Please State Your Name:
BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE
Before I provide registration approval into the backcountry course that you have requested admittance into, please provide a detailed description of your basic backpacking experience. This course requires that students meet the Backpacking prerequisite by having taken our introductory backpacking course, OR by having equivalent experience on a backpacking trip of at least THREE days (two nights) in duration. Day hiking experience does NOT qualify, nor does car camping experience.
Our outing courses are fairly rigorous and offered during times of the year when the weather can be quite adverse! Students are expected to know how to efficiently pack a pack, keep their gear organized, cook meals on a backpacking stove, set up a shelter in rain or snow, and take care of themselves when conditions deteriorate. Pack weights are also typically heavier than hikes in summer conditions and you will also be carrying items of group gear. You are expected to be physically strong and fit enough to handle the rigors associated with hiking with a heavy pack in adverse conditions. If you have not been on more than 1 multi-day backpacking trip, preferably at least one in bad weather, this will not be the course for you.
Please respond thoroughly to the following questions.
- How many backpacking trips of 3 days or longer have to been on?
- Where to? What season? What distance covered? In what kinds of weather?
- Describe your experience setting up a tent or other shelter, using a backpacking stove, tying camp craft knots (clove hitch, trucker’s hitch and taut line hitch).
- Provide an assessment of your ability to meet our fitness test requirements (2 mile run in 18 or 20 minutes–time depends on the specific outing ). Include any nagging injuries that might hinder you.
- Describe your experience maintaining comfort in inclement weather on hiking or backpacking trips.
- Describe your experience reading a topo map and navigating with a map and compass in the field.
If I’m satisfied with your personal backpacking experience I will provide registration clearance when your registration window opens.... if there are spots available. Keep in mind that the course may fill with students who have earlier registration times.FYI, students in our leadership training program, and those who have completed OUR Backpacking course will get first priority for open spots.