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GetBackpacking! Intro to Backpacking

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Joe M.
GetBackpacking! Intro to Backpacking

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SEE IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SIGNING UP AT BOTTOM!

We launched our GetBackpacking! program in 2014; since then, we’ve graduated more than 250 new backpackers. Here’s the plan for our Spring 2023 session:
* Getting to know you, getting to know your gear. In this Zoom session we’ll spend a little time getting to know one another and learning why you’re interested in backpacking. Then, we’ll go over the different types of gear, focusing on good options for beginners. 1.5 hours.
* Training Day. In full gear, we will meet at Morrow Mountain State Park for a 5-hour training session that will go over: Evaluating a campsite, setting up camp, breaking camp, meal preparation (including the various food and cooking options on the trail), and more. Expect to hike about 4 miles in full pack, during which we will work on hiking technique (including the use of trekking poles); ensuring a good pack fit by adjusting your pack during the hike to make sure it continues to fit; and more.
* Graduation hike. Three-day, two-night trip to South Mountains State Park, a great place for your first trip.
Cost of the program is $325 -- $295 if you sign up by Jan. 15! The class includes:

  • Instruction, including:
  • Zoom gear session
  • 5-hour in-field training session
  • Graduation weekend
  • Info packet, including:
  • Gear lists
  • Tips sheets for:
  • Packing
  • Water crossings
  • Winter camping
  • GetBackpacking! Guide to 10 Great Places to Backpack in North Carolina once you’ve graduated
  • eguide outlining the program and covering what you’ll learn
  • 20 percent off coupon to Great Outdoor Provision Co.

Loaner gear. We have a limited number of backpacks and tents available on a first-requested, first-awarded basis, at no extra charge.’

Important Dates:
• Getting to know you, getting to know your gear, Zoom meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 6 – 7 p.m.
• Training Day: Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Morrow Mountain State Park, Albemarle
• Graduation trip: Friday afternoon thru Sunday, April 14-16, South Mountains State Park, Morganton.

NOTE: Minimum age for the program is 13, ages 13 through 17 must be in the program with an adult (we define adult generously as anyone 18 or older).

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SIGNING UP: SIGNING UP ON THIS MEETUP SITE DOES NOT RESERVE YOU A SPOT ON THIS TRIP. PLEASE GO HERE TO REGISTER:

https://getgoingnc.com/shop/getbackpacking-intro-to-backpacking-3/

COVID-19 safety measures

Event will be outdoor
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.
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GetBackpacking! Southeast
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South Mountains State Park
3001 S Mountain Park · Connelly Springs, NC