Backpacking Conditioner

Clinic

Backpacking Conditioner - Little Si & Boulder Garden Loop

Backpacking Conditioner

  • Easy/Moderate
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 5.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
  • Pace: 1-1.5mph with breaks

We will meet at the Little Si trailhead at 7:45AM with the goal of being on trail by 8:00AM. A Discover Pass is required. Optional carpooling arrangements will be coordinated as we approach the trip date.

This is a social hike in addition to being a conditioning hike, so we will stick together as a group as much as possible. As the new mom of a future Mountaineer/backpacker, we will be taking a 20-30min break at least every 3 hours for pumping and snacks regardless of weather. Please be sure to pack layers/rain gear for wet and cold conditions, as these breaks are physiologically necessary. Ideally we will be able to take a single break at our approximate halfway point (Little Si), and a second long break will not be needed. 

This hike is part of an inaugural series of pre-season Backpacking Conditioners.  

These events are intended to help current backpacking course students as well as course graduates build their fitness and endurance through the winter and spring months to tackle their summer objectives, as well as build community within the Mountaineers backpacking community.

Each of these hikes are tailored to meet specific pack weight, distance, and elevation goals which will steadily increase as the clinics move through the spring months. While it is encouraged to slowly increase these factors over time, feel free to join if you judge yourself as being capable of meeting these targets.

While these conditioning hikes are carefully planned, they are intended to support and develop the backpacking community within this organization. With this goal in mind, the pace will be slow to encourage conversation and bonding time, as well as develop aerobic fitness.

Route/Place

Little Si


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Your usual day hiking or backpacking kit. To meet the weight targets, consider adding extra water that can be dumped if you find it to be too heavy.

Trip Reports