Name: Overnight Backpacking Course
Brand: Kaf Adventures
Price: 399.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$399.00

Location

North Cascades National Park

Olympic National Park

Alpine Lakes Wilderness

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Spend two days hiking through some of Washington’s most scenic and peaceful places while learning the skills you’ll need to become a proficient backpacker. With the help of our expert instructors, you will learn how to plan a trip, navigate on trail, set up camp, cook delicious backcountry meals, and manage potential hazards. This weekend trip will give you the confidence you need to start venturing deeper into the wilderness and exploring wild places.

In 2025 we are visiting two National Parks and one special Wilderness Area. If you are interested in a different date or location, contact us to set up a custom trip.

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Duration

2 days
1 night

Season

Summer
Autumn

Client:Guide Ratio

6:1

Minimum Participants

3

Day 1 - Arrive at your designated meeting location by 8am to go over equipment, distribute group gear, and finish loading your packs before driving to the trailhead. You will hike for most of the day with stops for pictures, snacks, and talks about maps, terrain, and the environment around you. By late afternoon you'll arrive at your home for the evening with plenty of time to set up camp and relax before a hot meal and a good night's sleep.

Day 2 - Wake up in the beautiful backcountry and enjoy a morning of coffee, breakfast, and conversation. Eventually, pack up camp for the hike out. You can expect to be back to the parking lot around 4pm.

Some experience day hiking is recommended.
Any additional backcountry experience will enhance your ability to learn, but is not required.
Ability to hike for 6 hours with a 30-40 lb pack, 2 days in a row.

For a custom course, let us know your goals! Any skill level can be accommodated and an appropriate objective will be selected for the group.

Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email full of important information - make sure to read it thoroughly!
7-10 days before your trip you will receive an email from your guide containing even more details, including the exact meetup location and time.
Plan to attend a virtual pre-trip meeting in the evening a few days before your course begins. This is required and a great opportunity to meet your guide, review gear, discuss your trip plan, and ask any last minute questions. For Sat-Sun AIARE courses plan on Thursday 6:30-8:30pm; otherwise the exact time of your meeting will be set by your instructor and noted in their welcome email.
Leading up to your course, make sure to eat healthy, drink extra water, and get plenty of sleep.
Please arrive on time and ready to go at your pre-arranged meeting location. Upon arrival, we'll distribute any group gear and finish loading our packs. From there we will caravan to the trailhead.
All along the way, our office team is available via email or phone to answer any questions you may have.

This course will leave you with knowledge and practical application of:

Using USFS and other topographic maps to identify potential areas, trails, and facilities for hiking and backpacking.
Local land management agencies and permits required for use.
Selecting a route that meets your experience level and constructing an accurate terrain profile that includes distance, elevation gain and loss, hazards, escape routes.
Equipment needs of both individuals and groups on day, overnight, and extended trips.
Fitness requirements needed for backpacking and conditioning methods for this activity.
Navigation in the field.
Local ecology, geology, fauna, and flora.
Responsible backcountry camping techniques and Leave No Trace ethics.
Food planning, preparation, and cooking processes.

PLUS:

A fun experience you’ll remember forever!
A sense of accomplishment in achieving your goals for the trip.
Confidence in your newfound skills and where to take them next.
Tips and tricks to add to your toolbox from our professional and knowledgeable guides.

Payment & Cancellation Policies

Travel Information & Trip Insurance

Meet the Team

Gratuities

FAQs

Equipment Lists

Required Gear

Head/face protection
-warm hat
-sun hat *baseball cap is fine
-neck gaiter *buff
-sunglasses with good side coverage
Waterbottles with at least 2L capacity
Sleeping gear
-20º-30º sleeping bag
-sleeping pad
Backpack 45-60L capacity *make sure to leave room for group gear
Personal mess kit
-bowl *w/ lid prefered
-cup
-utensil
Protective layers
-puffy jacket
-rain jacket and pants
Clothing comfortable to hike in. Moisture wicking, wool or synthetic
Personal kit
-sunscreen *SPF 40 or higher
-lip balm
-headlamp and extra batteries
-toiletries *please bring a plastic baggie for waste
-personal medications and first aid
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots

Not Pictured/Optional Gear
☐Lunches and snacks ☐ Trekking poles ☐ Whistle
☐ Pocketknife/Leatherman ☐ Extra nylon cord (25-50’)
☐ Area maps and compass ☐ Heavy duty plastic trash bags (for water-proofing) ☐ Note pad/pencil ☐ Camera
☐ Watch ☐ Half foam pad to stand/sit in snow ☐ Shorts/t-shirt ☐ Extra stuff sacks ☐ Bandana