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Learn the skills required plan and complete a multi day backpacking trip.
This is an intermediate level course geared toward hikers and mountaineers who want to learn more about trip planning, navigation, meal planning and backpacking.
We use a variety of venues near Invermere for the field component of this course. Venues will be chosen with student input to provide appropriate challenge and learning opportunities.
This hands on, student lead course will prepare you to strike out on epic adventures all your own.
Itinerary:
Day 1 (Town Based):
Day one we will meet up at 900am in Invermere where we will spend the day discussing a detailed trip plan, equipment list and meal plan for the upcoming trip. We will pack our food and other supplies. By the end of the day we will be packed and prepared for the coming expedition. (Sleep in Invermere on Day 1)
Day 2:
We will depart on our trip, heading into the wilderness. We will take breaks along the way to discuss curriculum topics and allow for student involvement in all decisions. We will set up a wilderness camp for the night.
Day 3:
We will pack up our camp and continue on our journey, taking time to practice navigation and route finding. In the eveneing we will set up camp once more and enjoy a final wilderness evening.
Day 4:
We will pack up our camp one last time before descending back to civilization and enjoying a good meal while we discuss the learning from the trip.
Course Outline
Wilderness Hazard Recognition and risk management
Proper fitting and selection of backpacking equipment
What to pack on a backpacking trip
Bear and wildlife safety considerations
Leave no trace techniques and principles
Trip planning
Meal planning
Organizing a pack for a multi-day backpacking trip
Pacing while on the trail
Navigation with map, compass and GPS
Camp site selection
Shelter construction
Emergency gear and preparedness
Selecting proper footwear
Dressing for the mountains
Checking weather and conditions
Monitoring weather and conditions
Environmental hazards: Lightning, animals, rockfall, snow and ice
Navigating with a map and compass
Navigating with a GPS
tracking progress and estimating timing
equipment maintenance and repair in the field.
Transportation
High clearance vehicle is recommended for some trips Most SUVs and trucks are fine. We can also provide transport for up to 4 guests if you'd prefer. This will be discussed prior to the trip.
Accommodation
On day 1 guests are responsible for their own accommodation in Invermere
On day 2-3 we will utilize a "light mountaineering style camp" at a remote wilderness location.
Meals
Meals are Light weight backpacking style meals. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are provided during the out trip days.
Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions prior to the start of the trip.
Equipment List
Personal Gear
Boots – 3 Season Mountaineering boots. Waterproof and crampon compatible. NSM can provide boots if required. (Included - limited availability so let us know well ahead of time your shoe size!)
Sleeping bag – good to approx. -5 or -10 degrees Celsius. (NSM can rent you this if you need it- Additional fee $10/day.)
Sleeping pad – Therm-a-rest style or closed-cell foam. (NSM can provide this if you need - Included)
Large Backpack – 50-80 litre capacity (NSM can provide this if you need - Included)
Outer layer jacket with hood – Gore-Tex style
Lightweight outer layer waterproof pants – Gore-Tex style
Lightweight thermal layers – top & bottom, Polypro, Icebreaker, etc.
Climbing/hiking pants – nylon, fleece, Schoeller, etc. (1 pair)
Gloves (medium weight) – wool or poly-pro (1 pair)
Waterproof gloves or mitts (gloves work best) (1 pairs)
Warm parka/jacket – down, synthetic, fleece or pile (1)
Sweater or vest – wool, synthetic, fleece or down (1)
Socks – wool or synthetic blend (1-2 pairs)
Toque/warm hat – wool or fleece (1)
Sunglasses – UV block with good eye coverage (1pr)
Ski goggles
Headlamp with new batteries
Personal 1st aid (blister kit, toothbrush, blister kit, toilet paper, etc.)
Misc. personal items (camera, journal, etc.)
Sunscreen – minimum spf45
Water bottles/hydration system – minimum 1 litres
Walking pole(s) – Optional but helpful for the approach/descent
Gaiters (1 pair) – Optional if built-in paint gaiters or boot gaiters
Communal equipment (supplied by NSM):
Lightweight 2 to 4 person tents
Group tent / cooking shelter
cooking stove and fuel
Cooking sets
Personal eating utensils – cup, bowl, spoon
Compass and map
GPS
Emergency shelter
First aid kit
Satellite communication device
VHF radio
Season and availability:
May: Early season conditions. Depending on the year there can be a lot of snow on the ground. Some hikes will be too wet or icy.
June to August: Main season. Most routes will be in condition.
September: Fall conditions. Snow is more likely
Price (Not including 5% GST):
$950.00 per Guest
Minors under 16 are $180 per minor when accompanied by a guardian.
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