This Zoom session covers choosing and using backpacking tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags/quilts.
This session is the second of two offerings for Shelters & Sleep Systems. If you attended the first session on Thursday, April 24, you do not need to tune in again.
The Beginner Backpacking Education Series of six classes is open to all Rover members registered for the 2025 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 carry over. You can pick up where you left off. However, you must re-register to participate in 2025.
If you are already a registered 2025 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 2025 as a new or returning participant: 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:
- “Graduating” from Beginner Backpacking IS NOT required to go on backpacking trips organized outside of the program. If you already have some backpacking experience and see a trip posted by an individual Rover, you are free to contact that coordinator to see if your skills and interests are a good match. The progressive structure of the Beginner Backpacking program applies only to those who choose to join the program. All other Rover backpacking trips are open to all members (including anyone also enrolled in Beginner Backpacking).
- 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, though if there is a multi-year gap, we may ask you to repeat a hike to get back into practice.
Interested in starting or continuing the program in 2025? Please send an email to [email protected] with your name, email address, and phone number.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]