What we’re about
Chicago Backpackers is a club for those interested in wilderness backpacking - hiking self-sustained for consecutive days in a wilderness area carrying all necessary supplies in a backpack.
We have three main areas of focus:
*Trip and event organization*
The group's volunteer organizers plan a variety of trips throughout the year, from one-night beginners-only trips up to week-long advanced trips. Individual organizers choose the location, plan the route, and take care of other trip logistics. Members are solely responsible for their own gear, their own food, general well-being, and communicating with the organizer to ensure that they fully understand risks and challenges and are prepared for the activity.
*Backpacking education*
The club shares knowledge about backpacking: We do this through trips, clinics, and online presentations that provide opportunities for all members, old and new, to continually improve their skills and learn from one another.
*Backpacker community*
By going on trips, attending events, and frequenting the various online message boards, members are encouraged to connect with other backpackers who share similar interests. Members can also plan their own trips and ask questions using the Meetup Discussions page to further connect with other members.
We follow several organizing principles:
*Practice low-impact, Leave No Trace backpacking.*
(http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php). Our trips usually consist of 6 to 12 people to minimize the impact we have on our favorite locations and new trails, to keep them as fresh as possible for ourselves and other backpackers.
*Work together on the trail.*
The organizers and event hosts volunteer their time and experience to make our trips as safe and smooth as possible, but we can’t do everything ourselves. In addition to preparing and carrying your own gear and food, lend a hand, volunteer to get water, gather firewood, etc. If you have any concerns or are having a difficult time on the trail, speak up. Clear communication makes it safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
*Be safe, be sensible*
Safety is everyone’s responsibility, not just the organizer. Do not endanger yourself and others. Keep in mind that backpacking is an intense cardiovascular activity that may involve a variety of potential health and safety risks, and is subject to unexpected weather, trail conditions, animal encounters, etc. While organizers and other trip participants may help to facilitate trip planning and logistics, each trip participant must know their own capabilities and is solely responsible for their own safety. Withdraw from trips and situations where you may feel unsafe or unprepared.
*Be respectful and inclusive*
Treat others with respect and tolerance. Avoid bullying, sexism, racism, or bigotry of any type. If your words or actions unintentionally offend others, take responsibility and make the appropriate apology.
*Communicate with event organizers prior to the trip*
Until we get on the trail, most of the information we have to give you is written down in trip descriptions, emails, and announcements. Pay attention, or you will miss valuable information which could lead to a poor experience on the trail. If you have questions, please ask. You are required to confirm your understanding of trip logistics and sign a Release of Liability form which will be provided electronically prior to the trip. Members who fail to complete these steps, or who do not respond promptly, may lose their reservation on the trip.
*Gear sharing, ride sharing*
Each participant is responsible for obtaining and carrying their own meals and gear and getting themselves to and from the trailhead. Anyone interested in gear sharing (water filter, stoves, etc.) is encouraged to post trip comments on Meetup.com. The same is true for ride sharing (offering a ride, asking for a ride). This is purely optional and not something managed by the club or its organizers.
*Use of meetup.com.*
Virtual and local events are open to all members and their guests. Overnight events require an RSVP on meetup.com. If a trip is full, post a comment to reserve your place on the waitlist. Message the organizer with any questions. Attendees must be at least 18 years old and individually registered (no +1s). Prior to participation, attendees are required to communicate with event organizers, confirm their understanding of trip expectations/logistics and sign a Release of Liability form. Members who fail to complete these steps, or who do not respond promptly, may lose their reservation on the trip.
We have a variety of ways to participate:
Follow us online on Meetup.com. Review our upcoming or prior trips (Under Events link). Post comments on the trip descriptions themselves. Engage with other members by posting comments in the Discussion area. Direct message organizers if you have any questions.
Attend a local event in the Chicago area. Over the years we’ve offered work days for local habitat restoration, seminars or clinics, training hikes, and purely social events. These events are a great way to meet like-minded people, learn something new, and build our local backpacker community.
