BEGINNER camping or backpacking

NOTE: For those of you that camp and enjoy hiking but aren’t sure if you want to spend the money on backpacking gear and/or aren’t sure what to expect, this event will enable you to judge if you are prepared and can handle backpacking.

The backpackers will not be able to retrieve belongings from their cars because they’ll be parked at another location in the park, even though we’ll be camping in a car/rv tent site. The backpackers will need to adhere to the “pack it in – pack it out” creed, except for solid waste. The backpackers will have access to the bathrooms but a shower is not allowed. Campers have full bathroom privileges.

Keep in mind backpacking is not as "user friendly" as many other outdoor activities. You can't jump in the car and get something at a store or borrow items from someone because you didn’t pack the item – they might not have what you need. Many AOC trip leaders will not allow someone to attend one of their backpacking trips unless another AOC trip leader has backpacked with them or viewed them on another trip. This event is a good way for many of you that want to go on the D4 and D5 trips to be observed. In SCUBA diving, you have a check-out dive before you are granted a license and permitted to dive. Think of this AOC event as a similar situation for backpacking – a test with tips and assistance provided for your well being.

Also, if you are brand new to backpacking - don't worry you'll learn quickly if backpacking is for you or not. If you absolutely need to hit the shower, well, no biggie. No penalty exists if you break "the no shower rule” or need something from your car.

We will cover the following topics on this trip:

selecting and planning your route – time, distance, elevation

camp site selection and just as important -- what to avoid

tent assembly and pitfalls

identifying water sources and proper purification

Making your pack load friendly

building a good camp fire

Each group will camp at a tent site. The plan is to drive to the park on Friday night, get the tents up, eat dinner and relax around a fire.

After breakfast, the backpackers will break down their tents and load their backpack. Any campers that required assistance Friday night while erecting their tent will have to demonstrate they are proficient in this essential task.

Then we hike/backpack . Plan to hike/backpack about 5-7 miles, at a moderate pace and moderate terrain. The hike is optional for campers but part of the “test” for backpackers. If 5-7 miles seems too far, remember, we’ll cover distance, terrain and pace as one of the goals. Plus other AOC trip leaders will assist if you need help carrying your pack.

We’ll return to camp, make dinner and relax around a fire each of the campers will build using skills learned the night before. Sunday morning we’ll eat breakfast, break camp and head home.

The tent sites are located adjacent to your car, so you won’t be carrying your camping gear more than 20 feet. You will be within walking distance to a full bathroom with showers (campers only). You will not be carrying the firewood in your backpack – that would be comical and mean!