This article sums up most of the survival course: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/a-wilderness-survival-course-leaves-a-novice-camper-hungry-cold-and-triumphant/2016/01/21/ed15bd4e-ba40-11e5-829c-26ffb874a18d_story.html I'm not sure if the writer did the Safe Return course or the Bare Bones course, but I have insight into Bare Bones. No backpacks. No tents. No food or water. It was all bare essentials just as the name states, as we learned what to do in each situation to get what we need for basic survival. No backpacks. We had to learn how to carry all of our items that we were allowed to take with us, in a hands-free way, every single time. Tying and untying, loading and unloading. This really is a very basic survival skill that a lot of people don't think about. Hands-free is definitely the way to be, in case you need to make any quick decisions about anything. Use your hands for anything, and/or simply pull a cord on your loaded up essential items and the pack falls off your back for body use/leverage. No tents. We went when temperatures were below 50 degrees (it was actually 35-40 both of our nights!) so a sleeping bag was allowed. Upon arrival, we were also given one tarp to use. Both were so handy. We used the tarp as a roof, and then piled up ground scrapings for a mattress-type bedding, and laid the sleeping bags on top (I do have to say, in that 35 degree weather, I am SO very happy that me (female) and my BFF (male) were able to zip our bags together for added heat. Each evening we had to setup. Each morning we had to break everything down. It is quite the chore and takes a considerable amount of time. I did think that we would be building our own shelters, completely, out of items we could find laying around... and in fact a few of the students did that, somewhat, the second night. But again given the cold and my teammate just getting over a week-long illness, we decided not to. At our next survival training, and there will be another either Byron's again or another out West, we will be building our shelter! No food, no water. We came with 2 bottles of water filled for use. But out and about and working on all kinds of things, all day long, 2 bottles isn't very much justice for your body. Upon arrival, we are given minimal amounts of food (ramen, clif bars, and an orange) and beverage (instant coffee and tea). While all of this came in handy, I was a bit disappointed that we were being given anything at all. If you read the description of the course, I literally thought that the group would kill the rabbit (yes, we killed and ate a rabbit, sorry Mr Bunny!!) on the first day and that have to determine how to manage it between us through the whole weekend. Lucky for us, we had the additional items. But I still stopped at McDonald's on my way out of the course for some meat and carbs. Anyway, we also learned to filter our water. Everything else - positive mental attitude, tips and tricks, learning from Byron, and learning from each other - all excellent essential skills for survival. Byron has a laid-back, knowledgeable approach to teaching and I recommend him and his courses to everyone interested :) read more