Begin Your Backpacking Journey

Learn the basics of backcountry travel and join us for the Beginner Backpacking Course Spring 2023! 

Class starts at 7 PM on March 15th!

Suggested donation to the Backpack Section: $30 

Learn how to travel safely and comfortably with only a pack on your back during the annual Beginner Backpacking course run by the Backpack Section. We are offering this opportunity to folks who have little to no experience in backpacking but want to explore backcountry trails and get away from the crowds.

The Backpack Beginners Class 2023 consists of:

  1. A virtual class via Zoom on 3/15 (7 PM - 9 PM), and
  2. An outdoor class on 4/22 (10 AM - 3 PM), which is held at Samuel Taylor SP.

Topics covered:

  • Map and navigation
  • Backpacks
  • Tents
  • Boots and socks
  • Stoves and cooking gear
  • Sleeping gear
  • Water treatment
  • Clothing
  • Backcountry cuisine
  • Bear cans
  • Campsite selection and "leave-no-trace" camping
  • Trip planning
  • Medical problems in the wilderness

Several overnight field trips suitable for beginners are planned during the season and will be announced online in our activities calendar. The first trip is scheduled for April 30 / May 1. Please sign-up directly with the trip leader.

To register for the course, please RSVP here. For questions and more information, you can reach out directly to Thomas Meissner at meissner.thomas2011@gmail.com.