Wild Woman Walking: A Full-Day Backpacking Masterclass

Saturday, May 9, 2026 · 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
Fort Mountain State Park · Chatsworth, Georgia

Are you ready to learn all the technical and practical skills you need to be a self-confident and proficient backpacker – taught as a Sacred Practice?

If so, you are cordially invited to Backpacking Immersion like no other….

There is a moment – somewhere between the first breath of the forest air and the quiet realization that you are fully capable in the backcountry – when everything shifts. That moment is what this day is all about.

You are cordially invited to spend a full, extraordinary day in the North Georgia Mountains learning everything you need to know to become a confident, skilled, and inspired backpacker. Not just any backpacker… the wild woman who moves through the forest with knowledge, ease, and a sense of sacred purpose.

This Backpacking Masterclass is a full-day immersive experience at the stunning Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, Georgia… a place where mysterious stone walls, ridgeline views, and ancient forests set the perfect stage for deep wilderness wisdom. Whether you have never spent a night outdoors or you have a little trail time under your belt and are ready to deepen your skills, this day was designed with you in mind.

A Day Unlike Any Other…

This is not a standard gear lecture or a course that checks off boxes. This Backpacking Masterclass weaves practical, hands-on instruction with the philosophy of Walking as a Sacred Practice… an approach that invites you to experience the natural world not just as a destination, but as a living and wise teacher.

You will leave this day fully equipped with practical knowledge, gear confidence, and a blazing inner spark to begin one of the most rewarding chapters of your life… Backpacking filled with genuine wonder and a developing sense of proficiency.

Is This For You?

Something brought you here. Maybe it’s a quiet longing you’ve been carrying for years… the pull of the forest, the idea of waking up somewhere wild, the feeling that you are capable of so much more than your daily life is asking of you. This experience was built for that part of you. You’re in exactly the right place if…

You have always wanted to try backpacking but aren’t sure where to start
You’ve dabbled in hiking and feel the pull toward something bigger
You want to feel genuinely self-reliant and confident in the backcountry
You are craving an adventure that is equal parts practical and deeply meaningful
You are ready to take your overnight hikes to a new understanding of self-assurance
You are ready to challenge yourself in a safe, supportive, all-women environment

What You Will Learn

Your instructor, Collin Chambers, brings nearly three decades of backcountry experience to this comprehensive course… A former AT thru-hiker, Leave No Trace Master Educator, Wilderness First Responder and former long-season AT Ridgerunner in the Great Smoky Mountains NP, this course is the distilled wisdom of a lifetime spent in the woods… shared with you in one powerful, beautifully structured day. Here is just a glimpse of what we will cover together…

Backcountry Cooking

Using different popular stove systems, cookware, and different fuel types, you will prepare and eat delicious backcountry meals while learning how to plan easy, delicious trail food. (Gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan options). We will cover safe food storage extensively.

Water Purification

Learn all the different methods for making water safe to drink in the backcountry… and the honest pros and cons of each.

Sleeping Systems

From down to synthetic sleeping bags, quilts, pads and bag liners that you will handle, compare, and understand the full range of sleep systems so your nights outside are comfortable and restful.

Backpacks

You will learn how to measure yourself for the perfect fit, properly hoist a fully loaded pack, and understand the pros and cons of different styles of packs, ultralight frameless packs to those with advanced technical suspension systems and more.

Shelters

Compare different shelter systems and the pros and cons of tarps, freestanding tents, single wall shelters, hammocks, and accessories.

Clothing System

We cover layering systems, fabric selection and care, how to protect yourself in changing weather, and everything in between.

All About Feet

Everything you need to know about the most essential body part when it comes to hiking, including caring for your feet, preventing problems, and choosing the right shoes, boots, socks and accessories.

"Leave No Trace" As The Ultimate Self-Care

Through the lens of being a Keeper of the Land, you will receive comprehensive Leave No Trace training framed as something deeper… the understanding that caring for the earth is an extension of caring for yourself.

