Badge
Fastpacking Leader
SCOPE - WHAT DOES THIS BADGE ALLOW ME TO DO?
This badge allows the owner to plan, organize, and lead fastpacking trips in backcountry terrain as designated in The Mountaineers Trail Running Minimum Standards.
EXPERIENCE, PREREQUISITES, AND TRAINING NEEDED
The holder of this badge has demonstrated sound judgment, strong leadership skills, and technical proficiency in:
- Travel over a variety of trailed backcountry terrain, including slippery, rocky, or otherwise challenging and technical running terrain
- Proficiency with lighter and ultralight backpacking gear and techniques
- Group leadership, including trip planning and group dynamics
- Use of topographical maps, compass, altimeter, GPS, or other navigational tools
- Mountain safety, including identification of hazards such as: exposure, rockfall, changing weather, etc… and actions to minimize risk
- First Aid
- Emergency preparedness (including emergency bivouacs and how to summon help, should it be needed)
- Self-supported group backcountry trail running fundamentals
- Conditioning
HOW DO I GET THIS BADGE?
To become a fastpacking trail run leader, club members must:
- possess the Backcountry Trail Run Leader badge
- submit an application to the Trail Running Committee
- schedule and successfully lead two (2) mentored fastpacking trail runs for The Mountaineers with existing fastpacking leaders
- possess the Fastpacking Course badge
After the final mentored run takes place, mentors will report to the Trail Running Committee whether the candidate meets requirements and expectations and is qualified to become a fastpacking trail run leader. If the candidate meets the requirements and expectation, the Trail Running Committee will permit leading fastpacking trips for that individual. If the candidate fails, the Trail Running Committee will assess the candidate and make recommendations for improvement so the candidate can, if they so desire, continue to pursue the goal of becoming a fastpacking trail run leader.
Notes:
- Fastpacking trail run leader candidates are welcome to request multiple (more than two)
mentored trips. - Candidates must be able to demonstrate adequate gear selection based on expected conditions for themselves and provide guidance to other participants in advance of the trip.