Introduction to Backpacking
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Love hiking? Want to venture beyond the car campground exploring the back country with a pack on your back? Ready to head out and explore the wilderness but don’t have the comfort level to go it alone or don’t know where to start?
Let us help you learn the basics (and some secret advanced stuff too) and plan and execute your first backpacking experience. We’ll cover everything from trip and meal planning, packing your pack, dealing with wild animals, storing your food, to even how to go to the bathroom in the woods (GASP!).
Our class will learn the basics in a classroom environment, and finish with a three day, two night trip on the Appalachian Trail here in CT. We’ll practice and follow Leave No Trace principles and philosophy in our planning and execution of our class.
There is limited equipment available for rent for this course but book early to secure your spot (rental fees are in addition to the course cost).
Trip cost includes: Instruction classes, use of group equipment, tents, stoves, and any necessary permits. Guide gratuity is not included but appreciated.
This class is ideally suited for people that have previous hiking experience and are physically active. Backpacking involves carrying your equipment in a specially designed pack over various terrain. Plan to hike 5 – 7 miles daily on our three-day trip carrying 30 – 50 lbs depending on your size and needs.
Tents on our trip are double occupancy, so sign up with a friend/family member or we can pair you up once we meet for class.
Group size limited to 6 persons.
Ages 14 and up. Kids under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible registered adult.
Session III:
Class Thursday, July 27 & August 3, 2023
Trip - August 4, 5, 6, 2023 (rain or shine)
About the Instructor:
This trip is facilitated by Glenn Van Neil who has been hiking and backpacking throughout the United States including Alaska for the last 30+ years. Glenn has guided backpacking trips on the Appalachian Trail in NY, CT, NH, and VT as well as other trips to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Green Mountains of Vermont, the Adirondacks, the Wind River Range in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park among others. Glenn is also a rock and ice climber and has summited multiple peaks including Mt. Washington (several times in winter), Mt Rainier (multiple ascents), Mt Baker, and one attempt at Denali in Alaska!
Glenn is certified in basic first aid, CPR, is a member of the American Mountain Guides Association, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and spends time volunteering as a certified fire fighter in East Granby.