PRIVATE Women's Beginner Backpacking Trip

* ***THIS IS A WOMEN-IDENTIFYING-ONLY TRIP****

On this adventure, we will be learning the essential skills that every person needs to know about backpacking! Join us on an overnight trip where you will get hands-on training on how to choose, use, and pack equipment, pick a campsite, filter water, cook, start a fire, and navigate your personal needs while in the backcountry. How we operate in the wild is different than how we operate in the city. The goal of this class is to help give you the skills so that the next time you decide to hit the backcountry on your own or with friends, you will know exactly how to plan and prepare. And the best part? We will be learning all of this in the amazing Los Padres National Forest, which happens to be the third largest national forest in California.

The trail is a simple 4-mile out-and-back trail located in the Angeles National Forest. It is rated easy/moderate with a 900ft elevation gain.

Class Format:

Zoom/In Person Sessions (2)

• Introduction
• Equipment/Essentials

Overnight Backpacking Trip (2 days/1 night)

• We will meet at a designated location and carpool to beginning of the trailhead. There we will begin our lesson with the basics in packing your backpack. After this short session, we will hit the trails and make our way to the campsite.
• Along the way, we will be learning about navigation, wildlife safety and trail etiquette, as well as just take in the beauty of the national forest. There will be plenty opportunities to take photos, so make sure to bring a camera or charge your phone!
• Once we get to the campsite, we will unpack and learn how set up camp. This will be where most of the hands-on instruction will happen.
• The next day, we will pack up and make our way back to the parking lot where we will end our trip.

Class Capacity: 1

Course will include:

• ***Gear (backpack, sleeping bag, pillow, sleeping pad, tent, stove, all cookware, and water filters)
• Food (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Group First Aid Kit
• Navigation Materials
• Permits California Forest Adventure Annual Pass for carpooling.

Course does NOT include:

• Personal California Forest Adventure Day/Annual Pass (for parking). Carpooling is an option.

***If you have your own gear and would like to bring it, you may inform the instructor once you've signed up for the class.

What to Bring:

(Required)

• 2 Liters of Water - At least two one-liter water bottles, such as a Nalgene bottle, or a large hydration bladder.
• Hiking Boots
• Hiking Socks - Moisture wicking socks to help keep your feet cool and dry.
• Weather Appropriate Clothing - Moisture wicking synthetic or wool layers to help keep you comfortable and/or dry.
• Warm clothing - it can get chilly at night.
• Personal Headlamp/Flashlight
• Trekking Poles
• Personal Prescription Medications - Including, but not limited to, epinephrine auto-injectors for anaphylactic allergies.
• Personal Toiletries
• Proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result
• Rain Gear - Waterproof/resistant jacket, pants and hat.
• Sun Protection - Lip balm, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses etc.
• Utensils - A good choice is the REI Campware Utensil Set
• Mug
• Plate/Bowl
• Snacks

(Optional)

• Change of clothes
• Lip Balm/Protection
• Personal Equipment - Lightweight tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.
• Pillow - Bring a camp pillow (or stuff sack that you can fill with clothing)
• Bug protection
• Water Shoes/Sandals - Foot attire that will protect your feet and is okay to get wet. (e.g. Crocs, Teva, Chaco, Keen [not flip-flops])
• Wide Brim Hat w/ Retainer - Sun protective & safe in case of wind

Meals:

All meals will be provided as noted above. Please reach out to the instructor after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.

Instructor:

Nikki Taylor is an outdoor instructor and hiking guide with 10+ years experience recreating in the outdoors. She is Wilderness First Aid certified, Food Handling certified, Maps & Navigation trained and a Leave No Trace trainer.

Cancellation Policy:

Due to the structure of the class/activity, you will have up to 2 weeks before the trip starts to cancel for a full refund. After that, you will NOT be eligible to receive a full refund. If you have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, please reach out to the instructor. You are welcome to transfer your ticket to another person on the waitlist. Please contact the instructor to discuss this option. If the instructor cancels for any reason, you’ll always get a full refund, but please note that bad weather does not mean automatic cancellation. I'll notify you if your class or event is canceled.

Covid-19 Travel Policy:

To keep everyone on the trip safe, we highly recommend that you are up to date with your COVID19 vaccinations. Per CDC policy, masks are not required when gathering outdoors. If you are unvaccinated, we highly discourage you from sharing transportation, food, water and other personal items. Please do not attend if you have had any flu-like symptoms and if you have been exposed to or have tested positive for Covid in the last 14 days. If you develop flu-like symptoms within 14 days after joining this class, please contact the instructor immediately.

IIf you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us through the following methods:

• Email: adventurepea1@gmail.com
• IG: WayOutWild_