LO New Mexico - Backpacking 101

Welcome to Backpacking 101!

Date: August 23, 2025

Time: 9am - 2pm

Location: Westgate Community Center, 10001 De Vargas Rd. SW Albuquerque, NM 87121

New Mexico has thousands of miles of trails waiting for you. Whether you just want to get away for a weekend of solitude with your family or solo thru-hike from Mexico to Canada, adventure is literally, right in our backyard. Perhaps you’re merely curious and not quite sure how to begin backpacking or whether it’s for you? This clinic is designed for those who’ve never shouldered a backpack as well as those who just want to learn more about how to safely hike in the backcountry. During this five-hour course we'll take you from the basics, to the essential things you need to know for an extended thru-hike. We’ll use both classroom and hands-on learning throughout the day to keep things interesting and to better communicate concepts. This course is being presented in association with the Sierra Club Military Outdoors Program and the Latino Outdoors Organization.

What to bring:

-Lunch

-Water

-Snacks

What we will bring:

-Snacks

-Sample camping gear

-Lots of background knowledge

Here are some of the topics we’ll cover:

· Leave-No-Trace ethics

· Outdoor safety

· Trip planning

· Proper attire

· Preparing physically and mentally for the trail

· Essential and non-essential gear

· Backpack sizing and fitting

· Sleep systems and tents

· Food, nutrition and cooking

· And more

Host or Publisher Latino Outdoors - Albuquerque