Pack-Light, Pack-Right Backpacking: Sun. Afternoon Free Class at REI - Sun, Nov 13 2011

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Pack-Light, Pack-Right Backpacking: Sun. Afternoon Free Class at REI


The Basics:
Event Type:Learn
Event Location: REI Atlanta Store, I-85 just S of Clairmont Rd exit   Learn: Pack-Light, Pack-Right Backpacking: Sun. Afternoon Free Class at REI  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Nov 13 2011  1:40 pm >> Sun, Nov 13 2011 3:40 pm
Registration Opens: Wed, Oct 26 2011 10:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Nov 11 2011 10:00 pm
Event Duration:2 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D1: Easy
Pace:Leisurely
Trip Leader(s):
Charlie Cottingham
Ron
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:15
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

OVERVIEW:  Many of our Atlanta Outdoor Club members may be unaware that our four Metro Atlanta REI stores offer a wide variety of FREE tutorial classes.  Topics range from basic backpacking, camping, and hiking skills to bicycling, paddling, climbing, skiing, favorite wilderness destinations, etc.  The presentations are hosted in conference rooms at the REI stores by employee specialists who are authorities in the featured topics - also sometimes are presented by invited guest speakers. 

LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING
is a popular trend which takes advantage of smart gear choices and technology advances that minimize the weight and bulk that one needs to carry.  The REI Atlanta store is offering the following FREE class on Nov 13, as advertised on REI.com:  "PACK LIGHT, PACK RIGHT!" 
Would you like to know how to pack lightly but still be comfortable and perhaps even have room for a few extras? An REI backpacking expert will provide tips for reducing pack weight without sacrificing product performance or overall comfort.

EVENT PLAN & SCHEDULE:
  Our local  REI "Outreach" manager, Nicole Warren-Smith, has kindly invited an AOC group of up to fifteen  to attend this free indoor REI class on Sunday afternoon, Nov 13 at the REI Atlanta store (see detailed directions below).  Our members who become confirmed by the AOC for the event will first gather at 1:40 PM just inside the store entrance where we'll introduce one another.  Then at about 1:50 PM we'll join the featured speaker and other class attendees in the "presentation room"—usually the large storage room on your right after you enter the store.  The class will begin at 2:00 and end by about 3:30.  After the class, if there's enough interest we'll take a group stroll around the store to take a better look at the various types of gear that were discussed in the class.

BY THE WAY:  IF YOU'D LIKE to MAKE PERSONAL RESERVATIONS for yourself and friends at FUTURE FREE REI CLASSES,  you can go online to check the upcoming schedule of in-store events and availability; then reserve your own personal spot(s) as follows:
1) Go to REI.com
2) Click on "Store Locator" at the top of the home page and choose your Store of interest from the pop-up menus that appear.
3) Click on the free Class or Presentation of interest,
4) Fill in the online Reservation form and submit (may require your REI member number—costs $20 for a lifetime membership).
5) If you fail to successfully make a formal reservation, walk-ins at these events are often acceptable on a space-available or standing-room-only basis.
 


Required Items to Bring:
Just yourself!  Wear comfortable indoor clothing and consider bringing a pen and pad for taking notes.
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:THE REI "ATLANTA STORE" is at 1800 Northeast Expy, Atlanta, GA 30329—just off I-85, about 4 miles toward downtown from "Spaghetti Junction" (I-85/ I-285 interchange).  The store is on the southbound I-85 access road just 0.5 mile south of the Clairmont Road exit (Exit #91 - see I-85 Southbound & Northbound approach options below.)  Their phone number is 404-633-6508.

I-85 SOUTHBOUND DIRECTIONS:
If you take The Clairmont Road exit (Exit #91) from I-85 southbound (e.g. from Spaghetti Junction) continue straight ahead from the traffic light at the end of the exit ramp (crossing Clairmont Rd)  - then stay in the right lane of the access road to reach the store 0.5 mile ahead (just beyond the Briarwood Rd junction).

I-85 NORTHBOUND DIRECTIONS:
If you take Exit #91 from I-85 northbound (e.g. from midtown Atlanta), get in the far left lane of the exit ramp before you reach the light at Clairmont Rd, which will loop you onto the southbound access road without any traffic lights. Then bear right on that access road for 0.4 mile to reach the store, just beyond the Briarwood Rd junction.

LAT/LON COORDINATES
 for those who wish to use GPS navigation or Google Maps in conjunction with the above directions to the store:
  33.8396,-84.3212

Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:Free Event with Free Parking!

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.