This meetup group is for those who want to go hiking and camping without having to come back to the starting point, repeatedly, till it's time to go home (day hiking). That is to say, you carry your camping gear with you in a BACKPACK. Now you are not only a hiker and camper, but also a backpacker.

That is what this club is for - to promote and support backpacking activities of meetup members in and around the KOI tri-state area. (although some of our trips with be outside that geographical area)

Maybe you are already an outdoorsman/woman. I guarantee you are going to learn something new on our hikes. I always do, and I've been backpacking since I was 15. We're also going to plan some training events that involve some non-backpacking events that will teach or polish backpacking-related skills:

Leave No Trace, Map Reading and Navigation, Survival Skills, First Aid, Campfire Cooking, Outdoor Personal Hygene, How to size and buy backpacks, shoes, boots and other gear

Check out our "Files" tab on the left side-bar. There is a document there titled "New Backpacker Orientation" that will help you get started if you are new to backpacking or just new to our group. Some of the original and better stuff may require you to be logged in to even see it in the list, so log in before searching the Files. There are some maps. Also check out the "Hiking Links.htm" document. Just click on it and it opens like a web page. It is divided into sections, but it's almost all related to hiking. There's links to gear suppliers, technical how-to's, maps, parks and even some funny hiking videos.

Please note that I have chosen to disable the list-e-mail feature in favor of the message board. I have done that to prevent everyone from being spammed. I'll try to monitor the message board fairly closely, but please contact me if offensive messages have been posted. Offending everyone is my job and I take that responsibility seriously. (kidding)

With the beginning of the 2009 season, we have accepted local area outfitters as sponsors of our meetup group. Click here to read up on the numerous bennefits you will enjoy because of this arrangment.

BTW, a sense of humor is required. Don't have a sense of humor? That's ok, I'll help you with that. (Laugh along with me when I laugh at you - you'll catch on.)

There is an adage that says that sports doesn't build character, sports reveals character. This is never more true than in backpacking. In any other sport, if you don't like it you can take your dolly and go home. In backpacking you are like a turtle or snail, your "home" is on your back. You're stuck with the group for the duration.

Folks, there are lots of different kinds of backpackers. Are you the lone ranger type? Do you HAVE to be in front or are racing for it? Do you have to be THE expert on every subject - especially "guy" stuff? Are you a "stickler"? Can't pace yourself and still enjoy a hike with less experienced folk? Do you refuse to maintain a moderate pace sufficient to keep you with the group as some sort of passive/aggressive control mechanism? Do you tend to go off in a huff when things don't go your way? Are you closed to any suggestions from experienced backpackers that might improve the experience for the rest of the group? Is the glass always half empty? Then let me invite you to form your own group. The keyword is "group". We are a meetup and backpacking GROUP. Whatever happens on a hike, we start and end together, as a GROUP.

The point of this club is to have FUN while backpacking and enjoying meeting new and different people. If that sounds good to you, come help make it a reality. I look forward to meeting you and together exploring some new trails and horizons.

By joining this Meetup and participating in our activities, you agree to be bound by the conditions of our Liability Waiver.


-See you on the trail!.....The Leadership Team