BackpackerFest '24 May 17-19

4TH ANNUAL BACKPACKERFEST '24
Hosted by the Minneapolis/St Paul Backpackers Meetup Group

LINKS

• Flyer with Schedule / Activities / FAQ
• Map to event
• Presentation Notes

DATES

• Weekend of May 17-19
• Come for a few hours or camp the whole weekend

EVENT DESCRIPTION
This is a grass-roots community event for anyone passionate about backpacking. All experience levels welcome. Show off your favorite gear and techniques, and ask others about theirs. Talk about past and future trips, local and global, training spots and bucket-list hikes. Ask lots of questions. Make future backpacking plans and friends.

As always, please reach out early if you have ideas for activities or want to present this year (backpacking trip reviews, techniques, gear, etc.).
LOCATION (Same as 2022 & 2023)

• Three Rivers Baker Park Reserve in the Twin Cities West Metro
• Katrina 1&2 Group Campsites
• Gated access (code: 0429) just 1/2 mile from Jct of I-394/US-12 and CR 6 in Maple Plain, MN
• Park along gravel road leading to Katrina camps. Do not drive on the grass, we are liable for turf repairs.

EVENT CONTACTS

• Directions and Parking: Hilary 612-236-5949, Joe 651-699-6075
• General info: Craig 612-430-6276

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS / ACTIVITIES
NOTE: Presentation order will be determined by attendee survey sent out before the event -- highest requested shown first.
New for 2024

• Backpacking bear safety (MN DNR)
• Hammock camping
• Ultralight vs standard backpacking gear comparison
• Wilderness First Aid class overview
• Giving Back: Empower Minneapolis Youth in the BWCA
• Trail mishap & recovery stories (group sharing)
• Trail clearing the BRT
• Backpacking trip reviews for Brooks Range Alaska, Cayambe Ecuador, Kilimanjaro, Isle Royale, Hut-to-hut in the Presidentials NH, and The Liechtenstein Trail

Returning

• Backpacking gear camp walk, show off your favorite items
• MacGyver techniques and emergency repair
• SHT trip planning
• Gear shakedowns Sunday morning (1x1 feedback on your gear)
• Gear swap Sunday morning (bring gear to sell/donate)
• Good MN/WI/MI weekend trips
• Metro parks for overnight shakedowns
• Fire building
• Knot tying, ropes and boots
• Park hikes grouped by pace

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

• Your own backpacking gear: tent, sleep system, cook kit, food, headlamp.
• Your own meals: we will have food samples during lunch Saturday but not enough to fill you.
• Some backpackers slept cold at previous events. Be sure to bring a pad/mattress to insulate you from the cold ground.
• Your own camp chair/cushion for group discussions and bonfires.
• Hammockers welcome, there are many suitable trees
• Park hammock rules: 12" minimum tree diameter, protective layer between tree and strap, no stacking, stay on edge of campsite
• OPTIONAL: If you prepare your own trail food, bring samples to share and discuss.

SITE AMENITIES
Katrina 1&2 are large mowed-grass campsites surrounded by forest with:

• faucet for drinking water
• two-stall outhouse
• large bonfire pit + firewood
• at least 20 picnic tables
• large roofed open-sided shelter with picnic tables & power outlets we will use for group meals, discussions, and presentations

GEAR SWAP SUNDAY MORNING
Buy/Sell/Swap/Donate your used backpacking gear.

EVENT RULES

• $10/person fee to cover the campsite cost. Pay me when you arrive with Venmo, Zelle, Paypal, check or cash.
• Attendance limited to 100 people and 40 cars
• Park quiet hours 10:00 pm – 7:00 am
• Adults only (18+)
• No pets, No illegal substances
• Beer/wine allowed in moderation

DISCLAIMER
### By signing up for this event, you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being and release the Minneapolis/St Paul Backpacking Meetup group, organizers, events organizers, and members from any (and all) personal injury and property damage liability. ####