- Estimated Cost: $25
- Deposit: $25
- Max Trip Size: 4 people
This trip is open to 2025 participants in the Rovers’ Beginner Backpacking Program who have (or will have) completed a one-night practice trip.
Pre-Trip Planning Meeting: Wednesday, July 9 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The planning meeting is required. Registration for this trip will close as of the planning meeting date.
This two-night experience on the hiking trail is designed to practice skills and build confidence in trip planning, packing and carrying a full pack, and moving campsites.
Trip coordinators are planning routes to hike roughly 3-5 miles per day, depending on terrain and distance between available campsites.
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.
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 complete these elements of the Beginner Backpacking Program before going on a two-night trip: all six education classes, a day hike, and a one-night trip.
- You must be capable of hiking up to 5 miles a day with a fully-loaded backpack. We strongly suggest working on your physical fitness prior to this trip. The safety and enjoyment of the entire group depends on each backpacker being adequately prepared.
Gear:
- You should plan for and carry gear as if backpacking solo, including your own meals & snacks.
- Use the equipment locker for gear, if needed. Contact the equipment directors at least two weeks prior to the trip at [email protected]. Equipment is first come, first served. Available equipment includes backpacks, stoves, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and bear vaults/Ursacks. Check with the equipment volunteers on other items that might also be available. All other equipment including water filters & fuel canisters, food, and clothing are supplied by participants.
- Wear good hiking footwear, and be sure it’s broken in before the trip.
- 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).
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 two-night 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.