Try Backpacking—One Weekend, Learn the Basics | RSVPs start soon!

⚠️ STATUS: RSVPs are not yet open. Spots will open right when Meetup says they will, and cut off with sufficient time (weeks of it) to allow for our online interactions well ahead of the in-person activities.

This program introduces you to backpacking through a weekend that combines classroom learning, several trail miles with loaded packs, and an overnight campout. It’s designed for people who want to try backpacking, learning basics in a supportive setting.

You’ll gain confidence, practical know‑how, and a sense of what it takes to prepare for and travel in the backcountry. If you’ve never backpacked before, this is the place to start.

If you've backpacked before and want to pitch in, reach out. It is a great way to give back, meet people, and help build the KC-area backpacking community.

👉 Want more after this? Brush up your wilderness navigation and trip planning skills; research, prepare for, and get out there on the many area backpacking trails. Explore guided National Sierra Club Outings, which offer a wide variety of big‑league adventures across the country.

What Activities to Expect

• Flexible e-learning up front (see more on this below)
• Saturday Morning: Classroom session introducing backpacking basics.
• Saturday Afternoon: Transition to the campground, then shoulder packs and hike several miles on trail before returning to camp to set up for the night.
• Saturday Night: Camp overnight.
• Sunday Morning (10 AM-ish): Group Activities. Wrap‑up.

Program Price
The program cost is $70. This helps to finance the gear library, support leadership training & trail maintenance. The instructors volunteer their time w/o compensation. Refunds are not available if requested less than 30 days before the 1st activity.

Participants complete a standard participant agreement & medical form in class. Bring a personal 1st aid kit to all outdoor activities.

Gear
We’ve got (some of) you covered—literally. Our small but mighty gear library is available to Sierra Club members in and for this class, but supplies are limited. It includes sleeping bags, pads, tents, backpacks, and stoves.

Because quantities are limited, we need to sort this out in advance. You’ll see a Google survey as part of the sign‑up workflow below — your responses there are essential, since they tell us about your interest and help us allocate gear once we verify your membership.

If you’d like to take advantage of this resource but aren’t yet a member, you can join the Sierra Club for as little as $15. When we confirm gear is available for you, you’ll need to provide proof of membership (for example, your membership number).

With the exception of those approved to borrow gear from our lending library (and only for the specific items allocated), YOU will provide and use all your own kit— along with all consumables such as food, water, first aid kit, medications, and stove fuel.

Weather & Contingencies
Backpacking is an outdoor activity, and weather is part of the challenge. Activities will proceed in normal variable conditions (e.g., heat, cold, wind, rain). However, if severe weather or unsafe conditions arise (e.g., thunderstorms, flooding, extreme heat advisories, acts of nature, etc.), the leadership team may adjust or postpone the activities, or cancel them outright.

If full cancellation becomes necessary, we will attempt to offer one follow‑on opportunity within the next month or two, if possible. While this may not align with everyone’s schedule, we believe the value gained through our shared content, online interaction, and commitment to outdoor activities fulfills our mission, and thus, lack of alignment with the rescheduled date is not a basis for a refund.

Our Backpacking Chops are Established
To give you an idea of our past successful backpacking classes, take a look back at it over the years:

f 2021
w 2021
s 2022
f 2022
s 2023
f 2023
s 2024
f 2024
f 2025

How to Join
First, read everything—seriously, don’t skim. The details matter.
Then, join the waitlist. If we’re in sync, you’ll get a survey to complete. Make sure you use an email that lasts—it’s how we’ll stay in touch.

There are spots for ≈20 people who fully sign up quickly ONCE RSVPs OPEN.

Sign‑up workflow
These are steps that often happen one-at-a-time and days or weeks apart, depending on our availability. Please complete the steps ASAP when we prompt them.

→ RSVP on the Meetup waitlist when that opens
→ Complete a Google survey promptly when we send it
→ Get approval confirmation (you'll know if we move you to the going list here on Meetup)
→ Pay $70 to Sierra Club via PayPal when we ask for it (we usually work the preceding steps over the first month or two, then do this in a batch)
→ Accept the Slack invitation and engage with us there

Get Prepared on Your Schedule with Our Flexible E-Learning Setup
We connect with participants through the Slack platform (a private workspace/chat tool), utilizing a flexible, asynchronous model. This approach allows you to access information on your own time, while still ensuring everyone stays aligned on critical logistics.

Here’s how we manage the flow of information:

• Asynchronous Access (Learn on Your Schedule): The core benefit is flexibility. Our system means the extensive library of resources, guides, and tips is available for you to review at your convenience, day or night. And we'll be prompting some of this, to emphasize certain content well ahead of the activities.
• Regular Monitoring Is Required: While you learn on your own schedule, timing is still critical for announcements. You must actively monitor both the Meetup event page and the workspace from time to time to catch mandatory updates and logistical prompts (e.g., when the payment step is due).
• Consultation is Optional (Leverage Our Expertise): Your level of engagement with the deeper content is up to you. You are welcome to simply follow mandatory updates and logistical prompts. However, if you want our volunteer instructors to consult on specific topics or gear choices, you can proactively engage within the workspace—that's your call. The flexibility of the platform lets us get back to you when we're able to do so.

Your Responsibility: Proactive engagement is key to staying informed! To succeed, you must actively and frequently monitor both Slack and Meetup for updates and announcements. Do not rely solely on push notifications to stay in the know.

Notice
The activities officially begin & end at the locations designated by Sierra Club, and don’t include carpooling, transportation, or transit to & from them; each participant is personally responsible for all risks associated with this travel. Account for travel time when planning.