BASIC BACKPACKING COURSE 2026
This class is for hikers that want to have fun and go further!
• This class is for hikers who want to know about the gear to safely hike longer days in challenging conditions.
• This class is for hikers that want the skills to start backpacking,
• This class is for backpackers who want the navigation and trip planning skills for multi-day trips.
• This class is for hikers who want to make new friends and increase their appreciation of our beautiful natural environment.
This course includes seven weeknight classroom sessions and four outings.
Outings will be on trail and moderately strenuous (5-7 miles in length). A habit of regular exercise and hiking is recommended to most enjoy the course. Students will provide their own equipment for the course.
The number of students is limited so that a more personalized experience can be provided. The volunteer leaders will be sharing what they have learned from years of hiking and leading outdoor education. Our goal is to prepare participants to lead their own trips in the local mountains and the California Sierras with comfort and confidence.
Tuition is $200 for Sierra Club Members, $235 for non-Members. A basic medical information form and a Liability Waiver are a required part of registration. The Sierra Club and this course are equal opportunity providers. This course is sponsored by the Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter of the Sierra Club and we operate under a special use permit with the Los Padres National Forest.
All classroom sessions run from 7 – 9:30pm at:
Unitarian-Universalist Church
5654 Ralston St, Ventura 93003.
Registration starts on November 1, 2025
Register Here
For more information, go to the BBC website
https://www.basicbackpackingcourse.com/
Class and Outings Schedule
Class 1: Thursday March 5, 7 – 9:30pm
Day Hike: Saturday, March 7, Local Mountain Trails
Class 2: Thursday, March 12, 7 – 9:30pm
Class 3: Thursday, March 19, 7 – 9:30pm
Car Camp: Saturday, March 21-22
Class 4: Thursday, March 26, 7 – 9:30pm
Backpack #1: Saturday-Sunday, March 28-29
Class 5: Thursday, April 2, 7 – 9:30pm
Class 6: Thursday, April 9, 7 – 9:30pm
Backpack #2: Saturday-Sunday, April 11-12
Class 7: Thursday, April 16, 7 – 9:30pm