Backpacking for beginners

Indoor session: Saturday, February 26, at the Alpine Lodge on Mount Tamalpais.

Learn how to travel safely and comfortably with only a pack on your back during a Beginner's Backpack course offered by the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter Backpack Section and the California Alpine Club. In addition to the indoor session, you will get to go on a local overnight backpack in a small group with experienced leaders in March, April, or May (several dates available). Cost is $75 per person or $40 for college students. A limited number of families with children can be accommodated. Early registration is recommended.

The course is designed for people who have little or no experience backpacking, but want to explore backcountry trails. Topics include trip planning, basic wilderness and travel skills, gear, clothing, food, stove operation, low-impact camping, and avoiding accidents.

Participants need to be in good physical shape with no serious health conditions. Some experience in day hiking is highly desirable. Sierra Club membership is not required.

For more details and an application form, go to the Backpack Section website at www.sanfranciscobay.sierraclub.org/backpacking/ or contact Thomas Meissner at thomas-at-remss.com (strongly preferred) or (707) 795-7980 (not after 9 pm).