What we’re about
Want to spend more time in nature, learn new skills, and meet great people? This is the biggest outdoor adventure meetup in WI. All skill levels are welcome. We have free social events at least once per month that focus on things like backpacking skills, wild edibles, cold weather adventure, day hikes, gear, or just sitting around the fire sharing stories.
We hold a variety of classes and trips based on member interest including Wilderness First Aid certifications, backpacking and canoe camping trips, survival courses, cooking classes, firearms training and more. We also offer very unique and one of a kind international expeditions. From Mt. Everest to the Arctic to the Amazon Jungle these trips are organized and guided by NOW Outdoors.
We help people become more skilled, more experienced, and more confident outdoors. We never want to exclude anyone from classes or trips so please contact us with any questions or concerns so we can help you to be fully equipped for any adventure.
If you have a trip or event idea that you'd like to see, please email us at info@nowoutdoors.org.
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Upcoming events
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15th Annual Wisconsin Frozen Butt Hang
Game Lake, Pearson, wi, USThe best winter hammock camping event in the country! Your family might think you're nuts but we know better. Come hang out and kick off the new year right. This event is always FREE and always fun.
The Wisconsin Frozen Butt Hang is a short "pulk or toboggan towing" trip in deep snow country. We like to get out there and really put ourselves and our gear to the test! We've been lucky enough to have some of the coldest temperatures the Midwest has to offer and routinely have the coldest of all winter hang events.
Where? This year we will be back in Pearson, WI near Jack Lake and hiking in on the Ice Age Trail. NOWOutdoors will arrange to have a parking area plowed for us by Jack Lake.
The Route: We will hike in 1.5 miles on the Ice Age Trail (IAT) in Langlade County near Jack Lake. The parking lot on County J Road, Pearson, WI will be plowed for us and from there we can head south on the IAT past the western side of Jack Lake towards Game Lake. The park is closed to the public so we have the entire area to ourselves. There are picnic tables (might be buried under the snow) and a grill grate we can use. There is also an outhouse at camp. Be sure to bring snowshoes or skis.
This event has always been a celebration of the coldest weather we can hope for. That said, there are lots of opportunities for beginners to dial in their gear before the hang such as our Winter Workshop event in December. You can contact us at info@nowoutdoors.org for more info on this, or other beginner friendly trips here in WI.
This event is not recommended for beginners with little to no experience camping in the cold. Please also leave your fur babies at home for this event.
REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT HERE
Upon registration, you will be able to access the "Group" discussion page for this event. The top post will have details and a link to the event spreadsheet. Please add your name/trail name, any food you wish to bring for the group (optional), any group gear you wish to bring (optional e.g. Dutch oven, water pots, saws and axes, etc.), and any gear you might need (e.g. extra quilt, hammock rig, etc.). The spreadsheet will have the most updated maps and weekend info. We expect 40+ this year from all across the country!
Caution: Camping in sub-freezing temperatures can be extremely dangerous and IS NOT the best time to try new gear for the first time (ex. stoves, tarps, boots, sleep system, etc.). It is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with new equipment before taking it to the field. If you have any questions regarding gear or clothing, please email us at info@nowoutdoors.org
Check out some of the great YouTube videos from past trips.
2022 FBH
2022 FBH
2021 FBH
2019 FBH
2019 FBH9 attendees
Snow Camp
Cornucopia, 22475 hwy 13, WI, US# Snow Camp - January 23-25, 2026
Imagine being comfortable camping during the winter... That's what Snow Camp is all about...Learning about how to be comfortable and have amazing experiences in the northwoods winter.
Sleeping in a snow shelter - a first for all!
When we put the word out about Snow Camp on Facebook someone replied; "You'd have to pay ME to do that! LOL". We get the joke, but unfortunately this is how so many people think about spending time outside in the winter. Most people run from their car to the store to work and back home, being outside as little as possible.
When we take the time to learn how to be safe & comfortable in the cold we no longer fear winter, and this opens up all kinds of opportunities to explore the 'cool' things about it.
- Fire making in the cold
- Awareness and Tracking (SO good in the snow)
- Sleeping warm in any temperature
- Bushcraft for Winter Travel
- Physiology and how we stay warm
- Cooking great camp food, including BAKING over a fire
- Wilderness First Aid
- Dressing for all activities (without breaking the bank)
- Signal fires, making water, survival tips and more...
"But I get cold easy..."
Snow Camp has a heated lodge for our basecamp. At any time you can head indoors to warm up, dry out, and grab a hot drink. We don't know what the temps will be and wanted to make this event accessible for everyone. You can sleep indoors, in a heated hot tent, in your own shelter, or in a snow cave. All will be covered.
Many of our courses focus on survival and bushcraft. Opposite of 'naked and afraid' our aim is to make sure you are well prepared and confident.
