Classes and Outings > Introduction to Backcountry Skills Class Information

Introduction to Backcountry Skills Class

Description: Getting ready to head into the wilderness for the first time and not sure what you need to know or do to have a successful trip? Hone your skills during this outing while we will discuss the importance of proper planning, equipment selection, and other fundamental backcountry skills. This outing will include ample opportunity for demonstrations, discussion, skills practice and questions during a hike that will cover approximately 3 miles.

Skills you'll learn:

Key elements of pre-trip planning for backcountry travel, Basic concepts of navigation with map & compass and GPS, Proper clothing and equipment selection for the terrain and weather, Emergency preparedness (nutrition - hygiene - shelter - water)

Duration: 6 hours

Check out the gear list.

Required Legal Form:

This course requires the participant to read and sign a liability release form before participating. Please see "Required Legal Form" for the session you are registering for. You will need to print, sign and bring the form to your class.

Introduction to Backcountry Skills Class Information

Activity Level: (2) Easy Active
Activity Level
We have active classes for every fitness level, novice to vigorous. These guidelines will help you select the level of adventure that's right for you.
(1) Relaxed: Outdoor learning at its most relaxed.
Climbing: Easy climbing on indoor structures.
Paddling: Very protected bodies of water for short periods of time. No significant mileage.
Hiking: Walking on well-marked trails or in urban areas for 2 miles or less, and with little to no elevation change. Altitude is below 3000 ft.
Cycling: Learning to ride in a controlled environment with no bike or car traffic. No significant mileage.
(2) Easy Active: Great for newcomers to outdoor adventures.
Climbing: Short, easy hike to outdoor climbing area. Climbs are for beginners and are rated 5.5 � 5.9. Altitude is below 7000 ft.
Paddling: Protected bodies of water or mild conditions close to shore, for distances of 3 miles or less. Chance of capsize is minimal.
Hiking: Well marked trails in flat or rolling terrain with some possible steep sections. Elevation changes of up to 1000 feet over distances of less than 5 miles per day. Altitude is below 7000 ft.
Cycling: Riding in flat or rolling terrain with possible short steep hills (which can be walked), for distances of less than 15 miles. Riding pace is slow.
(3) Moderate: For active outdoor novices and above.
Climbing: Hikes into climbing areas may include moderate elevation gains, and be several miles long. Climbs are designed to challenge those ready, but accommodate beginners, and are rated 5.7 � 5.10 and below. Altitude is below 10,000 ft.
Paddling: Semi protected bodies of water or near shore, for distances of up to 12 miles. Wind and waves and current may be present, but are manageable. Chance of capsize is moderate, or may be a part of the curriculum.
Hiking: Trails in rolling terrain with some steep sections. Elevation changes of up to 3000 feet over distances of up to 10 miles per day hiking, or 6 miles per day backpacking. Altitude is below 10,000 ft.
Cycling: Riding in rolling terrain with some steeper and/or longer hills, at distances up to 25 miles. Riding pace is moderate.
(4) Vigorous: Recommended for fit outdoor enthusiasts
Climbing: Hikes into climbing areas may include significant elevation gains, and be several miles long. Climbs are designed to challenge advanced beginners and intermediates, and are rated above 5.7 � 5.11. Altitude is below 12,000 ft.
Paddling: Larger, un-protected bodies of water, for distances up to 15 miles. Open water crossings limited to less than 2 miles. Wind and waves and current are likely present. Chance of capsize is increased, or may be a part of the curriculum.
Hiking: Trails in rolling or steep terrain, with elevation changes of up to 5000 feet, over distances of up to 15 miles per day hiking, or 10 miles per day backpacking. Altitude is below 12,000 ft.
Cycling: Riding in rolling to steep terrain with extended climbs and descents at distances up to 35 miles. Riding pace is moderately fast and sustained.
(5) Strenuous: Designed for very fit outdoor enthusiasts.
Climbing: Hikes into climbing areas may include significant elevation gains, and be several miles long. Climbs are designed to challenge intermediates, and are rated above 5.9. Altitude may exceed 12,000 ft.
Paddling: Large, un-protected bodies of water, with wind up to 25 knots and waves of 2 � 3 feet, for distances of up to 15 miles. Designed to challenge intermediate paddlers in tough conditions. Chance of capsize is possible, or may be a part of the curriculum.
