Beginner's backpack course

Saturday, February 25, indoor session at the Alpine Lodge on Mount Tamalpais; plus one local overnight backpack in March, April or May (several dates available).

Learn how to travel safely and comfortably with only a pack on your back in a beginner's backpack course offered by the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter Backpack Section and the California Alpine Club. The program consists of an indoor session plus a local overnight backpack in a small group with experienced leaders in March, April and May (several dates available).

Cost is $75 per person, or $40 for participants of ages 18 and under or college students. Early registration is recommended.

The course is designed for people with little or no experience backpacking who want to explore backcountry trails. Topics include trip planning, basic wilderness and travel skills, gear, clothing, food, stove operation, low-impact camping, and how to avoid accidents.

Participants need to be in good physical shape and have no serious health conditions. Some experience in day hiking is highly desirable. Sierra Club membership is not required. For more details and an application, go to the Backpack Section web site at www.sierrabackpack.org or contact Thomas Meissner at thomas-at-remss.com (strongly preferred) or (707) 795-7980 (not after 9 pm).