Lecture: The Essentials of Backpacking
Essentials of Backpacking Gear Day Lecture - Squaxin Park
Welcome folks to the Essentials of Backpacking Olympia 2026 Course. Join us at Squaxin Park for "GEARAPALOOZA!" We will go over essentials for Backpacking: how to select and set up a camp site; how to set up the camp kitchen: cooking and storing food, water filtration; how to select and set up a sleep system to keep you coming back for more adventures in the great outdoors, and much- much more! This will help determine types of gear one may or may not want to include on a backpacking adventure. At a later date participants will be able to show the instructors/leaders what you have chosen for your backpacking trip.
Contacts
- Sat, Mar 28, 2026
- Olympia Hiking & Backpacking Committee
- Backpacking
- All Who Qualify, Adults
- Easy/Moderate
- Casual
- 16 (22 capacity)
- 5 (8 capacity)
- Tue, Jan 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 10:00 PM
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- iCal Google
Bring a great attitude, a willingness to step out of boundaries and learn something new.
How to Graduate from Essentials of Backpacking Course 2026
Students register & pay for Essentials of Backpacking Olympia Course 2026 Course which Opens | Jan 20
Meeting 1 - Squaxin Park In person Lecture 'GEARAPALOOZA' 9am to 1pm | March 28
Meeting 2 – 1st Zoom Online Course 6pm-8pm | March 31
Meeting 3 – 2nd Zoom Online Course 6pm-8pm | April 14
Meeting 4: Students 'Show Us Your Gear Day ' in person at Lions Park | student choice of date either April 29th or May 6th | 6pm-7:30pm
Meeting 5: Overnighter at Lewis & Clark State Park (SW) | June 6 & 7th 2026
Hi folks we will meet at Squaxin Park, Shelter #4 on March 28th at 9am to 1pm.
Plan to arrive early to sign in, we begin promptly at 9am.
Please bring: a camp chair, snacks/lunch/hydration of choice, wear comfortable clothing in layers (dress for the weather) it may be quite cool, bring a notebook & pencil/pen to write with.
We look forward to seeing you.
Required Equipment
We will show you many different options of backpacking gear at Squaxin Park. This will help you determine types of gear one may or may not want to include on a backpacking adventure. At a later date participants will be able to show the instructors/leaders what you have chosen for your backpacking trip.
Required Equipment: Internet/WIFI & Access to computer for online zoom classes.
Eventual Required Equipment: Backpack, poles, Appropriate clothing and boots (possibly gaiters, and hiking poles), Sleep system: Tent with footprint/ground tarp ,Sleeping bag Sleeping pad, Water filter /water storage system, Bear canister or extra stuff sack and cord designated for hanging food, Cooking pot/pan, cook stove, lighter & fuel, water bottle or cup, plate and utensils, Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste, Meds/toiletries
EQUIPMENT COST: Backpacking gear is an investment. This course will equip you with the knowledge to select the gear that will best suit your budget and your style of backpacking.
Our course focuses on providing a range of options so that you can make wise purchases the first time. Experienced day hikers venturing into backpacking that have adequate clothing, and 10 Essentials can expect to spend upwards of $700 to $800 or more for a basic backpacking gear set up. New backpackers with very little gear can expect to spend about double depending on their gear selection.
You can reduce your investment by checking out backpacking gear from the Mountaineers Gear Library in Seattle or inquiring with your local REI store about rental options.
NOTE: You do not need gear for our 1st lecture at Squaxin Park. Please do not worry about gear and do not worry about pricing! We will help you make informed decisions regarding gear and types of gear for you to get outdoors.