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

Location

Mt. Rainier National Park

North Cascades National Park

Olympic National Park

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 hosting one trip to each of Washington's three amazing National Parks - pick one or experience all three! If you are interested in a different date or location, contact us to set up a custom trip.

[{"id":50192438395181,"title":"Mt. Rainier National Park","option1":"Mt. Rainier National Park","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Overnight Backpacking Course - Mt. Rainier National Park","public_title":"Mt. Rainier National Park","options":["Mt. Rainier National Park"],"price":39900,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":null,"barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":50192438427949,"title":"North Cascades National Park","option1":"North Cascades National Park","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Overnight Backpacking Course - North Cascades National Park","public_title":"North Cascades National Park","options":["North Cascades National Park"],"price":39900,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":null,"barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":50192438460717,"title":"Olympic National Park","option1":"Olympic National Park","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Overnight Backpacking Course - Olympic National Park","public_title":"Olympic National Park","options":["Olympic National Park"],"price":42900,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":null,"barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}]

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.

Equipment List

Payment & Cancellation Policies

Travel Information & Trip Insurance

Meet the Team

Gratuities

FAQs