Hiking: trails in steep terrain, with elevation changes of up more than 5000 feet, over distances of more than 20 miles per day hiking, or more than 12 miles per day backpacking. Altitude may exceed 12,000 ft.
Cycling: Riding in steep terrain with extended climbs and descents, at distances of more than 40 miles. Riding pace is fast and sustained.
Skill Level: (3) Advanced
Skill Level
We have classes for every skill level, from novice to expert. These guidelines will help you select the skill level that's right for you.
(1) Beginner
If you've never had any previous experience with only been exposed to the activity or skill once or twice, this is the level for you. In these classes instructors focus on teaching you how to be comfortable along with the basic skills related to the activity.
Climbing: I can climb the jungle gym in the park or have tried climbing on an artificial wall once but don't know anything about the sport.
Paddling: I feel comfortable in the water but I've never been in a small boat like a canoe or kayak before
Hiking and Camping: I feel comfortable walking on well marked trails close to my home, but not exploring new trails. I'd like to learn the basics of camping
Navigating: I am intimidated by or have never used a topographical map, compass, or GPS.
Cycling: I've never ridden a bike or I know the basics of balancing but have difficulty shifting and braking.
(2) Intermediate
This level is for those who've learned the basic skills and understand the fundamentals of the activity, and can reasonably reproduce critical skills. More practice might be necessary to consider yourself competent, but you are ready for more in depth instruction.
Climbing: I can tie a figure eight knot, double back my harness, and can belay comfortably. I can comfortably climb 5.7 without much difficulty. I want to learn anchor building.
Paddling: I can get in and out of boats comfortably, I can hold a paddle properly, know some basic strokes, and I am relatively stabile on the water. I'm ready to learn rescue skills and navigation.
Hiking and Camping: I feel comfortable hiking and am beginning to explore some new trails with more challenging terrain. I've got a backpack and want to learn how to use it more often.
Navigating: I recognize the details on a map, though I still make mistakes reading them. I am starting to follow terrain features instead of always needing a trail. I can enter a waypoint into a GPS and can travel to it. I am starting to link waypoints to get to a location.
Cycling: I can shift, brake and reasonably climb and descend hills that aren't too steep or sustained. I am a bit uncomfortable on uneven surfaces and in traffic and still sometimes have trouble shifting on hills. When mountain biking I can manage small obstacles effectively and want to learn how to go over larger obstacles.
(3) Advanced
If you feel very confident in the foundational skills of this activity and are beginning to feel confident as an intermediate, this level is for you. In these courses you will gain advanced skills to deepen your knowledge base.
Climbing: I consider myself a climber, I know how to set up anchors on bolts but could use more practice learning how to set up using artificial protection. I'm interested in lead climbing, but a bit nervous.
Paddling: I feel comfortable doing a t-rescue and paddle float re-entry, and I am ready to, or have started to, work on my Eskimo roll. I would like to learn to paddle through the surf zone to go out into the open ocean.
Hiking: I feel comfortable out hiking on trails and have backpacked on my own. I'd like to learn how to go off trail.
Navigating: I use terrain features to navigate, and use my compass to measure and follow bearings without difficulty and to triangulate my position. I can build and follow complex routes on my GPS, utilize the track log to re-trace my steps, and understand how to use coordinates effectively. I am ready to learn to navigate off trail in the wilderness.
Cycling: I feel comfortable on a variety of terrain and off road. I have mountain biked on single tracks and maneuvered through obstacles, but still feel a bit uncomfortable with big obstacles and drops. I can ride on most urban streets, but busy intersections and lots of traffic still cause me concern.
Minimum Age: 10

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Introduction to Backcountry Skills Class Gear List

Gear to bring to class:

(Required)

Hat/ Sun protection – An item to help protect your face and neck from sunburn.
Sun Protection – Lip balm, sunscreen, wide-brim hats, etc.
Rain Gear – Waterproof/resistant jacket, pants and hat.
Hiking Boots
Water Bottle
Daypack – Day pack large enough to carry water, food and layers.
Appropriate Hiking Attire – Moisture wicking clothing that will help keep you warm and/or dry.
Lunch & Snacks

(Optional)