I mentioned food... winter camping keeps food cold, and so allows us the ability to bring and cook gourmet meals! You've never eaten like this on a summer backpacking trip:)
You'll have the chance to build your own snow shelter and sleep in it, or take a sauna and sleep in the heated lodge. Stay active all day, or bring a book and take a few hour break, or go for a solo walk in the silent white.
Signal fire for getting found
We will travel by snowshoe to find materials for building a signal fire, pile up snow to build snow caves, and make a snow 'quarry' to cut snow blocks from that can be used to build snow walls and Igloo type structures.
We'll also have indoor time for reading up on winter, so feel free to bring your knitting! We'll have several hours at night when it's either hang out by the fire time, or stay inside and work on your projects. We'll have wood and knives available to carve a spoon or other camping tool.
Snow Camp - January 23-25, 2026
Course Information and Schedule
To Register: $325 (Early Bird) Includes instruction, food, and classroom tools including snowshoes. Register now for lowest price!
**Register Now **or Email us with questions. You can also call 715-953-2223 and leave a message.
Other Details & FAQs...
Who is this for?
Anyone with an interest in winter travel, natural history, camping and survival.
We have a warm indoor lodge for sleeping and classroom space. No matter how cold it is outside you can always warm up. We'll be inside and outside depending upon the group and the weather. No matter what, it will be fun with safety always front and center.
Past participants have said that 3 days was too short, (So much to do!) but also said being outside for more than 3 days would have been pretty intense. You are always welcome to take a break to be inside and read a book or take a nap. Snow Camp happens each year, so if you miss something this time, come back the next!
When and where will we meet?
Between 9am and 10am on Friday. 22475 Hwy 13 Cornucopia WI is our shop location. Please meet here and we'll travel to camp once everyone has arrived. Coffee and Cocoa available. Please eat a good high calorie breakfast prior to arrival.
What do I need to bring and prepare for?
- Check out the Packing List. This is not exhaustive. The key is lots of layers and ability to 'bulk' up. Many clothing companies advertise fancy winter gear, most of it is hype. The keys are DRY and BULK. Layering allows you to put on and take off as needed. If you are sitting around think sleeping bag thickness. If chopping firewood it might be sweater thick. It's all about how much heat your body can produce via your metabolism.
- Toilet - We will have an outdoor privy. That means you'll be sitting on a seat at whatever temperature it is outside.
- Sleeping
- Sleeping Bag - Whether sleeping inside, outside, or a mix, you will need to prepare for it. I use a double bag system. My inner bag is rated to 30f, and the outer bag is rated to 0f. This makes it so if it is a warmer night I might get away with one or the other, while if the temps drop to -30f I can still sleep.
- Sleeping Pad - The best winter sleeping pad is closed cell foam. They are bulky but better (and safer) than a pad that relies upon blowing up with air. You don't want your pad to pop! If your pad is too thin it doesn't matter how thick your sleeping pad is, you will be cold. Ideally bring TWO foam pads or at least one foam and one air for comfort. You can also use a wool blanket as a pad if you have one available.
- Day to day - The packing list covers a lot of this, but the main point is to bring lots of layers and make sure that you have a layer for every part of your body no matter what you are doing. For example, maybe you are working with a knife to cut up sausage for lunch. You need a pair of gloves that will provide dexterity in addition to your puffy warm gloves. You will want a neck gaiter or scarf. You will want glasses or goggles that cover your eyes sun protection AND cold. (Ski goggles are great)
1 attendee- $2,600.00
Boundary Waters Snowshoe Expedition
Ely, MN, USIn the spirit of snow walkers, trappers, and Arctic explorers from the past, join us for this exclusive snowshoeing and hot tenting adventure.
For 7 days, we’ll travel across frozen lakes and deep snow through the wild Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota. Following in the footsteps of the Anishinaabe and early trappers of the region, we'll travel by snowshoe and toboggan during the day—no roads, no crowds, no backup. Each night we'll find a new place to set up the group hot-tent and fire up the wood stove for warmth, cooking, and drying gear. The hot tent creates an incredible sense of hard-earned luxury in the middle of nowhere. Temperatures can drop to -40°F, but inside the tent we can be comfortable just wearing light layers. We'll take a couple rest days to fish for monster trout, polar plunge, practice winter survival skills, or anything else that piques our interest.
There is a lot to explore along our route, and you'll likely see moose tracks, wolf trails, otter slides, and the occasional footprints from a lynx sprinting through deep powder. If we’re lucky, we’ll hear the howl of wolves in the distance before dawn.
Trip Details:
- Start: Sat, Jan 31 – Meet at 5:00 PM, lodge overnight & gear check
- Depart: Sun, Feb 1 – Hit the trail
- Return: Sat, Feb 7 – Hike out, lodge overnight
- Leave: Sun, Feb 8 – Head home
Difficulty: Challenging
Who This Is For: Experienced winter campers only. You should be comfortable camping and working in sub-zero conditions. We will be towing toboggans roughly 5 hours per day. You should be able to provide sufficient personal clothing and sleep gear as per the provided gear list. This is an expedition style trip which means we all work together as a team to help with camp tasks such as tent set up and take down, collecting water, processing firewood, etc.
