Trailtessa 2025: Be FIERCE 101 Beginner’s Backpacking Trip
September 19 - September 21
$175
Be FIERCE: A Backpacking Skills Adventure
Friday, September 19 – Sunday, September 21
Ice Age Trail, Polk County
Friday, October 17– Sunday, October 19
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit
Backpacking 101 requires strength and self-sufficiency as you carry your gear-filled pack on this multi-day trip. You’ll be immersed in rugged beauty, hiking along glittering kettle lakes, through mesic forests, and across winding boardwalks. No previous backpacking experience necessary but expect to hike a total of approximately 25 miles during the trip.
Open to women who have NOT participated previous Trailtessa backpacking trips.
Registration limit: 20 women, ages 21 and up
Cost: $175/attendee
Registration opens JULY 1, 2025 at 8:00 am.
REGISTER HERE (September Polk County trip)
REGISTER HERE (October Northern Kettle trip)
To make this experience the most enjoyable as possible please note the following requirements:
- Mandatory pre-trip planning workshop will be held virtually (via Zoom) the last week in August (exact day is TBD). Details will be made available to all registered hikers.
- Women ages 21 and older.
- Able to walk 12 miles a day (2-mile an hour pace), 3 days in a row.
- Must have gear or access to gear: tent, backpack, hiking boots, stove, etc.
- An open mind to learn from our backpacking leaders and each other.
- A commitment to put the necessary time into pre-trip planning and training.
- Must sign waiver [PDF]
- No whining, and there will be wine!
Trailtessa [treyl-tes-sah], noun: a woman or girl who gets out on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to experience adventure, freedom and a new way to be. Trailtessa Retreats are events designed by women for women. Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission. Be any way you want to Be.
