Catskill Backpack - Fir, BI, Eag, Balsam
Details
In order to officially secure your spot on this event and to receive the details email of where to exactly park and meet with us you must register on our site by clicking the link below.
Our events typically fill up at 16 people for guided backpacking trips! You won't see the attendees here on meetup as registrations are on our site but we wanted to let you know that we typically see large outings for all of our events!
The first trip built strength. This one builds endurance.
The Fir, Big Indian, Eagle, and Balsam trip is the second trip in our Advanced Catskill Backpacking Series — built specifically for TrailBounders who have already completed prior backpacking trips and are ready to increase both physical and technical demand.
All four mountains are part of the Catskill 3500 list.
This weekend introduces longer ridgelines, deeper terrain, and stronger cumulative elevation gain than our opening weekend in the Advanced Catskill Backpacking Series. This is where steady effort becomes essential. We will manage sustained climbs and descents while carrying full multi-day packs. The terrain is rugged with some herd-path bushwhacking on Fir — rewarding hikers who move efficiently and are on top of self-care.
This trip focuses on refinement:
• Managing cumulative elevation gain
• Maintaining pace across multiple summits
• Reading terrain and adjusting route decisions
• Selecting smart, strategic campsite locations
• Conserving energy for back-to-back demanding days
This is not about tagging peaks quickly. It’s about moving well, consistently, and deliberately through mountain terrain, all while having fun out there!
Day 1 - 2 miles, 450' up, 200' down - setting up camp after sunset
Day 2 - 8 miles, 2,400' up, 2,000' down Day 3 - 8 miles, 2,000' up, 2,800' down
Participants should:
• Be comfortable carrying a full pack over extended elevation
• Have completed prior TrailBound backpacking trips
• Be prepared for physically demanding days in rugged Catskill terrain
This is where efficiency stops being optional. Small group. Serious terrain. Real progression.
Prerequisites: TBP Backpacking Intro, Easy, and Moderate trips, or equivalent. Email info@trailboundproject.com to discuss equivalents for approval.
Minimum Gear: 50-70 liter backpack, shelter (tent, tarp shelter, bivy, or hammock), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, small pillow, lighter, water bottles or bladder for 4-5 liters of water, water filter, small knife, 75’ paracord, cell phone with USB charger & cable, headlamp & extra batteries, canister stove & fuel, cooking pot, utensils, food & snacks, bear hang food bag, first aid kit, personal toiletries, clothing for the weather, & hiking boots. A detailed packing list will be emailed to students after registration and you can contact us with any questions.
Minimum Age: 12 years old - the minor(s) and a parent/guardian must all be paid registered participants.