What we’re about
Meet others in Nashville, middle Tennessee, and beyond, interested in backpacking. At regular monthly meetings in the Brentwood REI Community Room, we discuss trails, equipment, tents, hammocks, packs, stoves, cameras and photography, clothing, weather, wildlife, first aid, food, recipes, etc., and find fellow hikers to go backpacking with. Our backpacking trips are multi-day events that require a great deal of work by hike organizers. PLEASE RSVP WITH INTEGRITY; if you can't do that, this might not be the Meetup group for you.
Most of our trips are open to all members on a first-come basis. However, there will be events that are attendance-selective based on difficulty, experience required, past participation in related or similar events, etc. This will be at the discretion of the specific event organizer.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Night Hike — Mossy Ridge Trail at Percy Warner ParkVaughn's Gap, Nashville, TN
Looking to get in better shape for backpacking? Missing the Backpacker Meetup group but don't have time for a trip? Then join us for a 5.8 mile loop through Percy Warner Park!
We'll meet at the Vaughn's Gap parking lot at 6:00 pm and take the Candy Cane Connector to the main Mossy Ridge (red) trail. We'll spend the next 2+ hours on this moderate trail with frequent elevation gain. This hike can be challenging depending on your fitness level/if you haven't been hiking recently. The pace is set by the group and no one is left behind.
Headlamps/lights are required for this hike. Water, snacks, and appropriate layers for the weather are recommended. I will keep an eye on the weather and may cancel for rain, thunderstorms, or windy conditions.
Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/mossy-ridge-trail
Please give yourself enough time to find parking and get to the trailhead – we will start promptly to respect everyone's time. Message me if you're running late!
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
- Intro to Backpacking Class - Sunday, January 26, 2025Long Hunter State Park, Hermitage, TN$50.00
Have you been thinking about trying backpacking, but never had the courage to try?
Have you been backpacking but still feel like you're a beginner?
Do you love to hike and/or camp?
Have you ever said to yourself, "backpacking looks like so much fun, but I just don't know if I'm ready?"
Did you want to attend a previous class, but couldn’t?
Are you an experienced backpacker who just wants a refresher?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, keep reading...
***
Nashville Backpacker Meetup is hosting another Intro to Backpacking class on Sunday, January 26, 2025. I will give you the information, tools, and confidence that you need to get out there and enjoy nature in what is, in my opinion, the best way to enjoy the outdoors...putting everything you need on your back and going for a walk in the woods, also known as backpacking.
Some of the topics we will cover include:
- Basic Gear Necessities
- Backcountry Safety
- Trip Planning
- Backcountry Cooking
...and more
There is a hands-on aspect to this class, so please wear comfortable clothing. You will learn how to pack your pack, how to set up camp, the most common way to cook in the backcountry, how to hang a food bag, and much more.
Lunch will be provided.
A beginner backpacking trip (date TBD) is included with your class registration. If you cannot attend the trip on the date I choose, I will make sure you get a spot on a future trip.
Details:
Cost: $50. Payment details at the end of the description.- When you RSVP, you will automatically be placed on the waitlist.
- When you pay, you will secure a spot on the Going list. I accept Venmo, Paypal, and CashApp.
- Contact me upon payment to confirm that you paid, and I will move you to the Going list.
Location: Long Hunter State Park
Capacity: 12 attendees
Refund policy: Up until the Sunday before the class, if you cancel AND someone else pays to take your spot, you will get a full refund. If you cancel after that Sunday before the class, you will not get a refund.
About your instructor:
My name is Will Irvin, and I have been camping, hiking, and backpacking since I was a kid. I have developed a real love for backpacking in the last couple of years, and I love to share that experience with other people. I also love helping people gain the knowledge and confidence they need to enjoy the outdoors the way that I do. If you have any questions, please reach out to me, either through Meetup, or directly on my cell at 931-267-9378.So bring your curiosity and your questions, and let's get you ready for your first (or next) backpacking adventure!
Note: you do not need to bring any gear, but if you do have gear you want to ask about, up to and including your entire pack for a full shakedown, please bring it with you. I will also have gear available to borrow if you want to try some things before you buy a bunch of stuff.
Venmo - @BackpackerWill
Paypal - willirvin74@gmail.com
CashApp - $BackpackerWillIf you've read this far, you must really be interested in attending the class. The event will always show as full because everyone goes on the waitlist until they pay. If the event is still open to RSVP, it is not full. I will close down RSVP's when the class is full.
- Night Hike — Mossy Ridge Trail at Percy Warner ParkVaughn's Gap, Nashville, TN
Looking to get in better shape for backpacking? Missing the Backpacker Meetup group but don't have time for a trip? Then join us for a 5.8 mile loop through Percy Warner Park!
We'll meet at the Vaughn's Gap parking lot at 6:00 pm and take the Candy Cane Connector to the main Mossy Ridge (red) trail. We'll spend the next 2+ hours on this moderate trail with frequent elevation gain. This hike can be challenging depending on your fitness level/if you haven't been hiking recently. The pace is set by the group and no one is left behind.
Headlamps/lights are required for this hike. Water, snacks, and appropriate layers for the weather are recommended. I will keep an eye on the weather and may cancel for rain, thunderstorms, or windy conditions.
Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/mossy-ridge-trail
Please give yourself enough time to find parking and get to the trailhead – we will start promptly to respect everyone's time. Message me if you're running late!
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
