Overview

Backpacking 101 is the perfect introduction for beginners and a great refresher for those looking to brush up on their skills after time away from the trail. This hands-on course covers essential topics like selecting and using gear, improving safety and comfort on the trail, and practicing Leave No Trace principles to help protect our beautiful backcountry.

Fee: $100 for PATC members; $125 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Classes are limited to 16 students.



The class is run in two sections:
- A two-day training weekend
- A two-day backpacking overnight

All activities are to be held outside.

Backpacking 101 Topics Covered

Wilderness ethics & Leave No Trace (LNT) principles

• Boots & footwear
• Clothing & layering
• Packs & how to pack them
• Sleeping bags & pads
• Tents & shelters
• Stoves & how to use them
• Food preparation & meal clean-up
• Campsite selection
• Sanitation & personal hygiene
• Staying hydrated & treating water
• Trip planning
• Basic land navigation with map & compass (intro)
• Flora & fauna

For more information on Backpacking classes, please contact the Backpacking Committee Chair.

Backpacking Class Waiver

Backpacking is a strenuous activity and involves a certain amount of risk. Hiking and traveling to and from the trailhead may involve exposure to the forces of nature and to possible accident or illness in remote places without available medical facilities. It is up to you, the participant, to make the final judgement as to your own auditability for the hike and your willingness to take risk.

Participation in the Backpacking 101 course amounts to your agreement to assume all the risks and liabilities related to or resulting from all Club backpacking trips. By your participation in this course, you are agreeing not to hold PATC or any of its leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss or damage to yourself or members of your family, pets, or property arising from a consequence of a Club backpacking trip.

Participation in this course also constitutes your agreement that (1) PATC has your permission to use photographs and/or videos of you from this event in its promotional materials and publicity efforts (including print and web-based), and (2) you release PATC and its leaders, officers, and representatives from liability for violation of any personal or proprietary right that you may have in connection with such use.