Intro to Backpacking

Have you always dreamed of going backpacking, but don't know where to start? Join us for an afternoon outside with felow outdoor enthusiasts to learn some basic backpacking skills and have a chance to brush up and pratice in a fun low stakes environment!

Be prepared for tent set up contests, designing a packing list for your dream trip, obstacle courses wearing a fully packed backpack, and a water filter relay race. Leave feeling more confident in yourself, and more prepared to plan fun and safe summer trips!

What you will learn:

-How to treat or filter your water

-How to set up a tent and pick a safe location to camp

-Tips for packing and fitting your pack

-Some suggestions for packing lists

-How to opperate a camp stove

-How and when to use a bear cannister

-A review of the 10 essentials

-A brief introdution to maps, locations and permits

Danielle O'Farrell, a long distance backpacker, guide, Wilderness EMT and the founder of the outdoor skills company With The Wild Things, will guide you through a series of summer outdoor skills and teach you the basic knowledge needed for backpacking.

Student quotes:

“Danielle was the best wilderness person/trainer I've experienced. She was funny; thoughtful, engaging, interesting. Everyone was involved, questions were encouraged and she created a fun and welcoming environment. She NEVER scolded us or talked down to us, I know that might sound weird, but I've experienced a condescending attitude with outdoor people in the past.

Danielle was an excellent leader. Superior group management. She managed and engaged our 2 active teenagers, plus points!!!”

"Hikers are not the best at sitting still, and Danielle did a great job making her presentation engaging while keeping it informative and educational. She did a good job at not covering safety decisions for a specific trip, but instead talking about how to think about it for a wide variety of trips. Having a system in place helps me feel prepared for trips even in conditions I haven't experienced before. Her energy and enthusiasm are unmatched, and her experience shows that she knows what she's talking about."

"Everyone was captivated and entertained with her presentation. She added some humor and audience participation. I learned some useful tips like how to cross a river safely with a group of people “crab walking” and knees upstream."

Host or Publisher With The Wild Things