



Just relying on your phone or GPS can leave you lost if you don't know how to use a map & compass
Even with satellite communicators, it takes time for S&R to reach you. Every hiker needs to be able to survive 24 hours in the field
Mistakes in the backcountry can have DIRE consequences, especially when you lack proper training on what to do during an emergency


Dear Adventurer,
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can actually learn real outdoor skills online — navigation, survival, leadership — you’re not alone.
I used to think the same thing.
I’ve taken (and taught) my share of in-person courses. The kind where you’re sleeping under the stars, building fires from scratch, or navigating by headlamp in the rain. Those were some of the best experiences of my life — but here’s what I realized: once the class is over, it’s gone.
You pack up, head home, and unless you’re constantly practicing, those hard-won skills start to fade.
That’s why I built this course.
I wanted a way for people to learn at their own pace, revisit lessons anytime, and actually build lasting confidence — not just take notes for a weekend.
Each module includes hands-on practice exercises you can complete right at home — simple, practical drills that help you build muscle memory and confidence long before you ever head into the field. You’ll be learning, doing, and reinforcing every step of the way.
This isn’t about sitting in front of a screen watching someone else do the work. It’s about understanding the why behind every skill, and putting that knowledge into practice until it sticks. So that when you step into the woods, you already have a framework to make smart decisions and stay safe.
In the field, knowledge is what keeps you calm, prepared, and capable — and that starts here.
So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to finally build your outdoor confidence… this is it.
See you inside the course,
– Shaun
What does it mean to be prepared?
What are our basic human needs?
Understanding the dangers & what can go wrong on a hike.
Building a preparedness mentality

Put together a comprehensive trip plan that will keep you safe on your hikes.
Deciding where, when & why you are going on a trip
How to choose a hiking partner/group
Use our FREE trip planning tool to create PDF of your trip plan & gear list

What are the principles of a gear system?
How to select clothing & footwear
Choosing the right survival gear (fire-starters, shelter components, emergency signaling tools)
Load your pack with gear that works and leave the rest at home!

How to use a compass
How to read a topographic map
Understanding map coordinate systems
How to use your phone/GPS along side your map & compass
You can be navigating in less than 2 hours!

Where to find good weather forecasts
What makes weather work?
Reading natures weather signs
Dealing with weather emergencies

How to warm-up for a hike
How to fit & pack your backpack
Finding & Purifying Water
How to fuel your body on the trail
Dealing with water crossings
How to care for your feet on the trail
Knife use, safety & sharpening
And MORE!

Understanding fire safety
How to start a fire with a lighter, matches & a ferrocerium rod
Make your own fire starters
Using natural fire starters
How to start a fire in wet conditions!

Learn 7 basic knots with a ton of uses!
How to tie a ridge-line to build a tarp shelter
Knots include: Square knot, overhand fixed loop, slip knot, sheet bend, prussic, taut-line hitch & bowline

How to sleep in the field with no sleeping bag
How to set up 3 different tarp shelters
How to use your trekking poles to set up a tarp
Building a brush mattress
Carve your own tent stakes in the field

What does it take to be a leader in the backcountry?
Learn how to access & manage risk
Make better decisions under pressure with powerful decision making protocols
Understand group dynamics to make you a better leader & group member

What to do if you get LOST
Finding a lost group member
When should you turn back on a hike?
Dealing with an unexpected night in the field
Emergency communication & signaling





My name is Shaun Flynn and I am a New Hampshire and Maine Guide.
Like everyone, I started off knowing absolutely nothing about hiking or survival skills. Over the last 20 years I have researched, tested and developed a system that has allowed me to adventure confidently and efficiently in the backcountry and now guide other people as well.
And guess what the #1 thing I've learned throughout this entire journey is...? Really being prepared is more than just carrying the right stuff, it also means knowing how to use it! But once you have a set of fundamental skills and knowledge to compliment your gear, the sky is the limit as far as what wild places you are able to see. And that right there is what inspired me to create The Prepared Hiker System. So that people can learn the skills they need to adventure confidently and connect with nature, no matter what their experience or skill level!
This course is built for one reason, to help people just like you develop their own system that will be the foundation for all of their outdoor pursuits. I hope you're as excited as I am for you to begin this journey!

