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Learn about the gear and learn the skills needed to successfully complete your first overnight backpacking adventure.
This half-day workshop will introduce the basics of backpacking. Open to any woman 18 or older, it is intended for women with little or no previous backpacking experience.
Participants will learn about different gear needed for an overnight backpacking hike, how to pack a backpack and how to cook sample dinners over a backpacking stove. We will also discuss how to plan your trip, hygiene and safety. During this session, participants will take a guided hike with a backpack.
This is a rain or shine event, so participants should dress appropriately for the weather and wear long pants and sturdy, close-toed shoes for hiking over uneven terrain and bring a refillable water bottle. If participants have their own gear for backpacking, they are invited to bring those items. Backpacks and sample gear will be provided for the program.
Registration is limited to 10 participants and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $20, which includes a backpacking spork utensil, a safety bandana and a box lunch with water for each person.
Because an example backpacking meal will be made on site, please alert the organizers to any allergies or dietary restrictions by emailing Kellie Huhn at [email protected] on or before Oct. 3.
To register, go to Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses and click on the "Purchase a license" button. Sign in (using either a username and password or your ID and birthdate), and find the class under the Becoming an Outdoors Woman tab.
Cancellation policy: The cancellation deadline is two weeks before the class. To cancel your registration, please contact our Customer Service help desk line at 800-737-6367. Cancellations made up to two weeks before the class will be completely refunded to the original form of payment. If you cancel after the deadline, no refund will be issued.
A Recreation Passport is required for entry into Waterloo Recreation Area.
This class is part of the DNR's Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, which breaks down the barriers to female participation in outdoor activities, while building useful skills, in a fun and experiential way. Learn more at Michigan.gov/BOW.