- Estimated Cost: $25
- Deposit: $25
- Max Trip Size: 6 people
This trip is open to 2025 participants in the Rovers’ Beginner Backpacking Program.
Pre-Trip Planning Meeting: May 28 at 7:00 PM, via Zoom. The planning meeting is required. Registration for this overnight will close as of the planning meeting date.
After completing the six Education classes and a Beginner Backpacking day hike, come practice backpacking with an overnight trip at a State Park!
We will hike 4-5 miles to a campsite, set up camp, and cook dinner using backpacking stoves. In the morning, we will have breakfast, break camp, and hike back to the cars. The trip will include gear discussions.
To register, email [email protected] with your name, trip date, and location. Your spot will be confirmed after you send in the non-refundable $25 trip fee and complete the necessary prerequisites. Payment instructions will be sent when we receive your initial registration email. Please send us an email if you have any questions about your eligibility.
Gear:
- You are responsible for packing and cooking your own meals (dinner, breakfast, snacks). Plan to use a backpacking stove for dinner. Learning to use one is part of the training experience.
- Use the equipment locker for gear if needed. To borrow equipment from the equipment locker, contact the equipment directors at least 2 weeks before your trip: [email protected]. Equipment is first come, first served. Available equipment: Backpacks, stoves, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, bear canister or Ursack. All other equipment is supplied by the participants.
- Wear good hiking footwear!
- Bring a blister kit/first aid kit. Hiking with a loaded backpack is hard on your feet.
- Be prepared for all conditions, rain or shine, warm or cold. We cancel only in cases of severe weather (lightning, hail, tornadoes).
Prerequisites:
- Pre-trip planning meeting: Your trip coordinator will contact you with the Zoom link or location for your planning meeting. Attendance at this meeting is required.
- Participants must have already attended all six Beginner Backpacking Education Sessions and one Beginner Backpacking day hike.
- You must be capable of hiking up to 5 miles with a fully-loaded backpack. We strongly suggest working on your physical fitness prior to this trip. The overnight trip is intended to help you experience carrying a pack and setting up camp, not to gain physical stamina.
Other Info:
- Please view the REI pack fitting video prior to attending this activity. We also recommend a professional pack fitting from REI.
- The trip coordinator will email trip participants with more details about the pre-trip planning meeting and other trip logistics.
- Trip slots are limited, so in the event of a no-show/no call, you will only be able to sign-up for future trip waitlists. Slots in this activity are prioritized for first time attendees. Attending a second overnight trip is only by waitlist.
- Participants are responsible for transportation, food, and park entry fees. Participants can discuss carpool arrangements at the planning meeting.
- Cancellation: If you cancel after your spot is confirmed, you will not receive a refund. Trip fees in excess of program costs will be used to buy backpacking gear for the Rover’s equipment locker.