Do you wish you had more “outdoorsy” friends to adventure with? Join Back of the Pack in Bentonville, Arkansas!
May 26–29, 2023
Join “Back of the Pack” in Northwest Arkansas for an extended weekend of hiking, exploring, and forming new friendships. Back of the Pack, or BOTP, was founded on the idea that you should never say “no” to adventure for fear of holding the group back. We encourage you to get outside, push your limits, and chase your epic — at your own pace. We’re here to adventure, but we’re also here for leisure time, cold ciders, warm meals, and plenty of belly laughs.
Cost: $1275
Payment plans are available!
Included:
3 nights’ lodging (shared room, possible shared king bed)
Welcome happy hour
Pre-trip logistical assistance (we won’t book your travel for you, but we will help guide you on the best options)
BOTP-pace hikes
Most meals (subject to change: all breakfasts, lunches, trail snacks, and all but one dinner will be included)
Swag bag!
Not included:
Travel to/from Bentonville, Arkansas
Meals and beverages not served at the retreat basecamp
Mountain bike rental (there will an optional mountain bike ride!)
The BOTP Bend retreat was a dream! I can’t believe I got to spend a weekend in such a beautiful place with like-minded strong ass women who love the outdoors as much as I do. I had no idea that just stepping outside of my comfort zone to hang out with some strangers in the woods for three days would form such a loving and welcoming community in such a short time. I’m forever thankful I got to be a part of it, and hope I can attend or contribute more to this community in the future!
I’m so excited! When should I arrive?
We can’t wait to welcome you! Check-in begins at 5pm on Friday, May 26. Check-out will be Monday, May 29 at 10am.
What is the lodging situation like?
We want this to feel like the ultimate outdoorsy women’s weekend, so we’ve rented a beautiful AirBnB and will be sharing rooms (in some instances, king beds). Don’t worry, you’ll be able to connect with each other in a virtual group beforehand, so it’s not like you’ll be complete strangers on arrival. :) Please let us know if you’re booking with a friend so that we can put you in a room together!
Who’s leading this?
Excellent question! Back of the Pack is led by Laura and Danyell. We’re ER nurses and dog mamas with a passion for outdoor adventure, and helping others find out what they’re capable of outdoors (and in life). Learn more about us here!
Will there be dietary options for vegan, vegetarian, GF, and DF?
If you have specific dietary needs, please let us know in your application. We will do our best to accommodate and ensure you are well-fed and happy!
What’s the best way to get to Bentonville, Arkansas?
Bentonville is located in Northwest Arkansas. The nearest airport is Fayetteville (XNA), and from there you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to make the 30-minute trip to Bentonville. Alternatively, Tulsa, Oklahoma (airport code TUL), and Springfield, Missouri (airport code SGF), are each about two hours away. From either location, you can rent a car and coordinate carpooling with other retreat members in the pre-retreat virtual group (we will help facilitate this!).
What if I’m like, really, really slow on trails?
That’s okay! We’re called “Back of the Pack” for a reason! Although naturally the group will move at different paces, no hiker or biker will be left behind :)
Will there be coffee?
You know it! We will ensure you’re well caffeinated for all adventures!
How about cider and beer?
What’s a hike without a cold one at the end, honestly? We will supply cider, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages at retreat basecamp, but you’re responsible for your own beverages (and food) when we are out-and-about!
Will I have the opportunity to get to know the other retreat guests prior to the retreat?
Yup! We’ll throw ya all into a virtual group so you can get to know each other, find your roomie, and plan carpooling.
I’m a little nervous about a weekend packed full of adventure and my ability to “hang”. Is it cool if I sit one of the hikes out?
Sure thing! While we are here to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try new things in a safe space, this is YOUR retreat, and you’re more than welcome to take an afternoon or a day to do your own thing – whether that’s posting up at a bar for spicy margaritas or taking a solid nap.
Is there a payment plan available?
Yes! We offer a pay-in-full option, or payment plans broken up over three months. Simply email backofthepackcommunity@gmail.com to discuss what options would work for you!
[The BOTP retreat] taught me that I'm capable of a LOT more than I thought I was when it comes to hiking and being outdoors. It taught me that there are still people in the world who want to have loud crazy silly fun that doesn't involve being wasted and instead involves going to bed early (my favorite thing). It taught me that friendship is a lot easier than our brains make it seem.
Curious about anything else? Shoot us a message: backofthepackcommunity@gmail.com