$200 TRTA Members, $225 TRTA Non-Members
Course Description
Join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for an informative and experiential Backpacking101 course. You will learn tips and tricks to enjoy a night out in the true Tahoe backcountry, and practice planning all the trip logistics from choosing a destination to building a food menu. We welcome new and seasoned backcountry enthusiasts eager to upgrade their wilderness experience by learning how to backpack for the first time or adding to your existing skills.
Students can expect an afternoon in the classroom, followed by a weekend overnight hike in the field for hands-on practice and to experience genuine backcountry living. There is also a virtual ‘shakedown’ meeting the week before to go over people’s gear, discuss any questions, and allow time for adjustments.
The classroom portion will provide concepts in trip planning, Leave No Trace principles and bear safety, critical gear needs and how to pack, and how to thrive in outdoor environments while mitigating risk to yourself and others. The field portion of this course is not an endurance test but will consist of a 5-mile hike into a wilderness area where students will receive hands-on instruction in making a successful camp, water treatment, cooking, travel, how to use gear, and how to do all of this while protecting the environment. Our goal is for students to walk away from the course with new and additional skills, knowledge, and confidence to enjoy a backcountry adventure solo or with family and friends.
