Intro to Backpacking Course
Gourmet cooking and view at Mt. Robson, Berg Lake
The Intro to Backpacking Course we offer in the Canadian Rockies helps build confidence for those wanting to try backpacking. Pre-trip preparation is key to having a fun, safe trip in the mountains. Highlights of the course include navigation and map reading skills, learning some knots and how to plan for a trip.
On our August course, we calculated the distance and elevation to our camp to know when we should start. The weather forecast predicted electrical thunderstorms and hot weather. The Kananaskis trail report warned of grizzly bear in the area. To avoid the heat, we decided to leave early and take advantage of the cooler temperatures. Our high camp was forested, so we thought we’d be OK with an electrical storm. We were prepared for any bear encounter by carrying bear spray, traveling together and looking for any fresh sign of bear.
We heard the call of Sandhill cranes when we met in the parking lot the morning of our trip. What a nice start to the trip! The hot temperatures forecasted did not materialize which helped keep the electrical storms at bay. We soon found ourselves hiking through fields of wildflowers in the alpine with great mountain views. It made us realize that it’s always worth going ahead with the trip despite the weather forecast because you never know the victory that awaits you.
To enjoy backpacking, it is important to keep your gear as light as possible. We weigh each item and decide if it is worth bringing. You will want to keep the total weight of your pack under 30 pounds.
For those who did not have any backpacking gear, they could rent just about everything they needed from the University of Calgary Outdoor Club.
We rated the best item of gear on the trip the jetboil stove which is light, small, and can boil water in 2 minutes. The Chilli my daughter made was cooked and dried, so all I had to do was add hot water and wait 10 minutes for a fantastic dinner. A comfortable sleeping pad can make all the difference to your camping experience. The Osprey continues to rank as one of the best backpacks.
Tea in camp!
Feedback for a better course next time would be to make it longer! We have you covered with our Backpacking Trips!