Beginner Backpacker Class

We had our first class session this weekend in Raleigh and we covered a lot of territory. We discussed why anyone would want to backpack, both the practical and the metaphysical aspects, and we delved into gear and books and what folks expected from the class.

For a reference book we're using "The Backpacker's Field Manual" by Rick Curtis, who is director of the Princet on University Outdoor Action program. This is a good book because it covers every aspect of backpacking, so it is broad in nature.