Backpacking 101 Hands-On Class (Full)

Backpacking 101 is the perfect introduction for beginners and a great refresher for those looking to brush up on their skills after time away from the trail. This hands-on course covers essential topics like selecting and using gear, improving safety and comfort on the trail, and practicing Leave No Trace principles to help protect our beautiful backcountry.
Get ready to hit the trail with confidence—let’s make adventure happen!
Requirements
· Participants must 18 or older.
· Fee: $100 for PATC members and $125 for non-members.
· Class Size: Limited to 8 students.
· Waiver: A signed waiver is required by PATC.
Topics Covered

• Dressing for Success – Clothing, layering, and footwear essentials
• Gear Up! – Choosing the right pack, shelter, and sleep system
• Backcountry Basics – Water purification & cooking on the trail
• Home Sweet Campsite – Selecting and setting up your ideal spot
• Leave No Trace – How to protect nature while enjoying it
• Trail Hygiene – Sanitation and staying fresh in the wild
• Plan & Navigate – Trip planning, maps, and finding your way

Class Structure

• Pre-Class Prep – Watch assigned YouTube videos for a head start
• 2 Gear Demos & Discussions – Hands-on learning and Q&A sessions
• Overnight Adventure – Put your skills to the test on a backpacking trip!

Class Dates
Backpacking is an all-weather and all-season sport. The course will discuss how to dress, setup camp and stay safe regardless of what Mother Nature sends our way. Having a class in bad weather isn’t the ideal place to learn a fun sport. If the weather forecast calls for a complete washout we will push to the rain date. A decision will be made as early as possible.
Locations and exact logistics will be shared by email.

• Classroom Discussion and Pack Demos, Dates TBD, but will be a weeknight 2-3 weeks before the trip to allow time to adjust gear. Tentative location is Rust Library, Leesburg, VA with remote option.
• Backpacking Trip: September 13-14 – George Washington National Forest, near Columbia Furnace, VA
• Backup Date in case of bad weather: September 20-21

Signup & Cancellations
Everyone will begin in the waitlist. Please make sure to provide your email when asked as this is how we will coordinate payment. Upon payment, the first 8 people in the waiting room will be moved to the Going list. If you need to cancel, we can see if someone in the Waitlist can cover you. If not, the fee is non-refundable.
Instructors
David Manning has been an avid hiker and backpacker since the early 1980s, when he first joined the Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He returned to Scouting in 2012 as a parent, serving as Assistant Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor and Eagle Scout Advisor while his child earned the rank of Eagle Scout. David is a certified Hike Leader with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) and a dedicated member of the Trail Patrol.
David is Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified.
David will be joined by other PATC Volunteers, male & female, to share their personal experiences and knowledge of backpacking.