Essentials of Backpacking - Olympia - 2020

Backpacking Course

Backpacking

The Essentials of Backpacking course will bridge the gap between day trips and experiencing the wilderness overnight.

You will learn about planning, gear, tips and tricks to help make overnights comfortable in the wilderness.

This course is for all adults.  Student will be required to have completed Wilderness Skills or Hiking Skills or the equivalent.

An evening information session for all adults is Wednesday, July 22, 6:00-9:00pm, at The Olympia Friends Meeting Hall. Learn about appropriate gear, trip planning, on the trail tips, food, safety, and other tips and tricks.

Each student will participate in one of the overnight backpacks lead by one of the course instructors.  There will be several trips offered over the summer and early fall.

During the summer months, backpacking trips will be offered on the Mountaineers backpacking activity page for both adults and families to participate in. They will be designed to help you use the skills from class, as well as continual growth.  These  are not a required part of the course but we hope that you will participate in them.

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements
Course Activity Date Availability Leader
Essentials of Backpacking Lecture
Olympia Friends Meeting House
Thu, Apr 25, 2024
Registration closes Apr 21
16 participants
5 instructors
Essentials of Backpacking Field Trip
Squaxin Park
Sat, Apr 27, 2024
Registration closes Apr 21
18 participants
5 instructors
Lions Park, Olympia
Wed, May 8, 2024
Registration closes Apr 21
6 participants
6 instructors
Lake Sylvia State Park/Montesano City Forest
Sat, May 18, 2024 -
Sun, May 19, 2024
Registration closes Apr 21
6 participants
5 instructors
Roster
Required Equipment

Instructors will work with the students to identify places to obtain backpacking equipment.  Students will need all the essential clothing, footwear, 10 essentials and equipment for day hikes and will need to own, borrow or in some way, have access the basic equipment for backpacking including; backpack, shelter system - tent, fly, ground cloth; sleeping system - sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow; cooking system - stove, cooking pot, utensils; water treatment options, camp and personal clean up and food for an overnight trip.

Course Materials
Name/Description