Backpacking Course
Off-Trail Backpacking
Ever get the itch to leave the establish trail to see what is over that enticing ridge, explore close by but off-trail meadows or lakes or maybe reach the top of that nearby peak while out backpacking? This course will present both vision and instruction in recognizing off-trail options, making a workable plan to reach them and then safely reaching these destinations that appear to be out of reach on the normal established trails. We will explore finding unpublished trails, way-trails and routes: connecting known but disjointed trails and trailheads and finding suitable camps off-the beaten track (and trail). The field trips for this course involved moderate to what "could feel" a bit challenging off-trail travel. Students need to be open to learn, embrace and experience these challenges. (Note: the Mountaineers Backpacking Standard allows off-trail travel as long as the terrain doesn't require rock or snow skills beyond T3 or specialized gear such as snowshoes, helmet, crampons or ice axe to complete the route safely. Microspikes may be required.)
Contacts
- Thu, Mar 20, 2025 - Mon, Jun 30, 2025
- Committee: Foothills Backpacking Committee
- Members: $65.00 Guests: $75.00
- Availability: 1 (15 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
This course includes one required evening lecture on zoom, and two available field trips. To complete the course you must complete the required lecture and one of the two field trips.
Who SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE
- Those who are already competent with basic backpacking and have been out on trips at least five times
- Current Mountaineers backpacker who wants experience to allow them to qualify for complex or epic trips that have off-trail components
- Backpack leaders who want to try leading new and different types of trips for the club that include off-trail components
- Backpackers that feel ready and open to try more complex off-trail trips and more challenging terrain. Note: Before signing up make sure you are comfortable with the level of challenge of the two field trips offered (they are listed below). You don't have to know how to do these travel challenges, or have done them before (that what the course is for), but you need to be willing to try new things and overcome fears.
WHY you should take this course
- Develop skills in seeing off-trail possibilities for your backpacking trips.
- Gathering experience being off-trail on a safe Mountaineers trip
- Experience off-trail travel as exhilarating and freeing rather than scary.
- Develop a spirit of exploration beyond "known and popular" trail or camp options.
- Go places few other people every go.
ABOUT THE COURSE
TOPICS COVERED
This course will cover a variety of material that is unique to planning and executing off-trail travel, including:
- Why would I do this--the benefits of off-trail travel?
- How to develop a vision for off-trail travel.
- How to find/research secret trails and routes.
- How to address safety in the planning and execution of these off-trail routes.
- How to find camps off-trail.
- How to post and vet participants for off-trail travel trips.
- Where can I do off-trail travel backpacking to give it a try and grow this skill?
REGISTERING FOR THE COURSE
- First register for the whole course at the right side-bar.
- Second register for the required lecture on March 20th, shown below.
- Third register for one of two field trips offered below.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
| Course Activity | Date | Availability | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Trail Backpacking Lecture | |||
| Online Classroom |
Thu, Mar 20, 2025
Registration closes Mar 18
|
10
participants
|
|
| Off-Trail Backpacking - Field Trip | |||
| Frenchman Coulee |
Fri, Apr 4, 2025 -
Sun, Apr 6, 2025 Registration closes Apr 2
|
1
participant on waitlist
|
|
| Banks Lake |
Fri, Apr 18, 2025 -
Sun, Apr 20, 2025 Registration closes Apr 16
|
1
participant
0 instructors
|
|
See individual field trips for required equipment
There are no materials for this course.