Hygiene and Feminine-Specific Wellness

Everything women need to know about staying clean, comfortable, and healthy in the backcountry.

Personal Safety, Organization, Technique

Learn how to feel completely safe, stay organized, positive, and feel empowered while backpacking. (Discussions about hiking alone, bear safety, techniques for pain-free hiking, etc.)

Walking As A Sacred Practice

Woven throughout the day is an introduction to the practice of Walking as a Sacred Practice – a framework for bringing genuine presence and awareness to your time spent in nature.

What Past Participants Say

“Collin is a wonderful speaker and teacher! I definitely highly, highly recommend working with her!” – Angela Glass

“Collin is AMAZING! She is creative, enthusiastic, fun, passionate, funny, easy to get along with, has tremendous gratitude and really knowledgeable.” – D.W.

“You will not be disappointed! Women, take this class! I thoroughly enjoyed learning all this information from a woman’s perspective.” – Jessica M.

“Collin’s classes are well worth the cost, fun and informative, and covered a lot of useful information. Thank you!” – Cathy Atkins

“Very comprehensive! Great instructor! If you are considering working with Collin, DO IT! SHE IS GREAT!” – M.K.

“I loved you sharing all your experiences- good and bad…and the hands-on experience learning ALL aspects of backpacking. You are a plethora of information with great advice! Thank you!” – Jenny P.

REGISTER HERE

What’s Included

Full-day hands-on instruction from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Access to a curated collection of high-quality, clean backpacking gear for demonstrations
A hands-on backcountry cooking class ~ complete with a shared meal
Lunch, Snacks and Beverages throughout the day
Comprehensive Leave No Trace as Self-Care program (Keeper of the Land)
A detailed take-home guide with gear lists, clothing recommendations, and backcountry recipes
Small group setting for personalized attention and genuine connection
Acquire genuine self-confidence by learning all the practical skills to comfortably spend nights outdoors in the backcountry ~ taught by a woman with nearly three decades of backpacking experience
Ongoing discussions about all-things-backpacking, body awareness and techniques, solo hiking as a woman, and caring for ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this event cost?

The cost is only $149 for this Full-Day Backpacking Masterclass – All Inclusive. Register Here!

What is the refund policy?

Registration is non-refundable after April 1st, 2026. If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to transfer your spot to another woman. In the unlikely event the Masterclass is cancelled, all participants will receive a full refund.

Do I need any prior backpacking experience?

Absolutely not. This Masterclass was designed with the complete beginner in mind, though women with some hiking or backpacking experience will find plenty of new ground to cover. If you can walk, you belong here.

What should I wear and bring on the day?

Come dressed for a full day outdoors in comfortable, weather-appropriate layers. A detailed preparation guide ~ including what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect ~ will be sent to you upon registration.

Where exactly is the event located?

The Masterclass takes place at Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, Georgia. Exact location and parking directions will be sent to registered participants. The event is held in a covered pavilion and will take place rain or shine.

I still have questions ~ who can I contact?

We would love to hear from you. Reach out and we will get back to you promptly.

Meet Your Guide

Collin Stuart Chambers, “Awakener of Magic”
Award-winning Author, Outdoor Guide & Event Facilitator, and Long-Distance Walker

Collin Chambers is an award-winning author, Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, and multi-year long-season Ridgerunner in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She owned and operated a hiking and backpacking shop for years and serves as a certified Wilderness First Responder, Backcountry Survival Instructor, and Leave No Trace Master Educator.

A professional backpacking guide and speaker, Collin has guided treks across the United States and internationally, inspiring people to discover their strength through meaningful connection with nature. She is the author of the award-winning WildWood Magic: A Guide to Walking as a Sacred Path and the forthcoming book, The Mastery of Backpacking: Walking as a Path to Self-Empowerment. Her transformative approach combines practical outdoor expertise with over three decades of wilderness experience, teaching self-reliance and stewardship on trails worldwide. Learn More.