Backpack Beginners Class Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Mar 21, 20269:00 AM5:00 PM  (Pacific)

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03/21/2026 9:00 AM 03/21/2026 5:00 PM America/Los_Angeles
Backpack Beginners Class

Learn how to travel safely and comfortably with only a pack on your back during the annual Beginners Backpack course run by the Backpack Section. We are offering this opportunity for folks who have little or no experience in backpacking but who want to explore backcountry trails and get away from the crowds.

1057 Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA

Webinar URL:

37.83224700,-122.53700300 Thomas Meissner meissner.thomas2011@gmail.com MM/DD/yyyy amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740

Organized By: SF Bay Chp Backpacking

Location1057 Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA

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Event Organizers:
Thomas Meissner
   meissner.thomas2011@gmail.com
   7074794465

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Learn how to travel safely and comfortably with only a pack on your back during the annual Beginner’s Backpack course run by the Backpack Section. We are offering this opportunity for folks who have little or no experience in backpacking but who want to explore backcountry trails and get away from the crowds.  

The course consists of:
  1. A full-day indoor session on Saturday, March 21, 2026, including a series of short lectures, discussions, slide and equipment show. The event will be hosted from 9:00 – 5:00 at the Naturebridge Conference Center (Golden Gate National Recreation Area).
  2. One overnight backpack trip in April/May in small groups lead by experienced instructors. There are 4 dates to choose from. The location of the backpack trips is in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.  During the backpack trip you will have the opportunity to try out your gear, learn how to set up a tent and operate a backpack stove, practice basic navigation skills and, most important, experience what it feels to hike with a heavy pack on your back.  Participation in the backpack trip requires attendance at the indoor session. No exceptions.

Participants need to be in in good physical shape and have no serious health conditions.  A solid background in day hiking is necessary. 

Families with children age 12 and older are welcome. The course is not suited for younger children. Contact Thomas Meissner (below) for details.

Cost is $160 per adult; $80 age 12 – 25.

Early registration is recommended, as space is limited.

Field Trip Dates are scheduled for: April 11/12 (Sat/Sun), April 19/20 (Sun/Mon), April 25/26 (Sat/Sun), May 10/11 (Sun/Mon) (participant choose one).



 

Level: Moderate (2BT)

Cost: General: $160. Age 12 - 25: $80

Signup Instructions: Fill out R.S.V.P. Make sure to read and acknowledge the waiver (participant agreement) and the medical questionnaire. Further instructions will follow.

Signup Restrictions: Families with children age 12 and older are welcome. The course is not suited for younger children. Contact Thomas Meissner (below) for details.

Carpool: Getting to and from the venue and trailheads is the sole responsibility of each participant. The Sierra Club will provide a participant roster to facilitate ride sharing. We strongly recommend that drivers and riders agree on costs in advance.

Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.

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