Backpack Beginners Course
Saturday, March 29, at the Marin Headlands Institute (Golden Gate National Recreation Area) - full-day indoor session;
April/May - two-day weekend overnight field trip in small groups led by experienced instructors (three dates available).
Take a course addressed to people with little or no experience in backpacking but who want to explore backcountry trails and get away from the crowds. Topics will be:
- equipment (clothing, tents, sleeping bags, pads, backpacks, boots, stoves)
- water treatment;
- safe wilderness travel;
- trip planning;
- basic navigation skills;
- backcountry food and cuisine;
- common problems in the backcountry and how to avoid them;
- wilderness ethics and low-impact camping.
During the field trip you will have the opportunity to try out your gear, learn how to set up tents and operate a backpack stove, practice basic navigation skills, and - most importantly - experience what it feels to hike with a heavy pack on your back. Participation in the field trip requires attendance at the indoor session. Families with children above 13 are welcome.
For information and to sign up, go to the Backpack Section web site or contact Thomas Meissner at meissner.thomas -at- sbcglobal.net (strongly preferred) or (707) 795-7980 (only if you do not have e-mail).