Advanced Backpacking Bootcamp-Indiana

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, 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 will 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, 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.

Meals

Participants are expected to bring all meals and equipment for this trip.

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

● Base layer (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

-UL Sleeping pillow (fleece pillowcase you can stuff your extra clothes into)

-Backpacking stove/fuel canister

-Water filter

-Trowel

-Headlamp

-Trekking Poles

-Dry Bag for food storage

Safety

All True North Expeditions staff are certified in First Aid/CPR and every one of our events is lead 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 7 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.