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Join Us for Backpacking 101 Webinar!

Are you dreaming of a backpacking adventure? Do you have your hopes set on hiking the Pacific Crest or Appalachian trails someday, but you’re not sure how to begin? If so, our Backpacking 101 webinar is for you. It takes place on Thursday, October 15th from 6 to 7:15 pm. You can register here. Once registered, you’ll receive an email prior to the event with a link and password to join the webinar. All participants will receive a $10 Whole Earth Coupon, and one lucky participant will receive a Nite Ize Gadget box!

Your guides for this webinar are Whole Earthlings Sean, Emery and Heather. Sean and Emery are old hands at backpacking. If you missed it, check out Emery’s blog post on dodging a forest fire while on the Pacific Crest Trail.  Heather will be demonstrating essential gear for backpackers. 

Like most adventures, planning is key. You’ll need to research the trail, elevation gain and loss, potential weather conditions, and logistics like permits and resupply for food and water. Other considerations include your personal objectives, hiking alone or in a group, the length of the hike and the number of days you’ll be gone. You’ll also need to have maps and a compass and know how to use them.

‘Be prepared’ is an excellent maxim for a backpacker to take to heart. Whether it’s having a working knowledge of first aid and a good kit, being able to identify and respond correctly to troublesome animals, plants and bugs, safely storing food overnight or trail etiquette during the day, you’ll want to know what to do should the occasion arise.

Other topics to be covered include hygiene, Leave No Trace, food and meal preparation, shelter, including tents and hammocks, sleep systems, extra clothing, and choosing a backpack and how to distribute the contents for the sake of your back. And then, what about hiking shoes? Boots vs low tops? Leather vs synthetic? Light hikers vs trail runners? And what about shoes for crossing water or wearing in camp? Earthlings are passionate about hiking shoes and boots, so be prepared for some excellent advice.

Gear can make a big difference in your level of comfort and safety. Critical items include trekking poles, headlamp, cutting tool, patch kit, water filter system, and power bank or phone charger. Heather will show you how they’re used. And we’ll take a look at how to clean and store your gear when you’re back home. 

After a question and answer session, one randomly selected attendee will receive a Nite Ize Gadget box! We hope you’ll join us for Backpacking 101 and take the first steps on making your backpacking dream a reality.