OVERVIEW
Outpost will be a true backcountry backpacking experience. We will carry everything we need (a lot lighter than you might think) to spend two nights away from everything. This is an amazing opportunity to build confidence and have fun adventure. Details about the trip (dates, mileage, logistics, etc.) can be accessed here. There won't be toilets or running water (except for what is in streams). We will use backpacking stoves to cook our own food and filters to obtain water we can drink. We will see some sites that most people never get to see and we will learn skills that will make you confident to plan and enjoy future trips with your own knowledge and experience.
What to do if this makes you excited: Enjoy! This will be an amazing adventure!
What to do if this makes you nervous: Embrace the nervousness! Use it as an opportunity to learn and prepare. Because this will be a physically demanding trip and because our preparation will determine just how much we can have fun and thrive, we will all prepare together to make sure this is a successful trip. Preparation basically consists of (1) making sure you can hike the mileage we will be going by doing practice hikes with us (click here for details about those hikes), (2) making sure you have and know how to use the gear you will need (Stake has great/new tents for everyone), (3) checking in with us with any questions.
What we need from You: Please let us know if you will be coming and what you need to feel comfortable and excited for this trip.
What you can count on from us: Tons of information and support. We also promise a heartfelt desire to make this one of the best experiences you have this summer and 100% willingness to help you prepare in any way. We typically go hiking twice per month early on Saturday mornings and would love to have anyone come along to get to know each other, help us get in shape, and learn.
DETAILS
We have summarized some information about packs, sleeping bags, clothing, etc. below. Click on each link to get into the details and please let us know if you have any questions.
Leave No Trace - we can't overemphasize this enough. A group our size can be a serious, ugly impact to the wilderness if we aren't intentional about leaving no trace. We don't get fired up about much, but leaving trash or failing to properly dispose of waste (and associated TP) is top on the list.
Hike Your Own Hike (HYOH) - learn from others, but don't get too caught up in the latest gear/fads/must-haves. Find what works for you and go with it (as long as it leaves no trace).
Clothing - what to wear, what not to wear.
Backpacks - How to choose one that fits, how to pack it, what to avoid.
Sleep Systems - Sleeping bags and pads. Down or synthetic bag? Inflatable or closed-cell pad? How to be happy, warm, and comfy at night.
Shelter - The stake purchased some nice Marmot (solid brand) Tungsten tents. These sleep two people and are great 3-season tents. The stake also has two seperate 3-person tents. I'm a huge fan of tarps instead of tents (just personal preference). Feel free to go that route on Outpost if it is appealing to you.
Footwear - Blisters are no fun. How do we avoid them? How do we deal with them? Ideas about footwear that may work for you.
Food, Water, and Cooking - We will supply all the food for Outpost. The wilderness will supply the water. Food prep will be simple - it will either be no cook or will just require that we boil water. You will need to know how to operate your stove and how to filter your drinking water, and we are happy to help show you how to do this if you have any questions. Water filters - the Sawyer Squeeze is a low cost, but effective filter that I have used for years. This site also has reviews of several popular filters. A group of two to four girls can (and should) share a filter and stove. Sharing keeps the cost and weight down.
Wildlife - What about bears and other critters?
Hiking Efficiently - How do I not get tired? Are trekking poles for me?
Section Hiker is a great website with lots of articles for beginning backpackers.
A little fun at a Bloomington Lake, ID