The Essentials of Backpacking - Olympia - 2026

Backpacking Course

The Essentials of Backpacking

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

Learn all you need to be safe and efficient while backpacking on weekend or multiday trips in the Pacific Northwest.  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.  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 Gear Day Lecture
Squaxin Park
Sat, Mar 28, 2026
Registration closes Mar 20
16 participants
5 instructors
Essentials of Backpacking Lecture
Online Classroom
Tue, Mar 31, 2026
Registration closes Mar 20
16 participants
7 instructors
Essentials of Backpacking Mini Clinic (optional)
Online Classroom
Tue, Apr 14, 2026
Registration closes Mar 20
16 participants
7 instructors
Essentials of Backpacking Show Us Your Gear
Lions Park, Olympia
Wed, Apr 29, 2026 -
Wed, May 6, 2026
Registration closes Mar 20
13 participants
Essentials of Backpacking Field Trip
Lake Sylvia State Park/Montesano City Forest
Sat, Jun 6, 2026 -
Sun, Jun 7, 2026
Registration closes Mar 20
16 participants
7 instructors
Roster
Required Equipment

Backpacks

Sleep Systems: tents, sleeping bag, mattress pad

Clothing

Shoes

Course Materials
Name/Description