Advanced Backpacking Bootcamp-Illinois

Event Details

This course is designed for new backpackers, backpackers that have not been out on trail recently, and those that want to enhance their skills and apply the knowledge they already possess. During this event, you will be hiking and camping in beautiful backcountry settings. Our primary goal is to help reinforce the knowledge base that backpackers already have so that they can safely plan and execute a multi-day hike. We will share information such as staging vehicles, deciding how to select a campsite, advanced water filtration techniques, and planning appropriate daily mileage.

Under the guidance of the instructors, participants will determine campsites, mileage per day, water sources, and other important factors over the course of 2.5 days. Basic first aid principles will be reviewed as well as basic knots, map reading, and fire-starting techniques. This event will involve hiking a total of approximately 12 miles over 2.5 days including a 2-mile night hike on Friday! The terrain where we will be hiking may contain steep hills, ravines, drop-offs, ledges, unstable and rocky terrain, and wooden crossings, and can be strenuous at times. The trails may also be wet, slippery, muddy, and rocky. Drinking water will be obtained and filtered from area creeks or will be provided by event hosts. This event will include night hiking as well as setting up a campsite in the dark.

Plan on completing a 2-4 mile night hike on Friday starting after dark. Temperatures can range from 30-60 degrees but plan on bringing cold-weather gear as well as rain gear.

Meals

Participants are expected to bring their own meals and snacks for the entirety of the event. If you need help planning meals you can reach out to us prior to the event. Meal packages are also available and can be purchased during checkout.  

Gear

Members are responsible for obtaining their own gear, or you can rent gear from True North by selecting the "Admission w/Gear Rental" ticket option.

We suggest the following information as a basic guide in preparation for our event. If you are going to purchase gear and are unsure of what to buy, feel free to contact us for guidance.

Required Gear

● Backpack (properly fitted) Typical pack for a 2-5 day outing is 40-60 liters.

● Sleeping bag

● Sleeping pad

● Tent

● Stove

● Cookware

● Trowel

● Small Compass

● Appropriate footwear (trail runners or boots)

● Water filter

● 25' of paracord (minimum)

● Individual First Aid Kit

● Headlamp (spare batteries)

● Rain Gear (poncho, Frog Toggs, rain suit)

● Toiletry Kit

● Fire starting kit

● Small knife

● Spare set of clothing

● Spare set of socks

● Appropriate backpacking meals for the length of the event

● Emergency blanket

● Hydration system or water bottles

● Whistle

● Quick Dry towel

● Biodegradable soap

● Personal Medications

Optional Items

● Trekking Poles

● Baselayer (inclement weather)

● Rain gear (inclement weather)

● Camp shoes (Crocs or similar)

● Insect repellent

● Earplugs

Rental Gear

Rental is available for an extra fee and includes the following:

-Backpack

-1 or 2-person tent

-Sleeping bag

-Sleeping pad

-Backpacking stove/fuel canister, long handled spoon

-Water filter

-Trowel

-Headlamp

-Trekking Poles

-Dry Bag for food storage

Tickets

1) Admission-$325. Includes admission for 1 person, transportation from select areas, and camping/permit fees. 

2) Admission w/Gear Rental-$450. Includes admission for 1 person, transportation from select areas, camping/permit fees, and rental gear during the event. A list of the rental gear is displayed under the "Rental Gear" section above.

3) Meal Package-$40/80. This package includes everything you will need for 1 day including breakfast bars/breakfast meal, protein/energy/meal replacement bars, jerky, nuts, lunch meal, dehydrated backpacking meal, and a dessert.

4) Hammock Rental-$150.  This add-on gear rental includes the following: Dream Hammock Darien 11' hammock, under quilt, top quilt, and tree straps with carabiners. A guide will assist you in setting up your hammock system. 

Safety

All True North Expeditions staff are certified in First Aid/CPR and every one of our events is led by a guide with a background in emergency medicine and a certified Wilderness First Aid instructor. Guides are experienced in wilderness and outdoor travel and are equipped with GPS and satellite phones during every portion of this event.

Cancellation Policy

No refunds will be issued for cancellations less than 14 days from the date of the event. All other cancellations are subject to a 50% service fee. A refund will be issued in the form of a check. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing, we will notify you when the refund has been issued. Additional information will be emailed to you after registering.