Long Game Backcountry

Earn the trail.

Backcountry is where Long Game gets real. Five levels, each one earned in person with Coach Mike. Nobody skips ahead, and everybody gets there the same way: one night, one mile, one skill at a time.

Why this is personal

It started with three benches on Pleasanton Ridge.

For my Eagle Scout project, I raised the funding, sourced the materials, and led a work crew to build and install three log benches on Pleasanton Ridge. More than 30 years later, one of them is still standing.

Then came Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. The first time, I led my crew from Pleasanton's Troop 948 on a trek of nearly two weeks in the Sangre de Cristo backcountry. I went back on my own for Philmont's Trail Crew Trek: scouts from across the country who build and repair trail together, then head into the backcountry to hike. Switchbacks, washouts, and the quiet satisfaction of leaving a trail better than you found it.

That is the whole idea behind Backcountry. You build capacity the way you build trail: deliberately, together, and for the long haul.

Young Mike in a beanie and fleece packing a red backpack on a rocky trail at Philmont
Philmont, first trek with Troop 948. Packing out.
3log benches built
30+years one still stands
2Philmont treks
The track

Five levels. No shortcuts.

Every level unlocks the next, and every trip is led by Coach Mike. Each level you earn adds a patch to your player card and a star to your jersey.

First trips open spring 2027The trail crew is out building this one by hand: routes, permits and safety plans first. Book an intro call to get on the Trailhead list.
1
Start here

Trailhead

Show up, get set, and learn the basics on a day hike with Mike.

  • Player agreement and trip waiver signed
  • Gear check with the Ten Essentials
  • Ten Essentials quiz passed
  • One day hike with Mike
2
Car camping

Basecamp

Sleep outside, close to the car, and build the habits that make longer trips safe.

  • 3 car-camping nights logged
  • 2 day hikes completed
  • Fitness benchmark: about 5 miles with 1,000 ft of gain
  • One assigned read
3
A little ways in

Frontcountry

Your first overnight past the trailhead, carrying what you need.

  • 4 total nights logged
  • 1 walk-in overnight with Mike
  • Leave No Trace basics
  • Pack fit and load check
4
Multi-night

Backcountry

Real distance, real weather, real self-reliance.

  • 8 or more nights logged
  • 2 multi-night trips
  • Map and compass skills
  • A first aid course
  • A 10-mile day with a full pack
5
Invite only

High Adventure

Deep excursions and trail-building trips, in the spirit of Philmont. Earned, then invited.

  • Backcountry patch earned
  • One trail-work day
  • Personal invite from Coach Mike
3nights to reach Basecamp
4nights to reach Frontcountry
8+nights to reach Backcountry
Invitefor High Adventure
The Gear Depot

Gear should never be the reason you can't go.

Borrow what you need for your level. Check out at the trailhead, return it clean.

Shelves being stockedThe Depot fills up level by level, starting with Trailhead daypacks.
TrailheadDaypacksWith a Ten Essentials kit
BasecampTents2 and 3 person
BasecampSleep systemsBags and pads
FrontcountryStoves and cook kitsFuel included on trips
FrontcountryOvernight packsFitted at check-out
BackcountryNavigationMaps, compass, beacon
Trail rules

How we keep it safe.

No skipping levelsEvery level is earned in person, in order.
Small groupsDay hikes cap at 12. Overnights stay small.
Waivers every tripSigned before you leave the trailhead.
Permits and seasonTrips follow land rules and the safest windows of the year.

Start at the Trailhead.

Book a free intro call