Father, figured

Eight dads. Four days. No signal.

Apply for 2026

Every season of fatherhood asks something different of us.

The young ones call for our patience. The teenagers need our steadiness. The grown ones ask for a different kind of presence.

In every season, what would it be worth, to us and to our kids, to actually show up the way we had intended to?

Most of us are carrying full lives, a deep love for our kids, and hard-won wisdom. What we rarely have is the time to reflect and a brotherhood to confide in. The real conversations fatherhood asks for don't happen at work or in the ten minutes between pickup and dinner. They happen slowly, honestly, with other dads who are paying attention and carrying wisdom of their own.

"The value of a brotherhood for support and questions... I didn't know how much I needed that."
Andy, Father Figured, 2025
The Invitation

Together in the High Sierra, we walk alongside a select group of fellow dads who all have something to say but nothing to prove. We share stories of wisdom along our journeys, and explore what it means to father with intention and presence.

Our Making

What parts of my fathering and manhood came from love, and what parts came from fear?

Our Being

How would my children honestly describe their relationship with me as their father today?

Our Legacy

If my children inherited my way of being, which parts would be a gift? Which wouldn't?

Brotherhood elevates fatherhood.

Our Experience

A bespoke minimalist backpacking journey off trail in world class wilderness, with workshops that prepare us for the conditions and our connection.

Preparation Workshops

One: Intention + Destination Meet your fellow dads. Set intentions. Learn about the route.
Two: Fatherhood + Gear Fatherhood stories. Minimalist backpacking gear clinic.
Three: Food + Logistics + Connection Meal planning. Travel coordination. Practice connection skills.

Workshops conducted live, virtually. ~1.5 hours each.

4-Day Wilderness Experience

Land Arrive at trailhead. Welcome dinner. Camp under stars.
Learn Hike. Skill-building workshops. Rituals. Camp off-trail.
Deepen Off-trail exploration. Meditation. Fishing. Fatherhood insights.
Own Team-led decisions on where to explore and how.
Integrate Return to trailhead. Completion dinner. What now?
What fellow dads said
"I wasn't expecting such a range of fatherhood experiences. Positive, wise... you guys are really the kind of dads I want to spend time with."
Jack, dad to a girl, 3
"The depth of conversations around the campfire... I've never experienced anything like it."
Scott, dad and grandpa
"I don't know of any other group like this for men... very thankful for this space to talk about fatherhood and the struggles that we all go through raising our kids."
Phillip, dad of two: 6 and 9
"Being with you guys has helped me remember the more important things in my life. I've been trying to develop within myself a characteristic I see in you guys: Servant Leadership."
Dan, dad of two: 9 and 10
"We will all stay connected through our magical man of meaningful connections: Duncan."
Jonathan, dad of two: 6 and 9
The Journey

What changed

Each dad arrived carrying a question. None left with the same one. Here's what happened.

Who this is for

Father figures, new or seasoned, from all walks of life.

Dads from our 2025 cohort ranged from a former marine to an Olympian, a CEO to a retired juvenile correctional officer. From Montana, Virginia, Texas, and the Bay Area. Our kids ranged from 3 to 34. One of them just became a grandpa!

Our commonality: Father figures with something to say but nothing to prove. That includes biological dads, step-dads, mentors, and community and faith leaders who show up for the next generation.

We have some backpacking experience. We exercise regularly. We can commit to 3 workshops and 4 days in the backcountry. And we're willing to go deeper than chit-chats.

Capped at 8 dads per cohort. By nomination and invitation only.

Fathers hiking together in the Sierra
Your Contribution

Every father's presence enriches the group.

Father, figured is a program of Off Trail On Track, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your contribution to OTOT funds your participation and sustains this community. Every dad joins the same journey. The contribution level you choose reflects how you'd like to show up for it.

Every contribution enrolls you as an OTOT member and funds your participation in Father, figured.

Every participant receives
  • 3 pre-trip workshops
  • 4-day High Sierra wilderness journey
  • Gear library access
  • All meals
  • Group coaching
  • Lifelong community

Choose how you'd like to show up:

Nominee Contribution
$3,000 / person

For dads nominated by a Father, figured participant. Covers your share of program expenses and supports OTOT's broader mission and work.

Full Contribution
$3,500 / person

The full contribution rate. Sustains OTOT's coaching, facilitation, curriculum, and community year-round.

Founding Father Contribution
$5,000+ / person

Covers your program expenses. $1,500 goes directly to the Walk Together Fund, sponsoring a father who couldn't otherwise join.

Need support? If your contribution level is the only thing between you and this experience, reach out. We may have Walk Together Fund-supported spots available. A portion of your contribution may be tax-deductible; we'll provide documentation.

Your Facilitator

Duncan Cheung

Duncan is a minimalist backpacking educator and CoActive-trained leadership coach with over 16 years leading wilderness experiences. He founded Off Trail On Track, a nonprofit backpacking academy, and brings over 1000 coaching hours with executives, boards, and teams.

Trained in holding space for men's work and an active facilitator in several men's groups, Duncan brings emotional intelligence, clarity, and presence to this experience. Born in Hong Kong, based in Berkeley. When he's not on the trail, he's adventuring with his son, Kiyo.

"Duncan, I'm still in awe over your ability to extract and remember these nuanced, personal insights. You're a masterful facilitator. I feel heard and understood."
Andy, dad to a grown son: 23

Less belongings. More belonging.

2026 Cohorts

Ready to walk alongside us?

Three trip cohorts. Eight spots each.

Experience A
Summer Sierra
Jul 31 – Aug 4, 2026
Experience B
Autumn Sierra
Sep 30 – Oct 4, 2026
Experience C
Location TBA
Oct 28 – Nov 1, 2026

Physical intensity is tailored to each cohort's participants. Some prior backpacking experience required.

Apply Now

Questions? Email Duncan or Book a call.