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
3
Let's Start The Backpacking Season at Forest Glen
Forest Glen Preserve, 20301 900 North Rd, Westville, IL, USHave you been cooped up all Winter and eager to start the backpacking season? We are!
So let's get out and do a quick overnight at Forest Glen in Central Illinois.
Trip Summary (aka tl;dr):
- Mileage: 11 miles loop trail (Day 1: 8 miles, Day 2: 3 miles)
- Terrain/conditions: Moderate (the trail goes up and down ravines of no more than 75 feet of inclines along a dirt single track trail)
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Weather: Avg daytime high is 45 degrees, overnight low is 30 degrees
- Location: Forest Glen Preserve, River Ridge Trail
- https://vccd.org/forest-glen-preserve/
Cost:
$5 fee per person payable in cash to organizers at the parking lot to cover the Forest Glen camping fee.
Who should sign up?:
While River Ridge is a great trail for beginners, we are encouraging some backpacking experience for this one because of the colder overnight temperatures.
If you're unsure whether or not you have the right gear for sub-freezing camping, drop a note in the comments and Gene or I (or someone else) will reply. That said, you should have the following among your gear:
- Insulated mattress pad
- A sleeping bag or quilt with a comfort rating of at least 20 degrees, or more if you sleep cold (comfort, not survival)
This trip is open to anyone 18+ years old. All participants should be in good health and be physically fit, as backpacking is a strenuous cardiovascular exercise.
A Few More Details (aka, The Deets):
- We practice Leave No Trace (see: https://lnt.org/).
- We typically host a Zoom call with participants about a week before the trip.
- Upon registration, you'll get an email with a link to the mandatory waiver that all participants need to sign.
- Our goal is that you have a fun and safe experience. So if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Itinerary:
Saturday, Mar 14
Leave home in time to arrive at Forest Glen Preserve by 9:30 am. (normally 3 hours from downtown Chicago)
Hike approx. 8 miles to East Camp (the back-country campsites) over hilly single-track trail.
Sunday, Mar 15
Hike approx. 3 miles back to cars. Finished by noon.
Drive back to Chicago (or wherever you'd like to drive to).
Acknowledgement:
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 which 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.
Click here to review the Meetup.com Terms of Service. (https://www.meetup.com/terms/)
Looking forward to seeing you on trail,
Gene & Rob2 attendees
North Kettle Moraine WI - Ice Age Trail Beginner/Intermediate trip
Kettle Moraine National Forest - Northern Unit, 3078 Cty Tk H, Kewaskum, WI, USStatus: RSVPs to begin in 4/17/2026
Trip Summary:
Mileage: Moderate
Terrain/conditions: Moderate
Duration: 17 miles
Location Details / Map : Glenbeulah WI
Requirements:
This is a trip for experienced backpackers, or beginners in good physical shape and in possession of decent backpacking gear. If you have not completed an overnight trip with our meetup, direct message the organizer to introduce yourself. Review the club guidelines posted here. https://www.meetup.com/Chicago-Backpackers/
Meetup messaging is unreliable, and we use email for pre-trip communications. You will be asked to enter your email when you RSVP. Respond to organizer emails in a timely manner or risk forfeiting your spot on the trip. Participation is at the discretion of the organizer. DO NOT RSVP UNLESS YOU FULLY INTEND TO PARTICIPATE AND HAVE ARRANGED FOR TIME OFF FROM WORK ETC. Cancellations and non-responders require the organizers to take additional time to contact and confirm waiting list participants to fill the spots.
About the Trip
This backpack will be a moderate hike along the Ice Age Trail in the Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit, approx. 2.5 hours north of Chicago. We will start at the Butler Lake parking lot and hike north to the end of the trail. Trail maps: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/kmn/maps
The trail will be mostly comprised of packed dirt along rolling terrain. There are hills throughout, mostly under 25' gain. While the breaks will be called for throughout the day, participants will need to be in good physical shape so that the group can stay together and have a positive experience. We will camp at a backpacking shelter on Saturday night. There will be plenty of space to set up tents outside the shelter.
As there are no reliable water sources along the trail (aside from the occasional water pumps), water will be cached near the Saturday campsite in advance.
Gear: this outing will be a self-contained trip, meaning each participant shall provide their own backpacking gear, food, etc as though this was a solo trip. Participants are encouraged to bring this own stove and fuel, but the organizers will share theirs with participants who do not have these items.
Itinerary
Friday evening:
Meet at Greenbush Campground #9 for an overnight car camp.
Saturday:
6:30-7:30: Breakfast
7:30-8:00: Break camp.
8:00-9:00: Shuttle cars and backpackers to end of trail and to Butler Lake and cache water near Shelter #5.
9:00-9:15: Trail briefing and review backpacking etiquette and LEAVE NO TRACE principles.
9:15-3:00: Hike the Ice Age Trail north 9 miles, including a lunch break at Parnell Tower and other breaks.
