About us
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
4
North Kettle Moraine WI - Ice Age Trail Beginner/Intermediate trip
Kettle Moraine National Forest - Northern Unit, 3078 Cty Tk H, Kewaskum, WI, USStatus: Registration begins 4/17/2026 at noon.
Trip Summary:
Mileage: Moderate
Terrain/conditions: Moderate
Duration: 17 miles
Location Details / Map : Glenbeulah WIRequirements:
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/mapsThe 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 Sander
2 attendees
Forest Glen - Trail Maintenance and Backpacking Weekend
Forest Glen Preserve, 20301 900 North Rd, Westville, IL, USVolunteer Trail Maintenance Day!
Interested in doing some trail maintenance and learning first-hand some of the efforts that go into keeping a heavily-used trail in good condition? Then join us for a weekend of camping/hiking and a day of trail maintenance on the River Ridge Trail at Forest Glen.
We're working with the Land Management and Facilities Repair for Vermillion County for this weekend.
There is no limit to the number of attendees and they've said that they have a lot of projects to work on. Because they'll be planning what will be worked on, it's important that we provide as accurate a head count as possible, so please wait to sign up until you know you can make it. No need to sign up just to hold a spot.Here are the deets:
- Arrive Friday afternoon/early evening. We are staying at the group campground. It's about 2½-3 miles from the parking lot at the Visitor Center. Sunset on the 15th is 8:00 and it's about a 3 hour drive from Chicago, so please keep that in mind when planning your departure time if you don't want to do any hiking after sunset.
- UPDATE (1/20/26) - if you can't get there before it gets dark and/or you don't want to hike from the Visitor Center in the dark/twilight, they've told me that they will keep the gates open for us and you can drive right to the group campsite.
- Saturday will be spent doing various works and projects as directed by the Forest Glen staff. Saturday late-afternoon and evening is time to hang out, enjoy each other's company, relax, etc.
- Sunday you're free to either continue the remaining 8 miles of the River Ridge Trail or just head back to the Visitor Center.
- Totally optional, but we often go to a local restaurant on the way home to extend the social time of the group.
What to Bring:
- Your regular backpacking gear (including food and water)
- Clothes to wear while doing the maintenance on Saturday (don't forget the work gloves)
Who Should Come?
Anyone and everyone! :-) The hike from the Visitor Center to group camp is not very strenuous and this is one of our favorite spots to hold beginner trips. If you're able to join us, we'd love to have you.Trip Expectations and Advisory:
- No add-ons. If you have a friend who wants to attend, please ask them to join our Meetup group and then sign up for the trip themselves.
- We'll use email for pre-trip communications. You'll be asked to enter your email when you RSVP, so please respond to organizer emails in a timely manner or risk forfeiting your spot on the trip. Participation is at the discretion of the organizer.
- We practice Leave No Trace and expect that everyone attending is also committed to these principles. http://lnt.org/
Transportation:
Trip organizers do not arrange carpools but we do encourage carpooling. If you want to offer or solicit a ride, use the Comments section for the trip.
Each member is responsible for getting to the meeting point on time. If you are going to be late, contact the trip organizer as this affects the entire group. Each car should make its own gas reimbursement arrangementsCosts:
There's no cost to this weekend. They're providing the campsites for free in exchange for our labor on Saturday. Of course, your gas, tolls, food, etc. are your responsibility.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/)Prior to the weekend, you will be emailed a waiver form that must be signed and returned before the trip. Again, please ensure that you provide an email address that you actively use.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to message me directly or leave a comment below.
Rob
17 attendees
Introductory Backpacking Trip at Forest Glen Preserve
Forest Glen Preserve, 20301 900 North Rd, Westville, IL, USTrip registration opens: May 15, 2026 7:00 AM CT
Trip registration closes: June 15, 2026 6:00 PM CTBefore You Sign Up: Please note that this is the Father's Day weekend.
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)
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Location Details: River Ridge Trail (11 miles)
Please read the entire description and any linked information before signing up.
Requirements:
This is a trip geared towards beginner backpackers (welcome!). You can expect to hike and carry in all of the items needed for an overnight stay in the backcountry. Please don't hesitate to ask questions about gear - it's a topic we love to talk about.Consider these questions and ask yourself if you are prepared.
Details on Gear and Food Needs
Read this document: Intro Trip Gear and Food NeedsPre-trip Meeting and Communications
Email is our primary form of communication for this trip. Please be responsive to emails to assist us with planning. Please respond to organizer emails in a timely manner or risk forfeiting your spot on the trip. Participation is at the discretion of the organizer.We will hold a virtual orientation session approximately 2 weeks prior to the trip. This is a great opportunity to ask any lingering questions about what gear to bring (or buy - we love to help people spend their money), food to eat, why the caged bird sings, whether you should leave your 12 pound cast iron skillet at home, and more.
Trip Itinerary
It's imperative to be on time as being late impacts the group. If you are going to be more than 15 minutes late, contact the trip organizer.Saturday, June 20
- Leave home early AM to arrive at Forest Glen Preserve by 9:00 AM (typically a 3 hour drive from downtown Chicago)
- We'll have introductions, a short presentation and gear check, and then hit the trail
- Hike approx. 7-8 miles to back-country camp over hilly single-track trail.
Sunday, June 21
- Hike approx. 3 miles back to cars, estimated finish time of noon.
- Drive back home.
Cool Stuff to Know:
- Wildlife is plentiful and we'll likely see lots of deer and other furry forest critters. So make sure your phone is fully charged and you have storage space for all the photos you'll take.
- The last Bigfoot sighting in Central Illinois was reported on October 5, 2024 (according to the Bigfoot Field Research Organization, a postal worker reported seeing a hairy creature walking along the road). It's possible he was holding a can of IPA, which means more than likely it was just a chef at one of the local farm-to-table restaurants.
- According to folklore, "River Ridge Trail" is actually an English name given to a trail that is on a ridge that runs along the river.
- "My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of nature." - Claude Monet
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
Weather
Be prepared for overnight temperatures as low as 50 degrees and the possibility for rain (but hope for nicer weather)Costs
$5 fee per person payable in cash to the organizer at the parking lot to cover the Forest Glen camping fee (unfortunately, paying in chickens is not available for this trip).Review 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.- Rob and Kevin
2 attendees
Yellow River State Forest (Iowa) Beginner/Intermediate trip
Yellow River State Forest, 729 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry, IA, USStatus: Registration begins 9/4/2026 at noon.
Trip Summary:
Mileage: Moderate
Terrain/conditions: Moderate
Duration: 14 miles
Location Details / Map : Harpers Ferry, IowaRequirements:
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?inlineThe 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 3.5 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 Sander
1 attendee
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