When: Saturday, May 4

Our course will begin at noon and last about 2 hours.

Where: We’ll be meeting at the Matanuska River Park. Look for us in a pavilion next to the campground area.

Class cost:

• Course fees are $35 per person

• Courses fees are $30 per person for Adventure Club members

Do you have scholarships? Yes! We offer community scholarships. Learn more and apply here.

Is registration required? Yes. In order to maintain our small group size (max 12 participants) we ask that you register in advance.

About the class:  Join Colleen Alexis Metzger for a session reviewing backpacking basics. This course will review the following topics:

• What's in a backpack? Ultralight vs traditional backpacking

• Clothing and layering to stay warm 

• The 10 essentials - emergency gear

• How to “do your business” while out backpacking 

• Trip planning 

• Food to bring, using stoves, storing food 

• Site selection, tent choices 

Participants will leave with a basic overview of each of these topics. We will also highlight resources available for additional learning.

About Colleen: Colleen Alexis Metzger is a theatrical costumer whose work has taken her around the country. When she came to Alaska, she only intended to stay for a year...but fell in love with the mountains, and all the adventures they held. She's now lived in Alaska for over a decade, where she is a hiker, climber, backpacker, skier, and ultramarathoner.