Beginner Backpacking
(2 day)
Always wanted to try backpacking but scared to go it alone?
We’ve got you!
Learn the ABC’s of packing a backpack. Clothes, gear, packing techniques and more.
Hike along a beautiful stream and two waterfalls.
Enjoy a hot meal alongside a crackling campfire.
Get your hands wet, filtering and treating water as a group, while learning how to safely find and drink water in the backcountry.
Learn how to store food and hang bear bags.
Enjoy a night sleeping outside with the safety blanket of new friends and two expert backpacking guides.
Learn the in’s and out’s of planning a backpacking trip. Mapping out a route, safety considerations and more.
Trip Highlights
Trip Itinerary
-
Meet the Geeks at the Trailhead at 10AM.
Gear shakedown: You’ll go over your clothing, food and gear to make sure you’ve got everything you need (and not more than you need). The geeks will explain how to pack and fit your backpack to you.
Hike 3-5 miles with frequent breaks. Learn proper body mechanics when carrying weight, practice using trekking poles through water crossings.
Make Camp: Filter water, Hang bear bags, dig a cat-hole or two. Learn about backcountry cooking and gather fire wood.
Enjoy a cozy campfire and then crawl into your sleeping bag for a quiet night of sleep.
-
Enjoy breakfast and coffee. Following ‘Leave No Trace’ principals pack up your gear.
Hike 3-5 miles back to the trailhead and learn about wildlife and how to handle an encounter.
Arrive back at the trailhead by noon for a tearful goodbye and one last photo op.
Questions?
Reach out here!
Questions? Reach out here!
Logistics
What you’ll need:
At least a 50L Backpack (that fits you)
Backpacking Tent
Sleeping Bag (temp rating at least 30 degrees F)
Sleeping Pad
Rain Jacket
Water bottle
Spoon/Fork
Coffee Cup (optional)
What’s included:
Lunch, Dinner, Snacks on Day 1
Breakfast on Day 2
Trekking poles
Water filters and treatment
Stove & fuel
Comprehensive First Aid Kit
Headlamps
Commercial permits, campground permits
Two professional WFR certified guides
Detailed pre-trip planning emails and personalized correspondence
You will receive an email with a packing list, and additional information you’ll need to prepare for your trip.
We require a minimum of 4 participants signed up for this trip. Please confirm that your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare.
Peaks & Geeks reserves the option to modify trip itineraries as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents.
Activity Level for This Trip
Rated Level 3
This backpacking trip requires you to carry a backpack for extended periods of time on uneven terrain. There is some elevation gain and loss with roots and muddy paths. There are two small water crossings.
Expect to carry approximately 25-35 pounds on your back. You will be responsible for carrying your own pack, assigned gear, and necessities.
Carrying a heavy backpack for any distance is challenging— it’s different than day hiking. It’s important that all hikers be prepared and capable of hiking 5 miles WHILE carrying a pack weighing 25-35 pounds.
Peaks & Geeks strives to provide both a physically and emotionally safe environment for hikers of all different backgrounds and ability levels. We hike at an inclusive pace and our group will stick together.
Day 1: 4.5 miles (full pack)
Day 2: 4.5 miles (full pack)
Please consider the physical demands carefully as it is for the safety and enjoyment of the group. All guests will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking.
If you have ANY concerns regarding the activity level, please reach out here.