Ultralight Backpacking - Mountaineers Tacoma Program Center

This clinic combines lecture with gear demonstration to teach strategies and techniques commonly used by long-distance hikers to minimize backpack weight. We’ll delve into ultralight history, rationale, and risk management. We’ll explore alternative and sometimes unfamiliar gear choices, emphasizing general concepts rather than specific retail brands. There will be plenty of tips to spark curiosity. Upon completion, participants will understand a systematic approach to analyze and evaluate their own gear, clothing, food, and water for specific trip conditions and goals.

Kurt Mallery, an accomplished hiker, backpacker, scrambler, and climber, has been with The Mountaineers since 1993. He earned his trail name “Day Hike” for his small backpack with 8 lb base weight during his John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikes. He recently thru-hiked the Wonderland Trail while scrambling several peaks with a comfortable pack. He will be assisted by Connor Litchman, who thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail. Join us to learn their techniques!

Tacoma Program Center at 6:30-8:30pm