AS ALWAYS >>> A gear list and details will be available upon registration via access to the event group page.
Included:
- All permits
- Lodging on the night before put-in and after take-out
- All meals on the trail (If you have special dietary restrictions, we will do the best we can to accommodate)
- Premium hot-tents, expedition toboggans, and packable stoves
- All required misc. group gear (axe and saws, med kit, kitchen kit, satellite communications, etc.)
- Zoom call trip planning check-ins
Not Included: (Rental gear including sleep systems and footwear is available if needed)
- Personal gear (clothing, sleeping bag, etc.)
- Transportation to/from the BWCA (carpooling options may be available)
- Rescue/trip insurance (recommended)
- Gratuities
Price: $2,600 - Registration deadline January 12, 2026
A $600.00 non-refundable deposit will secure your spot. This deposit will be put towards your final balance.
Balance refunds are available within 7 days of ticket purchase but not after the registration deadline. Refunds beyond 7 days of ticket purchase will be in the form of a full credit valid for 1 year that can be used for NOW Outdoors trips and events.
> Payments can be made on the NOW Outdoors website.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
> Spaces are limited and filled in the order payments are received. An RSVP on Meetup without payment will not hold your spot. The trip may fill before the payment deadline.
Please send all questions to info@nowoutdoors.org2 attendees - $1,000.00
Arctic Training Expedition on the Moose River - Ontario
Moose River, Cochrane, ON, CAJoin us for the ultimate adventure on our Arctic training expedition in Northern Ontario along the mighty Moose River. This exclusive journey begins with a ride on the iconic Polar Bear Express through rugged, snow-covered wilderness. Then we strap on our snowshoes and navigate the demanding terrain along the legendary Moose River, heading towards the historic outposts of Moosonee and Moose Factory Island. This is no ordinary trek; we'll forge our path through deep snow and frozen tributaries, tackling the raw, untamed beauty of the wilderness. One of the unique highlights of this trip will include a layover day on the river meeting up with local Cree knowledge keepers. We'll learn about their culture, crafts, traditional skills of the far north, and do a little ice fishing too.
Prepare for extreme conditions—temperatures can drop to -40°F and snow depths can reach several feet, testing your endurance and resilience. This harsh environment demands both physical and mental fortitude.
We provide premium, expedition-tested gear designed for these extreme conditions. We will haul all of our gear using snowshoes and expedition toboggans.
This trip is for those who thrive in the cold and seek the thrill of the unknown, finding satisfaction in overcoming nature’s toughest obstacles. Expect to encounter wildlife such as moose, wolves, snowy owls, and curious Whisky Jacks who may visit camp for a handout. If you’re ready to push your limits and experience the extreme nature and beauty of winter travel in the far north, book your spot now! This is more than an expedition; it’s a test of skill and spirit. Are you up for the challenge?
Difficulty: Challenging
This trip is for experienced winter trekkers. You should be very comfortable camping and working in sub-zero conditions. You should be able to provide sufficient personal clothing and sleep gear as per the provided gear list. Everyone will be provided a toboggan outfitted to hold your gear and group gear.
AS ALWAYS >>> A gear list and trip details will be available upon registration via access to the event "Group" page on the website. This group page will serve as a discussion/planning forum for everyone on the trip.
All meals on trail are included. If you have special dietary restrictions, please let us know well in advance and we will do the best we can to accommodate.
Price: $5,400
$1,000 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. This deposit will be put towards your final balance.
Balance refunds are available within 7 days of ticket purchase but not after the registration deadline. Refunds beyond 7 days of ticket purchase will be in the form of a full credit valid for 1 year that can be used for NOW Outdoors trips and events.
> Payments can be made at nowoutdoors.org
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
> Spaces are limited and filled in the order payments are received. An RSVP on Meetup without payment will not hold your spot. The trip may fill before the payment deadline.
Included:
- Experienced winter guides trained in WFR and W-EMT
- All permits and permissions
- Train tickets between Cochrane and and Moosonee, Ontario
- Lodging in Cochrane, Ontario 1 night before and 1 night after our trek
- All on-trail meals during the trek
- Premium UHWM expedition toboggans
- Premium toboggan tanks
- Navigation and satellite communication equipment
- Group medical kit
- Axe and saw
- Other misc. group gear
Not Included: (Rental gear is available if needed)
- Personal gear (clothing, footwear, etc.)
- Snowshoes (rental available)
- Sleeping bag (-40F down bags available for rent)
- Meals off trail such as food in Cochrane or meals on the train
- Transportation to our meetup location in Cochrane from home (flights and shuttle can be arranged as needed)
- Rescue/trip insurance (required)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but much appreciated)
Please send all questions to info@nowoutdoors.org
2 attendees
Past events
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