
Discover the course that's perfect for you.
Explore with Confidence
Learn critical skills from local, experienced, and passionate instructors with decades of survival and outdoor expertise.
Skilled & Trustworthy.
We have over 30 years of combined experience in the outdoors
Our instructors are all certified for teaching in the outdoors
Hands-on Learning.
We get literally down in the weeds to teach skills you need for the outdoors
Work as teams to complete exercises
Small class size.
Our classes range from 5-10 people
Less people means more time for questions
Explore our courses
We have a diverse set of outdoor courses designed for all experience levels from basic to highly advanced, as well as courses specific to emergency response professions and the military.
What can you expect?
Our instructors work hard to provide our clients with the best training experience possible. But don’t just take our word for it:
I was just reaching out to let you know that I have completed SFAS and the land nav was very easy thanks to my confidence being out there. It was a lot of miles but I never felt uncontrollably lost. I wanted to say that you run a great course and it prepared me very well.
C.F.– United States Marine CorpsI just completed the Advanced Wilderness Survival Course this past weekend. It was everything I had hoped it would be. Before getting there I was excited, then nervous (I never did anything like this before). I left with a good base knowledge of what I need to do to be prepared in the event I need skills to survive if I get lost or hurt. But like Erik taught us, this is just the start. I will now practice and apply what I learned. It also gave me the confidence to take my love of hiking and do more backpacking trips. Erik is a knowledgeable leader! I will definitely take more courses.... Thank you Erik!
Erika– Advanced Wilderness SurvivalThe passion that instructors showed helped to make learning even better. Thank you guys for helping crayon eaters like me to read a map.
P.G.– United States Marine CorpsGreat teacher! Took the basic Land Nav class today and learned a lot! I'll be coming back for more classes! Highly recommend!
Daniel– Basic Land NavigationI appreciated the challenge and how the instructors didn’t coddle us and trusted us to solve our own issues … Thanks for a great course!
M.B.– Naval Special Warfare CommandAfter extensive research, I decided to travel from South Carolina to True North for basic and advanced land navigation. I quickly realized Erick is one of, if not THE best instructor in the country! Erick’s knowledge, skills and teaching methods far exceeded anything I had imagined. The basic course starts with a solid foundation and process, then incrementally builds upon that throughout the day. The advanced course continues adding layers of knowledge and skill on top of that. Regardless of skill level you will continue learning as long as you are there. Erick is the real deal and that’s why military personnel attend his courses. You will not be disappointed!!!
Alfred– Basic Land Nav and Adv Land NavJust wanted to let you know that the land nav course that we did made the land nav at Ranger school super easy.
C.W.– U.S. ArmyMy husband and I drove in from Wisconsin for the 2 day Basic and Advanced Land Navigation courses. The drive was well worth the training we received from True North Wilderness Survival School. Erik’s breakdown of how to navigate, how to use a compass and a map, how to read the terrain and many other skills were taught in a way to comprehend the skill and to trust in your comprehension. Erik is not only a professional in his knowledge of land navigation; his specialty is teaching it to others using many different techniques so everyone in his class understands. It’s a gratifying feeling when you use the skills you are taught and make it to the next point on your map. If you’re thinking about taking a course with Erik, just do it, you will learn, you will do and you will enjoy it.
Susan– Basic Land Nav and Advanced Land Nav
- 750+Courses Delivered
- 1,200+Attendees Trained
- 14Years in Business
Adventure Awaits
We will teach you what you need to know to survive and live off of the land, confidently manage any emergency situation, and take your adventures to the next level.















Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to a few of the most common questions we are asked.
- What is your cancellation and refund policy?
In the event that a participant withdraws from this course within fifteen (15) to thirty (30) days of the program start date, course payments will not be refunded, but instead will be applied to a future course within six (6) months of the original course date. In the event that a participant withdraws from this course within fourteen (14) days or less of the program start date, course payments will not be refunded. In the event that True North must cancel this course due to instructor illness or injury, a death or sickness in the instructor’s immediate family, unsafe conditions in the training area, or in response to a government issued quarantine order, all payments will be refunded in full; or upon request by participant, any payments made may be applied to a future scheduled course date.
- Will you provide equipment?
We will provide you with a list of recommended equipment prior to your course. However, 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.
- Why should I consider enrolling in a True North course?
Wilderness training courses are not just for mountaineers or military personnel. They are geared for anyone who spends time in the outdoors. These courses are designed for students who either want to be better prepared for emergencies (after all, how often do we read in the news about a “day hiker” who ends up being forced to spend an unpleasant overnight or two?) or who wants to learn the skills necessary to take on a new adventure or challenge.
- What kind of people enroll in your courses?
Our students truly come from all backgrounds and represent a wide variety of interests. In a class of ten people, it is common that the youngest is 16 and the oldest 70, with a broad mix of ages in between. Also, our courses are fairly consistently comprised of 50% female students. Certainly, many hikers and backpackers register, but we also get many rock climbers, hunters, scout leaders, outdoor educators, adventure racers, and forest rangers.
- How tough are the courses at True North?
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!
- Do you offer training specific to the military or law enforcement?
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.

We can work with you to design a wilderness training experience that meets your needs. From small team adventures and private lectures to workshops and excursions, our instructors have you covered.


Ready for an Adventure
Because Mother Nature doesn't care about your skill level. And She doesn't just give up because you've had enough. Get the skills you need to survive and conquer any situation!

