Virginia Backpacking For Beginners

This online event is an opportunity for you to ask questions about backpacking in general. There is no agenda, just an open forum for any questions you have.

• Have an upcoming trip and you have some questions about preparing for it?
• Did something unpleasant occur on a past trip and you'd like to find a better way to avoid it?
• Never been and just want to start getting answers to your burning questions?

This is a safe space, and to borrow a cliché, there's no such thing as a stupid question. Chances are I've heard it before, or at the very least, you're not the only one thinking it.

As outdoor enthusiasts and backpackers, we understand that the great outdoors can sometimes be accompanied by moments of anxiety and stress. This presentation aims to provide you with practical tips and strategies to manage anxiety effectively during your backpacking adventures, ensuring a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

Download the Google Meet app to participate in this online event or paste the meeting link into a web browser at the time of the event.

This lecture style class will give you a brief overview of some of the things to consider when venturing into the rewarding world of backpacking. I'll also provide suggested online content that will help your shorten your learning curve. There's so much to learn!

This class has minimal interaction given the volume of information to share.

Agenda includes:

• Finding an experienced hiker
• Choosing a backpacking route
• Choosing your gear
• Personal
• Group
• Other things to think about

We'll also let you know about upcoming beginner backpack trips we'll be hosting.

All are welcome on this hike and beginners are highly encouraged to join this great introductory backpack trip! An experienced backpacker will be leading this event to help you along the way and to answer any questions you may have.

Event fee pays for our 6 campsites as well as a portion of our annual Meetup host fees.

I'm categorizing this hike as Level 2 Easy. Please read below to help identify if you think this is something you are able to do.

• Level 1 Easy - Less than 100 feet total elevation gain AND up to 4 miles roundtrip, highly suitable for newbies and those looking for an easier pace. Not likely to take a break on the hike.
• Level 2 Easy - Less than 500 feel total elevation gain AND and up to 6 miles roundtrip, suitable for most newbies but a longer hike in and there may be hills. We may take breaks along the way.
• Level 3 Easy - Less than 1000 feel total elevation gain AND up to 8 miles roundtrip. It's recommended that you've done at least one backpacking trip before this. There may be decent stretches of uphill hiking as well as a longer hike. We will take breaks along the way.
• Level 4 Easy - Less than 2000 feet total elevation gain AND up to 10 miles roundtrip. It's recommended that you've done at least a couple backpacking trip before this. There will be decent stretches of uphill hiking as well as a longer hike. We will take breaks along the way.
• Level 5 Easy - More than 2000 feet total elevation gain AND/OR over 10 miles roundtrip. You have completed a backpacking trip similar to the Level 3 or 4 listed above. It does not have to have been with this group. There will be decent stretches of uphill hiking as well as a longer hike. We will take breaks along the way.

Mostly known for day hikes, Caledon State Park began renting 6 primitive campsites near the Potomac River back in 2014. We'll be hiking 3 miles of fire roads from the Visitor Center to the campsites near the river.

• Each site is a framed, sand-filled pad with a fire ring, lantern post and picnic table. Sites are 24 x 36 ft. Two to three tents per site are reasonable.

• Campers must set up on the framed area.

• No potable water. Campers must bring water for drinking and cooking.

• The campground has a portable toilet. No electricity or showers.

Note: This is a backpacking trip. Make sure you have the proper gear by the time of the trip.

DAY 1 - Drive to Visitor Center, plan to arrive at 2:00 pm. Hike 3 miles to campsites. Set up camp, start a campfire, and enjoy the evening!

DAY 2- Break camp and hike 3 miles back to the Visitor Center.

Details

• Hiking Distance: 6 miles

• Hiking Pace: Moderate (about 2 miles per hour)

• Trail Terrain: gravel, dirt

• Difficulty: Easy-to-Moderate

• More Info: Caledon State Park (https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/caledon#general_information.)

• What to Bring: Backpacking Checklist (https://virginiabackpacking.com/f/backpacking-checklist)

• Organizer Will Provide: Basic first aid kit and an encouraging attitude!

• Dogs Not Allowed

• Cancellation: If weather becomes an issue, call or check your email for updates before leaving.

Additional Information

• Hiker Responsibilities (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D0Pvs9MZpN7mWkVWKo0Ca-Ci219XQ91TRSQhR_OU8dY/edit?usp=sharing).

• Liability Disclaimer (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oBT2l1gqvHRzrH46DU0tmicimmRnhwA8BqaqGOY85HE/edit?usp=sharing).