Level 1 backpacking training hike with John

Level one Training Hike #1 of 3

Join us for a training hike to prepare you for our upcoming backpacking season

Idaho hikers and backpackers sets levels 1-5 to our backpacking trips based on your experience and physical ability. For example, level one is for beginners with little to no experience and a fair level of fitness. Our training hikes are set to mirror these levels. For more information on the levels we use see:
Experience and training levels

Training Hike #1 of 3
The hike will be around 3.5.miles. The pace will be slow about 1.5 mph which is slower than a typical walking pace. We ask that you do not go ahead of the organizer. Adjusting your pace is an important skill to master as a backpacker. Breaks will be frequent and as needed so can request any time. Since this a training hike, we ask that you carry a backpack 10-15% of your body weight . This should be heavier than the backpack you typically carry on a day hike. If. that is too difficult, drop down by 5%.

Hike #2 in April will be a longer distance with some additional elevation. Pace 2 mph and backpacking weight the same as hike # 1
Hike #3 will be in May with a 5-6 mile hike and additional elevation climb. Pace @ 2 mph. Try to increase your backpack weight to 20% of your body weight. At this hike , if you are ready, you may also consider packing your gear kit as if you were going on a backpacking trip.
These hikes will prepare you for our first overnight hike in summer. Future training hikes and overnight hike dates and locations are yet to be determined.
At each training hike you will learn one backpacking skill and one safety skill.
The organizer will provide you with an evaluation at the end via private messaging or email. This is not a pass fail situation but rather feed back on areas to improve on. Feed back will focus on how well you learned the safety and backpacking skill, your pace, fitness level, and team work. The organizer will offer suggestions for improvement if needed.

We will not leave a group member behind. I will be glad to talk about our beginner backpacking program before and after the hike

Hike #1 details:
Meet at Camel’s Back Park. East side of the tennis courts at 0900 for an introduction and short discussion. Cross streets are W Heron Street/ N 11th Street at the Camel’s Back Park. Group Hike will begin at 0915. There should be plenty of parking along the street and cross streets in the neighborhood. The date is March 21st at 0900.
Suggested you wear appropriate shoes or boots, sun protection, and bring water in a water bottle. Depending on walking speeds, the hike will take approximately 2 hours. Idaho Hiking and Backpacking Club has a release of liability form to sign prior to the hike beginning.

Summary of important details:
Date: March 21, 2026
Arrival Time: 0900 Hiking begins at 0915
Location: Camel’s Back Park, East Side near tennis courts
Bring water in water bottle, appropriate shoes, and sun protection. Suggestion: Wear backpack with little or no weight.