Intro to Hiking and Backpacking (55+) Illinois (April 2022)

Event Details

This event is specifically designed for people 55 years of age, or older. If you are interested in hiking a few more miles and want a true backcountry camping experience, please see the other Bootcamp event we have listed in Illinois over the same weekend, you can find that information here.

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 hiking and 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. This is also a great event to get you ready for day hiking at state forests or National Parks! 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. This portion of the event will be combined with our Beginner's Backpacking Bootcamp.

Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon we will take leisurely hikes, ranging in length from 1 to 4 miles. 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, rivers, or maybe provided by True North.

We will be camping at a group campsite Friday-Sunday, so we encourage you to bring your creature comforts so that you stay cozy all weekend.

If you have an RV, and want to bring it, you can make camping reservations here.

Meals

A dehydrated backpacking meal will be provided Friday night. Saturday and Sunday meals are the responsibility of the attendee. You may choose to dine at a local restaurant.  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 and include everything you need including breakfast bars, 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.

Gear rental is available for an extra fee and includes the following:

• 4 or 6 person tent
• Sleeping bag
• Cot
• Sleeping pad
• Backpacking stove
• Headlamp
• Trekking Poles

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. Refunds 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.

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.

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.