Backpacking 301 - Winter Backpacking Clinic - Max Patch

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Attendance is limited for this hike. Please take a spot on the Wait List to start the process. First come-first served.

Please make sure you answer each of the following 5 questions asked when you RSVP on Meetups (backpacking experience, lowest temp camping, sleeping preference (tent or hammock), any gear you need to borrow, and your email address for the clinic handouts).

*Sample answer => moderate /22d / tent / sleeping bag / xxxxxxx@yyy.com*

** If you do not provide this information when you sign up you will remain on the Wait List, and you may lose your place in line. **

BASIC INFORMATION
This clinic is designed for backpackers who have basic 3-season backpacking skills who want to become proficient in their winter gear selection and packing, more comfortable in their all-season abilities, and safer in the backcountry in cold weather conditions.

We will be camping at the Roaring Fork Shelter on the AT, about 2 miles north of Max Patch. Preference will be given to those who have taken my Backpacking 201 clinic. There are 8-10 tent spots available around the shelter, 6 spots in the shelter, and about 3-4 hammock spots. Tent spots will be based upon the order in which people sign up and answer all 5 questions. First come, first served.

COURSE INSTRUCTION
We'll be sending out handouts several times a week, so make sure you check the Comments section here, as well as your email regularly.

Clothing System – We’ll discuss the importance of different wicking, insulating, and outer shell layers in creating the proper system for cold weather camping. We’ll demonstrate how to correctly use multiple layers to retain heat when needed, and shed heat when working hard, to reduce sweating under cold weather hiking conditions to reduce the risk of hypothermia.

Sleep System – We’ll explain how to develop a layered sleeping system, including proper ground insulation and padding, sleeping bag and liner, insulated sleeping clothes (including headwear), and the correct use of vapor barriers to retain heat.

Food – Making sure your body has sufficient fuel to both keep you warm and keep you moving is very important in cold weather conditions. We’ll discuss what to eat, when to eat, and how to safeguard it from cold to improve your chances of a safe and comfortable trip.

Fire building – Having the ability to build and maintain a fire is an important skill to have when backpacking in cold weather, especially given the unpredictable weather in the Smokies. We will demonstrate and have you individually practice three methods of building a fire. We will demonstrate how to build a fire in wet weather; show you how to use strikers, flint, and magnesium, and how to maintain a fire in cold weather and/or wet weather conditions.

First Aid – Backpacker winter-specific issues (dehydration, hypothermia, and frostbite).

Emergency Shelter – We’ll explain several ways to build an emergency shelter and give participants an opportunity to build one under time-constrained conditions.

GEAR REQUIREMENTS
Although we are not expecting adverse weather your tent should be capable of handling high winds and moderate snow loads. Double-wall tents are preferred over single-wall tents unless you have prior experience camping in cold, and potentially snowy, weather, and know your tent will not collapse on you.

Your sleeping bag should be cold-rated down to a minimum of 30 degrees, and zero to 20 degrees would be preferable. We will provide information on how to extend your sleep system's warmth to lower temperatures in one of the handouts we will distribute by email.

Bring packed backpack, hiking poles, water, lunch, dinner, breakfast and plenty of snacks. We will send out a suggested packing list that will cover everything you need to be safe and comfortable. If you don’t have everything you think you need, let us know. We may have a limited supply of extra gear to borrow, including lower rated sleeping bags and pads.

WARNING
Winter backpacking can be an exhilarating and eye-opening experience if we’re lucky enough to have some snow. It can also be a life threatening, or even deadly experience for the uninformed, ill-prepared, or reckless backpacker.

Backcountry rescuers save lost hikers in snow, frigid temps

We will provide all the information you’ll need to be ready for the trip, including a Packing List. If you have any questions about what gear you’ll need just let us know.

*** If you show up unprepared to the extent that you put yourself or the group at risk, you may be turned away at the trailhead. ***

MEETING LOCATION
Harmon Den Day Use Parking Lot

We will meet at the **Harmon Den Day Use Parking Lot **at 09:00 for some basic information, followed by a pack inspection and some gear distribution, shuttle to the TH, and then hike about 3.5 miles to the Roaring Fork shelter on the AT. The campsite has water nearby. We’ll do some instruction along the way, and at the campsite.

MAPS AND NAVIGATION
LG - RFS Map
LG - RFS Profile

Trail Slope Key

DISCLAIMER
By signing up for this event you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the Organizers of this Meetup group

Full Disclaimer

EVENT ORGANIZER
Lane DeCost - "AT 2000 Miler" / SAR team volunteer / 900 Miler x4