This Zoom session covers a general overview of backpacking, including trip planning, Leave No Trace, water treatment, hygiene, types of gear to bring/leave home and food storage.
This session is the first of two offerings for Intro to Backpacking. The class will be repeated on Thursday, April 25. You need only attend each class once.
The Beginner Backpacking Education Series of six classes is open to all Rover members registered for the 2024 Beginner Backpacking Program. You can take the classes in any order.
If you started the program in a prior year but didn’t finish, your completed classes/hikes carry over! You can pick up where you left off. However, you must re-register to participate in 2024.
If you are already a registered 2024 Beginner Backpacking participant: There is no need to RSVP for this or other individual classes. The Zoom link for every class will be automatically emailed to you a day or two ahead.
If you are interested in Beginner Backpacking but have not yet registered for 2024: Please thoroughly read the program information below and email us to register at [email protected]. After registration, we will begin emailing the Zoom class links.
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Beginner Backpacking is a progressive series of training and trail experiences designed for those who are brand new to backpacking or who want to gain more confidence and experience. The four program components are:
- Six education sessions over Zoom that cover backpacking equipment and skills (April & May).
- Day training hikes to teach you how to hike with a full backpack (mid-May to early July).
- Overnight training trips at nearby state parks where you can try out your new skills (mid-June to early August).
- Two-night training trips to practice moving camp and further hone your skills (late July through September).
The program is progressive. To participate in a day hike, you must have taken the Zoom class on choosing and fitting a backpack. To go on a one-night overnight, you must complete all six Zoom classes and a day hike. To attend a two-night trip, you need to have completed a one-night trip (and its prerequisites). Each Zoom class will be offered twice, and there will be multiple offerings for day hikes and overnights.
You do not need to own backpacking equipment to participate. Most of what you’ll need is available to borrow from the Rovers’ equipment locker.
Beginner backpacking events and outings for the year will be posted throughout the spring and summer at www.mnrovers.org/trips.
Program Prerequisites: An active Rovers membership; previous car camping experience, and the ability to day hike for at least 5 miles.
Other Important Notes:
- Participating in this program is not required to join other Rovers activities or trips (including backpacking trips organized outside of the Beginner program).
- Real-time attendance at the Zoom education sessions is required. (Zoom classes are not available as on-demand recordings.)
- For those who started the program in a prior year but didn’t finish, your completed classes/hikes carry over! You can pick up where you left off. You do need to re-register to participate in 2024.
Interested in starting or continuing the program in 2024? Please send an email to [email protected] with your name, email address, and phone number.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]