This course will run you through all of the skills that you need to go backpacking on your own, in only a day! No overnight required! We will spend the morning discussing different gear, pros and cons of different equipment, and what a backpacking kit can look like. If you have any of your own, please bring it, otherwise use ours! We will discuss sleep systems, shelter styles, cooking and stove setups, hydration and water purification, and more! This discussion will eventually lead us to how to pack a backpack for maximum comfort.
From here, we will discuss how to choose a backpacking destination, and various way to find appropriate trails. Our group will choose a local trail (~15-20mins away) and we will carpool over! We will all hike in with our neatly packed bags, and discuss hiking styles, energy efficient tips, and more!
After about a mile of hiking, we will find a “campsite” and set up camp, while taking the time to discuss leave no trace considerations, how to properly pitch and stake out a tent, and hazards too look out for, among others. After camp is set, we’ll cook a quick late lunch/early dinner, and spend the time discussing camp cooking, hygiene, and water purification.
After dinner, we will clean up, pack our bags back up, and walk back to our cars. We’ll carpool back to MES, and do a final discussion before returning all rental gear, and leaving with all of the knowledge necessary to go out on our own!
As a bonus, most gear used during the course will be available for purchase through MES, or available for rent for personal adventures.
MEETING LOCATION
We will meet at Mountain Expedition Supply at 847 W Main Street, Branford, CT 06405 at 10am. We will spend the morning there, and eventually move to a local trail system for a practical discussion of skills.
DO I NEED ANY Backpacking EXPERIENCE?
No! You do not need any backpacking experience for this course. If you have hiked before, and have a desire to learn the skills necessary to go backpacking, then this course is for you!
COST
$150 per participant