Introduction to Backpacking Course

April 16-18, 2021

If you've been thinking about taking the step from day hiking to backpacking, but don't know where to start, this is the trip for you! We'll spend a full "classroom" day at the Appalachian Trail-er, learning how to backpack. You'll learn about the different types of gear you'll need, how to select your gear (with a focus on lightweight and ultralight gear), how to plan and pack your food, how to coordinate trip logistics, and more! Then, put those new skills to use on a 2 day, 1 night backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail. This trip is open to hikers of all ages, and is designed for folks who are new to backpacking.

"The whole experience from initial email questions to post trip follow up was excellent. I was hesitant at first
booking 'Introduction to Backpacking' having car camped my whole life. Let me be the first to tell you the
experience and information shared was worth its 'weight' in gold." - R.L., Intro to Backpacking, October 2020

Cost:

$555 per person

This trip will run if there are a minimum of 2 participants signed up. If the minimum has not yet been met, we'll contact participants two weeks before the trip (April 2) to discuss options. The maximum group size is 5 participants. If you are traveling in a party of 4 or more hikers, we encourage you to consider a private backpacking trip. You can find more information about our private trip offerings by sending us an email.

In addition to your guide, this price includes backpacking gear for the trip, all on-trail food (Friday lunch through Sunday lunch), transportation from the meet-up location to the trailhead, and any necessary backcountry permits. Price also includes a nalgene bottle and a neck gaiter (can be used as a face covering when within 6ft of your guide or other hikers). It does not include gratuity for your guide.

Sign-Up Details:

In order to sign up for this trip, please go to our trip calendar and select the trip start date (April 16th). You will find the trip listed there.

Before the start of the trip, we will be in contact via email with an information packet for you to fill out. This includes a waiver, health form, and gear request form. Please complete and return this form at your earliest convenience. We will also send a detailed packing list, and any specific information for your trip.

Itinerary:

Meet-up: This trip meets at 9am on Friday, April 16 in Hot Springs, NC.

You will meet your guide at our Appalachian Trail-er in Hot Springs, NC (200 Lance Avenue, Hot Spring, NC 28743). The first day of your trip will be a 1-day Backpacking 101 course, where your guide will teach you the basics of backpacking, from gear to food to logistics. The second morning of the trip, your guide will pass out your gear and food, and you'll pack up (using everything you learned the first day!). Your guide may look in detail at the items you've packed to make sure you're not carrying too many extra items.

Around 11am, you'll head to Max Patch to begin your hike. Your hike will be an out-and-back itinerary, then you'll shuttle back to Hot Springs at the end of your trip.

Saturday: Hike from Max Patch to Lemon Gap, approximately 6 miles
Sunday: Return from Lemon Gap to Max Patch, approximately 6 miles

Hike generally finishes mid-afternoon the last day. Itinerary is subject to change based on a variety of factors, including weather, trail conditions, and participants needs and abilities. Please inform our admin team or your guide ahead of time if you have a time constraint the last day of your trip.

Guide:

Your guide for this trip will be Matt Dobson. Having moved around the world pursuing other professional interests, Matt has decided Western North Carolina is the place for him and helping to expose others to our natural world is the perfect way to spend his time. Matt has over 12,000 trail miles on his legs, including thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, John Muir Trail, and Long Trail. He has a Plant Sciences degree from the University of Tennessee and has spent many of his hours in nature studying its science and history.

What we Provide:

Food: BRHC provides all on-trail food. Your guide will pass out the food for your trip on the first morning. You will be expected to carry your own individually packaged food (such as oatmeal packets) and some shared community items (such as a jar of peanut butter or a block of cheese). We do our best to cater to requests, but options are limited because it is important to keep food lightweight and fresh foods can be heavy and bulky. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please notify your guide or our admin team ahead of time.

Individual Use Gear: BRHC provides high quality, ultralight, cottage industry backpacking gear to make your exerience as comfortable as possible. We offer the following five pieces of gear at no additional cost:

Backpacks - We use a lightweight 60L pack. We will ask for your height and weight in order to fit the pack appropriately to you.
Tents - We have one-person tents and two-person tents available. Please let us know if you would like to share with a friend.
Sleeping Bags - We use a 20 degree synthetic sleeping bag. We also have sleeping bag liners available.
Sleeping Pads - These will insulate you from the ground and provide some cushion and comfort. We provide hikers with a closed-cell foam pad, for its excellent combination of weight and durability.
Trekking Poles - These will provide you with some added stability while hiking, and may be used to set up your tent.

Community Gear: BRHC provides all community gear for the trip, including water filters and back-up chemical treatment; camping stoves and fuel; bowls, spoons, and cups; trowels, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer; first aid kit; and map and compass.

What to Bring:

We will send all participants a detailed packing list before the trip. You are expected to bring your own clothing/footwear, personal gear (such as headlamps and water bottles), medications, and approved optional items. Generally, comfortable trail shoes are better than heavy hiking boots. Please do not pack any cotton - if it gets wet, it does not dry quickly and will not keep you warm. Athletic clothes are a good option. You will need only one outfit to hike in, one outfit to sleep in, a raincoat, and a warm layer. You will not need a new set of clean clothes each day. Because temperatures in April can be cool, we recommend you also pack a set of baselayers, a hat, and a pair of lightweight gloves. You will not need any make-up, hair products, scented products or deodorant. Just bring a toothbrush and toothpaste and enjoy going all natural for the trip!

COVID Safety Information:

Due to NC's mask mandate, all participants over the age of 11 are required to wear face coverings during pack shakedown and in our shuttle vehicle. We also ask that you wear a mask any time you are within 6ft of your guide or another participant. We provide each hiker with a neck gaiters that can be used as a face covering. We have added extra gear cleaning steps between trips. Additionally, we will be providing individually packaged food when possible and have single person tents available for all participants (although you still can request two person tents). If you have additional questions about the safety precautions for your trip, please contact us via phone or email.

Cancellation Policy:

Payment in full is required to register. Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hike may be cancelled up to 2 weeks before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 2 weeks, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather.

We hike rain or shine! While it is incredibly rewarding, backpacking is an endurance sport, and it can be challenging and/or uncomfortable at times. Maintaining a positive mindset, even when it is uncomfortable, is key to enjoying your time in the wilderness. With our focus on lightweight gear, our goal is for your pack to weigh around 25lbs (or no more than 25% of your body weight).

If your guide does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip. Our team of highly trained professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip. Industry standard gratuity for a guided backpacking trip is 15-20% of trip price.

If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach us by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.