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PPG WTS - Intro to Backpacking - Pikes Peak - 2022

Backpacking Course

PPG WTS - Intro to Backpacking

Backpacking is another way to experience the outdoors - whether as a means to get to a distant location from the trailhead to enjoy an activity (summit attempt, alpine lake fishing, etc.) or as the main goal itself (hiking a long trail like the Colorado Trail). Carrying all the gear you need to travel, eat, sleep, stay dry, treat injuries, stay found, cook food, treat water, and enjoy yourself may be intimidating - but taken one step at a time - is very manageble. This class focuses on the basics in a lecture/discussion format and concludes with an overnight backpacking trip to put our new knowledge into action. Safety and fun are key elements of this class.

Contacts

Joseph Preiss
Joseph Preiss
Leader
Glenn Barr
Glenn Barr
Leader

Prerequisites

PPG CMC Wilderness Fundamentals Completion or equivalent The "Wild Fun" class covers concepts that will be expected knowledge for this course and we will reference the text provided from that class (Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 9th ed.).

schedule / content

Lectures (via Zoom)

Our discussions include finding the right backpack, systems review (sleeping systems, cooking systems, clothing systems), ultra-light techniques, tents, trip planning, team composition, group dynamics, and site selection.

August 15 (6-9pm) & August 22 (6-9pm)
** Zoom link emailed to registered participants

Field Session

To earn the Backpacking Badge - students must successfully complete at least one beginner backpacking trip with the CMC. This is to reinforce principals and techniques discussed in class. This will be planned with class participants during the 2nd classroom session. 

A beginner backpacking trip will be planned for August 27-28 but other trips will work too.

Policies

Refunds are issued for cancellations made up to two weeks prior to the start of the classroom session. There is a $10.00 cancellation fee


*** THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR CANCELLATIONS LESS THAN TWO WEEKS BEFORE CLASS START DATE OR FOR NO SHOWS ***

contact

Glenn Barr at gjb2000@gmail.com / Joe Preiss at zmqjwp@gmail.com

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements

This course has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment

Gear and equipment needs will be discussed during the first lecture. 

NOTE: There is NO CMC gear to loan out for this class - you will need to provide your own. We will team up for crew gear where possible (stoves, water treatment, tents, etc.)

Books used in this class:

Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 9th Edition
by The Mountaineers

Allen and Mike's Really Cool Backpackin' Book: Traveling & camping skills for a wilderness environment / Edition 1
by Allen O'bannon, Mike Clelland (Provided to students)

Course Materials
Name/Description