Beginners Winter Backpacking Course
Details
This is a continuation of the "What to pack for a winter trip" course on Jan 10th. In that class we discuss what to pack and on this trip I will discuss how to use it. We will snowshoe 4 KM into the backcountry of Algonquin building the skills that are needed to travel safely and comfortably in the winter while on snowshoes.
This trip has some very rigid requirements unlike most other trips. You must
• Have attended the "What to pack for a winter trip (https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/events/245614999/)" on Jan 10th.
• Have proven experience backpacking on a non-guided trip. That means you carried your own kit and managed all your own needs. We will be checking.
• You must be in good physical condition. Winter can be very strenuous. You should be able to run 8K in less than an hour.
• Your packed items must be inspected and approved by me, Francis, during the week before trip.
For the safety of the whole group the packing list should be followed closely. A packing list can be found here
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AlPfqDgNXnDwdFBONkgwVzRYU1k0OHd0SUNkWEhneUE&usp=sharing (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j260l_iAxgUTmznS4vH_P4p0QTnpmbsLJ04nO2DC-Q8/edit?usp=sharing)
Please contact me well ahead of time with any gear questions and issues. I also have some gear to loan so please consider asking to borrow something before buying. Remember you likely will have much of the clothing in the form of workout clothes. Just make sure you don't bring any cotton!
I will be conducting a gear inspection at McCabes on Monday January 22nd between 7-8 PM. Other times can be arranged if you are willing to come to my house (located near King and Victoria). If I am not satisfied with your kit I will refuse to bring you into the backcountry for everyone's safety.
Expenses
I am collecting $30 to apply towards expenses. Part of that will be for the park permit, $12.43. The rest will be used for Friday evening accommodations. Additional funds will likely be need to cover that any remaining expenses. Without doing the math I estimate this will be another $40-60. You also need cash for meals along the way and fuel for driving.
The itinerary
• Friday night drive up to Huntsville and stay at the Best Western or Wolf Den Bunkhouse depending on availability and group size.
• Saturday we will have breakfast and start discussing the skill you will need to learn. We will then drive into the park and hike in to Maple Lake. There we will make camp and practice more skills.
• Sunday we will hike out and head home.
Logistics
Please fill in the following spreadsheet with your travel plans and gear needs so I can arrange gear sharing and carpools.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wozdC8YYaG6fDjYZYUjXnjIcpW8yLKRYBry-bxgdYB4/edit?usp=sharing