Ultralight Backpacking - Seattle - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Participants: The number of participants is based on the number of volunteer instructors and will likely increase, so sign up for the waitlist if the clinic is full. If you are in the Basic Backpacking Course, the fee is waived, please sign up for this activity through the course page.

Instructors: If you have a backpacking base weight less than 15 lbs, please join. More advice, tricks and gear demonstration makes for a better course.

The course defines “ultralight”. We teach how to apply the philosophy safely and how to learn and practice the skills that allow a backpacker to take less gear. The course will address the main sources of weight by gear category and how to reduce the weight of each with the goal of reaching a base-weight of 10 lbs or less for a summer trip.

The unencumbered hiker is happier, safer and able to travel greater distances. The fear of unknown conditions and the focus on “what to bring” for backpackers often leads to over-packing which can be exhausting, uncomfortable and unsafe. 

Students leaving the clinic will be motivated to consider the weight cost of every backpacking item. They will have new skills for planning and traveling that will allow them to leave some items behind. The instructors, some with thousands of trail miles, can teach hard-won lessons and share their experiences. Meet fellow backpackers, share stories and learn new techniques in the Seattle Ultralight Backpacking Clinic.

The course will combine lecture, gear demonstration and time for questions.

Arrive by 10:00am to finish at 1:00pm

Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Goodman A & B