Prior to the program we will inform you of what you may be carrying. Depending on the length and style of your program you are likely to carry a backpack which may contain your clothing, sleeping gear and water. The backpack will also contain a portion of the shared group equipment including food, cooking items and shelter. The weight of your backpack is calculated using your body weight, ensuring everyone is carrying the appropriate amount for their body size. Instructors will also double check pack weights after the participants have packed them.

Our programs are, by nature, challenging, that’s why people leave feeling empowered, inspired and resilient. However not all of the challenges are physical. Outdoor activities vary from location to location and may include rock climbing, caving, abseiling, ropes course, sea kayaking and water activities. Please be aware that all of our locations offer different opportunities for adventure and program activities will ultimately be determined by the natural features of the location and the prevailing climatic conditions of the seasons. Expect the unexpected!

You don’t have to be a fitness fanatic or an outdoors expert to take part in one of our programs but you will need to be in general good health. Our programs include a variety of challenging outdoor activities, so the more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy it. We recommend walking a little bit each day, building up until the start date of your program.

All activities and challenges are within the capabilities of anyone who is willing to try. We work on the principle of ‘challenge by choice’ – it’s up to you how far you want to challenge yourself, we’ll be there to encourage and support you.

Our courses are carefully constructed to suit specific age levels, because of this we rarely allow anyone out of these age brackets to participate in that specific program. We don’t mix adult participants with minors

Whilst on program you’ll be very active so we have developed a food system to specifically meet the demands of life at Outward Bound Vietnam. There are a variety of menus including fruit, vegetables, bread, cereal, pasta, rice, cous cous, meat and various snacks. Your team members and you will plan and cook the meals for the entire group from a selection of fresh, dry and tinned food. We can cater for people with special dietary requirements such as vegetarian/vegan, dairy free, and gluten free. Make sure you list your special dietary requirements on your ‘personal medical declaration’ when enrolling in your course so we can cater for your needs. Bringing snacks is not permissible on our programs for as it detracts from the sense of community sharing and can cause an inequality among group members.

All items not used on program as well as the bag you brought to Outward Bound Vietnam will be stored for you until the end of the program.

Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and music players are not permitted on the program. Its important to us that all participants are free of these daily distractions and can focus on the here and now.

You can bring a camera on program. However there will be some times when you are not able to use it, such as roping activities, group debriefs etc. If you do bring a camera, please ensure it is well protected and waterproofed. However, a camera-phone is not accepted.

Sure, as long as the cultural routines are permissible within our Safe Operating Procedures and insurance policies. Our instructors will do their absolute best to provide ample time and space for your cultural needs and practices, please disclose your needs to your course coordinator as soon as possible so that we can do our best to accommodate them. Participants who are unable to wear a helmet will not be able to undertake activities where a helmet is required. Safety must come first at Outward Bound Vietnam.

We have a detailed medical screening process to ensure care is taken when presented with certain medical conditions.

Make sure you complete the ‘Personal Medical Declaration’ which we provide to you, and list as much information about your condition/s as possible. We assess each medical declaration individually and will discuss your personal circumstances with you to ensure that we can provide you with the best support possible while on program.

Some medical conditions require a further medical clearance form to be completed to ensure you are able to come on a program. Make sure you bring extra medication just in case.

It may be difficult for your child initially; however Outward Bound Vietnam ensures a supportive environment whilst on program. Your child will be among friends and staff who will be there for support. Our instructors often face this situation whilst on program and have learnt from experience and training to help your child deal with this.

Unless you are advised otherwise, Outward Bound Vietnam supplies essential items such as backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, food, as well as other gear required. You are required only to bring clothing, minor equipment (eg head torch), personal hygiene items and any medication you may require on program. Either Outward Bound Vietnam or your organisation/school coordinator will supply our required gear list on enrolment.

Your hiking boots/shoes should be rubber soled and provide good ankle support. Your boots should also be durable, in good condition and well broken in. You should NOT wear elastic sided boots or canvas shoes (these types of footwear are not supportive when carrying a loaded pack).