Beginners Backpacking Bootcamp - Illinois (April 2023)
Fri, Apr 28
|Forest Glen Preserve
Have you ever wanted to backpack but weren't sure how to get started? This course is designed for anyone new to backpacking or anyone wanting to get out and explore in a social setting. Our goal is to ensure you gain the knowledge and confidence you need to backpack on your own or with a group.
Time & Location
Apr 28, 2023, 5:00 PM – Apr 30, 2023, 5:00 PM
Forest Glen Preserve, 20301 900 North Rd, Georgetown, IL 61846, USA
Guests
About The Event
Event Details
This event is suitable for anyone in Class 1, 2, or 3. All levels of experience are welcome. For an explanation of the way we classify events, visit this page.
Don't let the title of the event scare you off! This course is designed for inexperienced, new backpackers, but we have found that even those that have been backpacking for a number of years still find something to take away from this course. It is a great opportunity for those that would like to brush up on their backpacking skills, learn about new equipment or test out new equipment in the safety of a group. During this event, you will be hiking and camping in beautiful backcountry settings. Our primary goal is to help guests become confident, self-sufficient, and familiar with their gear while gaining the skills required to be safe and comfortable while backpacking.
Our friendly, trail-wise staff will walk you through every step of the way so that you can enjoy the rejuvenating spirit of the outdoors. Sign up with friends, or by yourself. Either way, we guarantee you’ll leave the trip with a group of like-minded friends.
This event takes place over the course of 2.5 days and starts on Friday. After you arrive and check-in, there will be an informative 2-3 hour session when you'll learn how to select the right gear for your trip, food planning/selection, LNT principles, proper packing, hygiene, water filtration, food storage (hanging a "bear bag"),. Experienced True North staff will also provide you with a "gear shakedown," where we make recommendations on gear that you may or may not need which reduces pack weight, making your experience more enjoyable.
Dinner is provided Friday night at the group camp. Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon we will be hiking approximately 7 miles, stopping at mile 4 Saturday night to camp at a backcountry site. The terrain and trail where we will be hiking may contain land features such as ledges, steep ascents/descents, unstable, wooden crossings, and can be strenuous at times. The trails may also be wet, slippery, muddy, and rocky. We will obtain water from local sources such as springs, streams, creeks, and rivers, or will be provided by True North.
Meals
Dinner is provided Friday night. Saturday and Sunday meals are the responsibility of the attendee. Information regarding the types of meals we suggest on the trial will be sent out prior to the event. If you have any questions regarding meals or types of food to bring, you can contact the event hosts at any time.
Meal packages are available at a rate of $40.00 per day and include everything you need including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and will include items such as protein/energy/meal replacement bars, jerky, nuts, lunch meal, dehydrated backpacking meals, and a dessert. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know when selecting the "Meal Package" option during registration. Your meals will be waiting for you on the day of the event, simply add them to your pack!
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
-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
Ticket Options
Admission-$285
Admission for one person. You must obtain your own gear. We will contact you with a list of required gear prior to the start of the trip.
Admission w/Gear Rental-$425
In addition to admission, this ticket includes gear rental for one person. We will contact you with a list of additional required gear prior to the start of the trip.
One Day Meal Package-$40
This package includes all the food and snacks 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.
Three-Day Meal Package-$120
This package includes all the food and snacks you will need for 3 days including breakfast bars/breakfast meal, protein/energy/meal replacement bars, jerky, nuts, lunch meal, dehydrated backpacking meal, and a dessert.
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.
We ask that guests refrain from bringing alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons of any kind (excluding a pocket knife for use on the trail).
Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be issued for cancellations 30 days or less 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, or the original payment method. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing, we will notify you when the refund has been issued.
If you have purchased a meal package and cancel at any time, you will receive a full refund for the unused meal packages only.
True North Expeditions, Inc. reserves the right to substitute the events listed in the description above in the event of inclement weather, availability, or other uncontrollable events. Additional information will be emailed to you after registering.
Donate and Give Back to the Outdoor Community
We are teaming up with *Gear Forward in an attempt to collect new and unused gear, specifically sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks. Illinois resident Scott Gauvin is the founder of Gear Forward, an independent nationwide non-profit that provides gear to non-profit community organizations, youth groups, and charities working with young people in the outdoors. If you have one of the above-mentioned pieces of gear and would like to donate it, please bring it with you. After our winter events, the gear that we collect will be turned over to Gear Forward.
*As stated above, Gear Forward is an independent nationwide non-profit that provides gear to non-profit community organizations, youth groups, and charities working with young people in the outdoors. Founded by Scott Gauvin, Gear Forward aims to encourage people to donate unused outdoor gear they no longer want or need. Gear Forward also seeks partnerships with outdoor retailers and manufacturers to encourage donations of unused gear or donations by customers.
The outdoors are our collective greatest treasure and gift that we offer the next generation. Gear Forward, simply is about providing the next generation of stewards, adventurers, Scoutmasters, and Girl Scout Leaders the resources they need to get outdoors. No child should be denied access to all the outdoors has to offer because they don't have the necessary equipment. Through the collection of gently used outdoor gear, Gear Forward will work with other youth and outdoor-focused organizations to get donated gear into the hands that need it.
Through the donation of outdoor gear, Gear Forward will provide youth in need via various noteworthy organizations the ability to participate in outdoor-themed activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking. You can find out more about Gear Forward by visiting their Facebook page or website.
Tickets
Admission
Admission is for 1 person. You must obtain your own gear. We will contact you with a list of required gear prior to the start of the trip.
$285.00Sale endedAdmission w/Gear Rental
This ticket includes gear rental for one person and includes all of the items listed below. We will contact you with a list of additional required gear prior to the start of the trip. Gear Rental includes: -Backpack -1 or 2 person tent -Sleeping bag -Sleeping pad -Sleeping pillow -Backpacking stove -Water filter -Trowel -Headlamp -Trekking Poles
$425.00Sale ended1 Day Meal Package
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.
$40.00Sale ended3 Day Meal Package
This package includes everything you will need for 3 days including breakfast bars/breakfast meal, protein/energy/meal replacement bars, jerky, nuts, lunch meals, dehydrated backpacking meals and desserts.
$120.00Sale ended
Total
$0.00