ZOLEO Campfire Chats

Expedition Prep and Gear: How a Solo Adventurer Prepares for the Backcountry | ZOLEO Campfire Chats

Join record-setting long-distance hiker, author, and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Jennifer Pharr Davis for a deep dive into solo backcountry travel—from preparation and safety to mindset and resilience. In this ZOLEO Campfire Chat, Jennifer shares how she plans and executes solo adventures after logging more than 14,000 miles across six continents. She walks through her personal risk management approach—a practical system that starts at home—covering how to assess environmental hazards, document key trip details, plan evacuation options, and prepare both physically and mentally before stepping onto the trail. Jennifer breaks down what it really takes to travel alone in remote environments, including how to build a first aid kit that evolves with experience, how to balance safety with pack weight, and why small decisions—like carrying extra food or choosing the right footwear—can make a critical difference when things go wrong. You’ll hear her candid reflections on the realities of solo travel: the freedom and flexibility it offers, but also the full responsibility of decision-making, the mental challenges of extended solitude, and the importance of having both a physical and “mental first aid kit” to stay grounded when conditions shift. The conversation also explores how to stay safe in unpredictable situations—from severe weather to injuries—and how to make clear-headed decisions under pressure. Jennifer shares real-world stories from the trail, along with the frameworks she uses to assess risk, manage uncertainty, and determine when to push forward, stay put, or turn back. Throughout the session, Jennifer emphasizes prevention, preparation, and self-awareness—from staying “in the zone” with nutrition and temperature, to training your body and building the mental tools needed for long stretches alone in the wild. Whether you’re preparing for your first solo overnight or looking to build confidence in more remote terrain, this episode offers practical systems and mindset shifts you can apply immediately—on and off the trail. Learn more about Jennifer Pharr Davis and her work: https://jenniferpharrdavis.com/ Subscribe and watch the full episode on our YouTube channel: Visit our website to learn more about ZOLEO Campfire Chats and staying connected beyond cell coverage: https://www.zoleo.com [https://www.zoleo.com]

How to Plan & Execute Trips Like a Professional Guide: Expert Tips on Routes, Gear, Skills, and Group Safety | ZOLEO Campfire Chats

Join legendary backcountry guide, educator, and National Geographic & Outside Adventurer of the Year Andrew Skurka for a deep dive into how professional guides plan, execute, and lead safer trips in remote environments. In this ZOLEO Campfire Chat, Andrew breaks down his proven 7-step trip planning framework — a practical system he’s refined over decades of long-distance hiking, off-trail travel, and guiding. He explains how to define trip parameters, research conditions, choose gear intentionally, plan food and water, build navigation systems, develop the right skills, and stress-test your setup before you ever hit the trail. Andrew also shares hard-earned lessons from his own early mistakes, including how overpacking “just in case” can undermine safety, why margin matters (and when it doesn’t), and how to make better decisions when conditions change. You’ll hear his approach to off-trail navigation, how experienced travelers read landscapes and maps, and the signals that tell you when it’s time to reroute instead of pushing forward. The conversation goes beyond solo travel into the realities of leading groups in the backcountry — from managing pace and expectations to navigating group dynamics under pressure. Andrew shares candid stories from his guiding career, including a memorable lesson in what happens when competition replaces teamwork. Throughout the session, Andrew emphasizes calm decision-making, preparation over reaction, and the value of tools — from paper maps to satellite communicators — that help you stay oriented, adaptable, and connected when it matters most. Whether you’re planning your first overnight trip or refining your skills for more complex adventures, this episode offers practical frameworks and mindset shifts you can apply immediately — both at home and in the field. Learn more about Andrew Skurka and his guiding programs: https://www.andrewskurka.com [https://www.andrewskurka.com] Subscribe and watch the full episode on our YouTube channel: Visit our website to learn more about ZOLEO Campfire Chats and staying connected beyond cell coverage: https://www.zoleo.com

Survive & Thrive: Mastering Wilderness Emergency Preparedness | ZOLEO Campfire Chats

Join Jeff Weinstein, Paramedic and Medical Operations Manager at Global Rescue [https://www.globalrescue.com], as he breaks down what it really takes to prepare for emergencies in the backcountry. With years of experience responding to remote incidents around the world, Jeff shares practical, field-tested guidance every outdoor adventurer can use. In this session, Jeff explains how to pack essential medical and survival gear—and how to actually use it when conditions get tough. He covers building a simple, adaptable emergency plan, managing terrain hazards, and staying prepared for environmental challenges like cold, heat, sun, and insects. You’ll also learn how your ZOLEO device fits into a real rescue workflow, including what responders see on their end when an SOS is activated. Jeff also shares stories and lessons from real Global Rescue missions, offering a rare look at how professionals approach risk, readiness, and backcountry decision-making. Whether you're heading out for a weekend hike or planning a long off-grid expedition, this conversation delivers skills and insights to help you travel smarter and safer. Interested in learning more about emergency preparedness? Here are some resources Jeff mentioned during his talk: * Stop the Bleed | https://www.stopthebleed.org/get-trained/ [https://www.stopthebleed.org/get-trained/] * National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) | https://www.nols.edu/courses/wm/?_certifications=wilderness-first-aid [https://www.nols.edu/courses/wm/?_certifications=wilderness-first-aid] * American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid | https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/wilderness-sports?srsltid=AfmBOopsWh9juVN5CzI8IEscOTPJPQEVdvYbpHEXv-AwXh6UFsLEYWCR [https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/wilderness-sports?srsltid=AfmBOopsWh9juVN5CzI8IEscOTPJPQEVdvYbpHEXv-AwXh6UFsLEYWCR] Subscribe and watch the full episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ZOLEOLife [https://www.youtube.com/@ZOLEOLife] Visit our website: https://www.zoleo.com [https://www.zoleo.com]

Off-Trail in the Backcountry: Planning, Pacing, Mindset & Risk-Management | ZOLEO Campfire Chats

Join us for our first ZOLEO Campfire Chat with Ryan Jordan, founder of ⁠Backpacking Light⁠ [https://backpackinglight.com], as we explore how to plan and navigate off-trail travel with better pacing, mindset, and risk management. Ryan breaks down how to conserve energy on unpredictable terrain, avoid decision-making errors under fatigue, build reliable redundancy into your systems, and adapt navigation strategies as conditions change. We also touch on the science of bushwhacking, the origins of Backpacking Light, the Wilderness Systems Framework, and why tools like ZOLEO are essential for safe backcountry and solo travel. Subscribe and watch the full episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ZOLEOLife [https://www.youtube.com/@ZOLEOLife] Visit our website: https://www.zoleo.com [https://www.zoleo.com]