3:00: Make camp at Shelter #5, gather firewood, eat dinner, and share camaraderie.
Sunday:
6:30-7:30: Breakfast
7:30-8:00: Break camp.
8:00-12:00: On the trail, hike approximately 8 miles to end of trail near Glenbeulah, including breaks.
12:00: Return home and eat lunch.
Transportation:
Trip organizers do not arrange carpools, which is optional, but we do encourage carpooling. Once the participants list is set, the Organizer will solicit those willing to drive or seeking a ride and share contact info for those who wish to participate in carpooling. Confirm your travel arrangements before you RSVP for the trip. Each car should make its own gas reimbursement arrangements.
Costs:
Camping fees for the trip will be divided evenly among the participants and collected by organizers. Approximately $10/person.
Acknowledgement:
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 which 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.
Click here to review the Meetup.com Terms of Service.
(https://www.meetup.com/terms/)
Click here to review the club standard Release of Liability form. This link takes you to the read-only form. Once you RSVP a trip organizer will share the form and request electronic signature, which is required to confirm participation on our trips.
[INSERT LINK TO READ ONLY FORM HERE]
Erik Sander2 attendees
Yellow River State Forest (Iowa) Beginner/Intermediate trip
Yellow River State Forest, 729 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry, IA, USStatus: RSVPs open 9/4/2026
Trip Summary:
Mileage: Moderate
Terrain/conditions: Moderate
Duration: 14 miles
Location Details / Map : Harpers Ferry, Iowa
Requirements:
This is a trip for experienced backpackers, or beginners in good physical shape and in possession of decent backpacking gear. If you have not completed an overnight trip with our meetup, direct message the organizer to introduce yourself. Review the club guidelines posted here. https://www.meetup.com/Chicago-Backpackers/
Meetup messaging is unreliable, and we use email for pre-trip communications. You will be asked to enter your email when you RSVP. Respond to organizer emails in a timely manner or risk forfeiting your spot on the trip. Participation is at the discretion of the organizer. DO NOT RSVP UNLESS YOU FULLY INTEND TO PARTICIPATE AND HAVE ARRANGED FOR TIME OFF FROM WORK ETC. Cancellations and non-responders require the organizers to take additional time to contact and find participants to fill the spots.
About the Trip
This backpack will be a moderate to vigorous hike through a hilly trail area in eastern Iowa, two-hours west of Madison WI, near the bluffs of the Mississippi River. The Paint Creek Backpacking loop is about 14 miles and will be conducted over two days. Trail map:
https://www.iowadnr.gov/media/442/download?inline
The trail will be mostly comprised of packed dirt and rock, with several stretches on gravel road to complete the loop. There are five significant hills, varying from 100-feet to 400-feet of elevation change, that backpackers will need to traverse. While the breaks will be called for throughout the day, participants will need to be in good
physical shape so that the group can stay together and have a positive experience. Given the lengthy drive back on Sunday, the mileage will be frontloaded so that most occurs on Saturday, with less on Sunday. A side trip to nearby Effigy Mounds National Monument can be easily done on the way there or back.
Gear: this outing will be a self-contained trip, meaning each participant shall provide their own backpacking gear, food, etc as though this was a solo trip. Participants are encouraged to bring this own stove, fuel, and water filter, but organizers will share theirs with participants who do not have these items.
Itinerary
Friday evening:
Meet at Big Paint Campground for an overnight car camp. Dinner on your own prior to arrival.
Saturday:
7:30-8:30: Breakfast
8:30-9:00: Break camp.
9:00-9:15: Move cars to designated parking lot nearby.
9:15-9:30: Trail briefing and review backpacking etiquette and LEAVE NO TRACE principles.
9:30-3:00: Hike the Paint Creek Unit Backpacking Trail clockwise for approximately 10.5 miles to Brown’s Hollow Camp, including breaks.
3:00: Make camp, filter water, gather firewood, eat dinner, and share camaraderie.
Sunday:
7:00-8:00: Breakfast
8:00-8:30: Break camp.
8:30-11:00: On the trail, hike approximately 33.5 miles to trailhead near Big Paint Campground, including breaks.
11:00: Return home.
Transportation:
Trip organizers do not arrange carpools, which is optional, but we do encourage carpooling. Once the participants list is set, the Organizer will solicit those willing to drive or seeking a ride and share contact info for those who wish to participate in carpooling. Confirm your travel arrangements before you RSVP for the trip. Each car should make its own gas reimbursement arrangements.
Costs:
Camping fees for the trip will be divided evenly among the participants and collected by organizers. Approximately $5-15/person.
Acknowledgement:
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 which 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.
Click here to review the Meetup.com Terms of Service.
(https://www.meetup.com/terms/)
Click here to view the club standard Release of Liability form:
https://docuseal.com/d/YgT1EncnVDYiAX
Erik Sander1 attendee
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