, I instead was relaxed and energized. The science behind the OAT training programs worked for me with impressive results. I highly recommend OAT for anyone wanting to improve their performance.Posted on Marissa Bluestein2025.10.14.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Using the OAT app has been a great way to take the guesswork out of how to train properly for hiking and backpacking trips. There is a weekly schedule and easy to follow videos along with consistent support and availability from Mikey if you have any questions. I used the program to train for a Colorado trail thru hike and was able to finish the trail injury free and still feeling strong after 500 miles. I would highly recommend training with OAT if you want to increase your mobility, feel strong and be prepared for whatever adventure you have planned.Posted on Blake Bluestein2025.10.13.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The 6-month Summit Strength program from Outdoor Adventure Training was a complete game changer for me. I found the sport specific workouts to really increase my performance and endurance while climbing difficult objectives in the North Cascades. The app provides all the background and videos for each exercise and movement, making each workout easy to follow. Mikey is very helpful checking in throughout the program, answering questions, and offering different exercises or modifications. What I found very helpful were the mobility routines. I found that staying consistent with the mobility routines really helped me with some tightness and aches in my knee that would bother me after long hikes/climbs. I have recommended this program to friends and family, and they also have had great results! Highly recommend working with OAT for training any outdoor sport you do.
Try any of our training programs risk-free for a week. Experience customized workouts and support that will get you ready for the backcountry.
PROGRAM STARTS EVERY MONDAY
Master the fundamental biomechanics to enhance your balance and refine every step on the trail. Build the essential stability needed to navigate varying terrains and sustain long treks.
Develop the strength to power through demanding backpacking trips. Strengthen your legs, core, and upper body to confidently carry your pack over any distance and terrain.
Enhance your reaction time and explosive power. Train to quickly adapt to uneven surfaces and obstacles, improving agility for dynamic movements required across unpredictable landscapes.
Increase your flexibility and protect your body with targeted routines. Improve your range of motion and reduce your risk of injury, ensuring you can continue exploring the backcountry more efficiently and safely.
Build endurance to sustain high energy levels during extended backpacking adventures. Our cardio program is designed to increase your stamina and respiratory efficiency, helping you thrive during long days on the trail.
The Backpacker’s Bootcamp systematically moves you through three unique phases of training.
Establish a solid foundation focusing on balance, coordination, and joint stability.
This initial phase focuses on exercises that enhance functional stability and core strength, essential for rugged terrains. Utilizing a 4/1/2 repetition tempo, each movement is tailored to boost muscle control and endurance. Engage in balance workouts, core-stabilizing routines, and joint-friendly exercises to prepare your body for more advanced training, ensuring you're resilient and ready for the trails.
Transitioning from stability, this phase intensifies focus on muscular strength and endurance. The 2/0/2 tempo (2 seconds eccentric/concentric with no pause) challenges your muscles more dynamically, promoting strength gains without compromising endurance. Exercises become more complex, involving multi-joint movements and increased resistance. This phase is critical for developing the muscular stamina required for extended backpacking trips and challenging hikes, equipping you with the endurance to go further.
In the final phase, maximize your power output essential for mastering steep and uneven terrains. Emphasizing variable tempos for explosive movements, this phase includes plyometrics, agility drills, and explosive movements to convert your strength and endurance into powerful, efficient motion. Experience a significant boost in your ability to navigate challenging trails with agility and speed, ensuring peak performance during adventurous hikes.
Enhance Your Training with the Right Equipment
In the Backpacker’s Bootcamp Program, having the right equipment can significantly boost your training results. While we’ve designed the program to be flexible, certain tools are essential for maximizing your experience. Below, you’ll find a list categorizing the required and optional equipment for the program.
Equipment Guide:
Optional Equipment:
Note: An asterisk (*) indicates required equipment. “Optional” denotes tools that can be integrated into the program for additional variety and challenge.*
Explore More: Want to learn more about these tools and how they can benefit your training? Visit our Home Gym Equipment Library for detailed information and tips on utilizing each piece of equipment effectively.
Maximizing Your Training Results: The Importance of Time Commitment
At Outdoor Adventure Training, we recognize that life is more than just training, and perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. To see significant and lasting results, consistency in your training routine is key. While we all have busy lives and unexpected commitments, aiming to meet your training goals at least 4-5 days a week can lead to remarkable improvements.
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated daily time requirements for each phase of the program:
Stabilization Phase (40-50 minutes daily): In this foundational phase, dedicating about 40 to 50 minutes each day will help you build the necessary stability and balance. This time frame is designed to be manageable yet effective, fitting into your daily routine without overwhelming you.
Strength Endurance Phase (45-60 minutes daily): As you progress to the Strength Endurance phase, the intensity and duration slightly increase, ranging from 45 to 60 minutes per session. This extra time allows for more comprehensive strength-building exercises, crucial for endurance on longer trails.
Power Phase (45-60+ minutes daily): The Power Phase, the most intensive part of your journey, requires a commitment of 45 to 60+ minutes daily. This phase focuses on maximizing your power and agility, and the additional time ensures you can thoroughly engage in high-intensity, power-focused workouts.
Field Time – Embracing Outdoor Training Hours:
For athletes focusing on big mountain endeavors and endurance sports, it’s crucial to understand the significant commitment to field time. Initially, this may involve dedicating 2-4 hours each weekend to sport-specific training. However, as you progress and edge closer to your objective, this commitment will gradually increase. Expect to extend your outdoor training to between 6-10 hours, ensuring you are thoroughly prepared for the challenges ahead. This increase in field time is vital for building the endurance, skill, and mental fortitude required for high-level mountain and endurance activities. It’s not just about training your body, but also acclimatizing it to the demands and duration of your chosen adventure.
Balancing Training with Life: We understand that some days will be busier than others, and it’s okay if you can’t hit the mark every single time. What matters most is your overall consistency and dedication. Even if you can’t dedicate the full recommended time on certain days, doing what you can is better than doing nothing at all. Remember, every step forward is a step towards your goals.
Stay committed, stay flexible, and watch as you transform into a stronger, more capable version of yourself. Let’s make every minute count!
Before embarking on any training program with Outdoor Adventure Training, we encourage our clients to consider the following:
Fitness Level Assessment: Evaluate your current fitness level. Our programs are designed with various levels of intensity and skill, and it’s crucial to choose one that aligns with your capabilities.
Time Commitment: Consider the time commitment required for the program. Consistency is key to achieving the desired results.
Equipment and Space Requirements: Some programs may require specific equipment or space considerations. Ensure you have access to the necessary resources.
Dietary Considerations: If you have dietary restrictions or are following a specific diet, take note of how this might impact your training and recovery.
Goal Alignment: Ensure that your personal fitness goals align with what the program offers. Each program is designed with specific outcomes in mind.
Risk Acknowledgement: Be aware that all physical training involves some risk of injury. By participating, you acknowledge and accept these risks.
Additional Recommendations:
By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about your participation in our programs and set the stage for a successful and enjoyable training experience!
Check out the OAT YouTube Channel for free hiking-specific training resources!
We understand that starting a training program is a commitment, and we want to ensure you get the most out of your experience with us. Before you register for one of our programs, we’re available for a consultation to learn more about you and answer any questions you may have.
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