Lecture: The Essentials of Backpacking
Essentials of Backpacking Lecture - Online Classroom
Lecture for Essentials of Backpacking- Online Classroom #1. Fitness & Exercise, Nutrition & Hydration, Preparing for the weather & emergencies, Stewardship.
Contacts
- Tue, Mar 31, 2026
- Olympia Hiking & Backpacking Committee
- Backpacking
- Adults, All Who Qualify
- Casual
- 16 (22 capacity)
- 7 (8 capacity)
- Tue, Jan 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 10:00 PM
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- iCal Google
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
NOTE: Students must also complete:
- the one-hour E-Learning Course: Low Impact Recreation Skills
- participate in at least one 6 hour stewardship activity to earn Stewardship Badge
NOTE: Students have up to two years to complete the graduation requirements. In addition, students will have the opportunity to earn the Basic Backpacking Skills Badge by successfully completing one additional Mountaineers backpacking trip.
Understand the 7 Leave No Trace Principals
Class 2: Essentials of Backpacking Olympia 2026
Zoom Online Class #1 | March 31, 6pm-8pm
- Intro and welcome (3 minutes)
- Fitness & Exercise (Fitness for x # of miles/elevation gain) (25 mins) Dan Miller
- Nutrition & Hydration (25 mins) Regina Robinson
- BREAK (3 to 5 mins)
- Preparing for weather/emergencies (10/15mins) Mike Kretzler
- Stewardship (5 to 10 minutes) Zua Stivers
- Questions (10 minutes) All
Required Equipment
Required Equipment: Internet/WIFI & Access to computer.
Lecture: Essentials of Backpacking Lecture - Online Classroom
Required Equipment Backpacking
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. NOTE: 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.
- 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.
- There may be options to borrow over night gear: tent/sleep pad/backpack/stove