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If you’ve ever wanted to take a NOLS course (National Outdoor Leadership School) to learn new outdoor skills, become a more well-rounded outdoorist, or simply connect with fellow adventurers, now may be your chance! Because NOLS just re-launched their lightweight backpacking courses after a several year hiatus and they’re partnering with Hyperlite Mountain Gear to offer one lucky backpacker a full scholarship to experience a NOLS lightweight backpacking course! But act fast, because the application window for the Hyperlite scholarship closes on April 11, 2025. Need more info? Check out this press release from NOLS:
Hyperlite Mountain Gear & NOLS Announce Scholarship
Hyperlite Mountain Gear and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) have partnered to offer a scholarship that will provide an experience to participate in a NOLS lightweight backpacking course this summer. The application period opens today [March 11, 2025] and will close on April 11, 2025. The recipient will be chosen by early May.
The Hyperlite Scholarship is a collective effort to raise awareness of lightweight backpacking courses offered by NOLS and the reintroduction of this specialty course after being absent from the curriculum the past few years. The need-based scholarship is designed to increase access for someone eager to learn about lightweight backpacking and to set them up with the gear they need for their adventures.
“At Hyperlite Mountain Gear, we believe that lightweight outdoor gear built with modern, durable, and waterproof materials allows backpackers to shift their focus to the places they discover and explore, feel confident, and have more fun,” shared Mike St. Pierre, CEO and Founder of Hyperlite Mountain Gear. “Coupled with the proven instruction and comprehensive skills that NOLS provides its students, we can’t think of a better way to set someone up for success wherever they choose to adventure. We’re thrilled to work alongside NOLS to make this scholarship happen.”
NOLS has a strong reputation for extended backcountry expeditions and traditionally heavy backpacks. With the reintroduction of its lightweight program, it will offer the same high-quality expeditions, focusing on optimizing gear, reducing weight, and thinking more efficiently. The newly introduced lightweight backpacking courses in Wyoming and Utah aim to boost participants’ competence and confidence with lightweight systems.
“Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s focus on utility, reliability, and versatility fits perfectly with the NOLS expedition approach,” stated Jeremy Cronon, NOLS Director of Partnerships. “Their packs have become a favorite among our instructors for their durability on demanding courses. As we relaunch our Lightweight Backpacking Program, we couldn’t be more excited to have Hyperlite as a true collaborator. Through this scholarship, we aim to expand access to the skills and gear that enable transformative adventures in remote places.”
Apply Now
We love when outdoor brands make the outdoors more accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it. If that’s you, and you’re ready to dive in with NOLS, a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help individuals step forward boldly as leaders (and teach useful outdoor skills at the same time), APPLY HERE for the Hyperlite scholarship! Make sure to do so by April 11, 2025.
Alisha is a freelance outdoor journalist and photographer based in Ogden, UT. She loves backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and snowboarding (even though she’s terrible at it). She’s also pretty sure she’s addicted to coffee. alishamcdarris.com