Join us on an overnight event. In typical years we host overnight trips, ranging from single night beginner trips to multi-day advanced trips, and most anything in between. Geographically, the majority of trips are within a 6-hour drive from Chicago, and typical events are 1-3 nights in duration. Trips vary greatly, based on terrain, mileage, hiking pace, weather, park conditions and degree of experience required. Always read the individual trip descriptions for more details. The vast majority of our overnight trips are backpacking, but we may also post a car camping trip in the winter season, or include a boating component along with a backpacking route.
At any time, message one of our organizers or post questions to the Discussion Area.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Intro to Backpacking at Forest Glen PreserveForest Glen Preserve, Westville, IL
Trip registration opens: Saturday, May 18, 2024 6:00 AM CT
Trip registration closes: Saturday, May 25, 2024 11:59 PM CTTrip Summary:
- Mileage: low
- Terrain/conditions: moderate
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Location Details: River Ridge Trail (11 miles)
This is an overnight trip to Forest Glen Preserve. We will leave early on Saturday morning and arrive by 11:00 am at Forest Glen and backpack approximately 8 miles to camp. We will finish with a 3 mile hike on Sunday finishing up around 1:00 pm. Please read the entire description and any linked information before signing up.
Requirements:
This is a trip geared towards beginner backpackers. You will be expected to hike and carry in all of the items needed for an overnight stay in the backcountry.Consider these questions and ask yourself if you are prepared.
After RSVPs close, a trip organizer will send a group email with more details to those attending.
Details on Gear and Food Needs
Read this document: Intro Trip Gear and Food NeedsPre-trip Meeting
We will hold a virtual orientation session approximately 2 weeks prior to the trip, and we are expecting you to be responsive to emails to assist with planning. Respond to organizer emails in a timely manner or risk forfeiting your spot on the trip. Participation is at the discretion of the organizer.Trip Itinerary
Saturday, Jun 15
Leave home in time to arrive at Forest Glen Preserve by 11:00 am. (normally 3 hours from downtown Chicago)
Hike approx. 7-8 miles to back-country camp over hilly single-track trail.Sunday, Jun 16
Hike approx. 3-4 miles back to cars.
Drive back to Chicago.Map of the area:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gP2MekCJHFHXEhmXdPWEl70OSztY0nLD/view?usp=sharinghttps://vccd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/FG-Backpack-Trail.pdf
Transportation:
Trip organizers do not arrange carpools but we encourage carpooling. If you want to offer or solicit a ride, use the Comments section for the trip or Trip Chat once RSVPed.Each member is responsible for getting to the meeting point on time. If you are going to be more than 15 minutes late, contact the trip organizer, as this affects the entire group.
Weather
Be prepared for overnight temperatures as low as 50 degrees and the possibility for rain (but hope for nicer weather)Costs
$10 suggested donation to cover camping fees
Gas money for carpooling as appropriateReview the club guidelines posted here.
Review Club GuidelinesAcknowledgment
As a member of the Chicago Backpackers Group, by registering (RSVPing) for this event, you accept that Hiking & Backpacking can be a dangerous sport and fully assume all risks associated with such participation, including travel to and from the event. You agree to be responsible for your own safety and equipment. You realize that conditions, obstacles, and weather are always changing, and your personal safety cannot be guaranteed. You understand the Meetup.com Terms of Service agreement that you signed when you joined Meetup (link below) and accept that participation is at your own risk. You agree to communicate with event organizers to plan for the trip and sign the Release of Liability provided by the organizers prior to participation.Review the Meetup.com Terms of Service
https://www.meetup.com/terms/Waiver:
You will be required to sign and complete a “Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnification Agreement” before attending. We will send you a link to a digital copy to sign before the trip start date. Here is a read-only link to the release to review prior to joining.Questions?
If you have questions or concerns contact one of the organizers. We are happy to discuss trip details and answer any questions.-Nathan, Katie & Brian