
Dear Dragons of the Rio Grande,
Let’s get yacking about packing! Please note, this post is not the official packing list! That info can be found on page 27 of your course preparation manual. That will tell you pretty much everything you need to know but we’ve added a couple of things here that are also important that we’d like to bring some extra attention to.
A couple of other Q & A’s…
Q: Will I have to carry all of my stuff on our treks?
A: No. We’ll be able to leave town clothes and other non-essentials behind when we’re backpacking. That being said, make sure that all of your gear fits neatly into your pack without undue strain. When we’re moving around, it’s very helpful for you and the whole group to only have one bag to pack and carry. When we trek, the space created by the belongings we leave behind will be used to pack food and group gear. Do a quick test and load up your pack with your trekking gear and make sure there’s some room to spare!
Q: How much should my trekking gear weigh?
A: That will depend a little bit on the gear choices you make and your own comfort level. A good rule of thumb that many backpackers use is that your total pack weight (with food and water) should not be more than ¼ to ⅓ of your body weight. Personally I recommend trying to make sure your base weight (weight without food and water) is no more than 20lbs. or so. If you’re having trouble, reach out and we’ll help you with a “shake down”!
Other questions or concerns? The gear list can be intimidating! Do your best, keep asking us any questions you have here on the Yak board, and keep breathing. Really, it’s only stuff. YOU and your willingness to be flexible and learn are way more important than anything you’ll find in a store.
Happy packing,
Your instructors