Backpacking with REI
Since moving to North Carolina I have had so many opportunities to explore the amazing nature scenes found in the western part of the state and to pursue my love of outdoor activities. From hiking to white water rafting, my lust for adventure and a disconnect from my busy day to day has left me continuously seeking new areas to explore and avenues to de-compress. Lately, my eyes have been set on learning a new activity, one that i’ve always been drawn towards but also intimidated by: Backpacking.
What makes backpacking so enticing to me is the level at which you immerse yourself in nature. Taking with you only the bare minimum (or at most all that you can fit on your back), you brave the elements, conquer the terrain, live amongst the wildlife, and most importantly leave your mental baggage behind. With some hard work and sacrificing a bit of comfort, your reward is being completely present and appreciative of the world we are lucky enough to live in. I think it might just be the closest you can get to experiencing nature like nature intended.
This type of activity is clearly accompanied by great risk however, so I knew this wasn’t something I could just jump into alone. I searched all over the internet for backpacking groups, guides, and classes, and decided on signing up for an overnight intro to backpacking class with REI. I chose this class because it was the only one I found that would be held over the weekend, lead by certified instructors, focused on both fun and education, provided the majority of the gear, was priced reasonably, and that I could do alone since i’m new to the city.
REI OVERNIGHT BACKPACKING CLASS
Size: 6 people (2 instructors, 4 students)
The Trail: Sam Knob (trail head at: Black Balsam Knob Rd, Canton, NC 28716)
Total Length & Duration: 3 miles over 24hrs (starting at noon on Saturday)
Covid Protocols: Smaller group size, masks required while in close proximity
Gear List:
REI Provided Gear
Backpack - Internal frame 45-65 liter pack.
Backpacking Stove
Breakfast
Dinner - Food supplied for dinner
Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses
Headlamp/Flashlight
Lunch
Sleeping Pad - Closed cell foam or self inflatable.
Three Season Backpacking Tent
Trekking Poles
Water Filter
What you needed to bring
2 Liters of Water - At least two one-liter water bottles, such as a Nalgene bottle, or a large hydration bladder.
Hiking Boots
Hiking Socks - Mositure wicking socks to help keep your feet cool and dry.
Mug
Personal Prescription Medications - Including, but not limited to, epinephrine auto-injectors for anaphylactic allergies.
Personal Toiletries
Plate/Bowl
Rain Gear - Waterproof/resistant jacket, pants and hat.
Sun Protection - Lip balm, sunscreen, wide-brim hats, etc.
Three Season Sleeping Bag - A bag rated 15 degrees plus.
Utensils - A good choice is the REI Campware Utensil Set
Weather Appropriate Clothing - Moisture wicking synthetic or wool layers to help keep you comfortable and/or dry.
The location for this event was Sam Knob / Black Balsam Parking Area. Sam Knob is a 2.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail south west of Asheville in the Pisgah National Forest, and is roughly 3hrs from Charlotte. The class consisted of 4 first-time backpackers (of which I was the youngest by at least 30 years haha) and 2 lovely instructors that would walk us through all of the backpacking basics, and make it fun.
The first day we all arrived at the trailhead and were greeted by our instructors, 4 piles of gear/supplies, and beautiful 50 degree and sunny weather. In addition to some group icebreakers, the first activities of the day were to learn what gear/supplies we needed, how to pack and adjust your backpack properly, and what you should think about before ever setting foot on the trail.
Next was the trek to our campsite which had been scouted and claimed by the guides the night before. It was only a little over a mile in, but with so much weight on my back it was not as easy as I was expecting it to be. During this portion we learned everything we could about walking (and believe it or not there is more than you would think). Specifically we learned about how to hike with your pack, adjust it as necessary, how to use our trekking poles most effectively, and how to leave as small of an impact on the environment as possible (including the Leave No Trace principles).
When we made it to the pre selected campsite it was time for a crash course in how to find and set up our camp. We discussed what natural features we should look for vs avoid, where and how we should set up our tent and our kitchen, what we should do with our food overnight, and where we should use the bathroom. We also talked about key forms of group communication that help keep everyone safe and accounted for during the trip.
At this point the sun was setting and we decided to cook dinner (dehydrated chicken fettuccine, YUM) and set out for a night hike to the top of Sam Knob! I’ve never actually done a night hike before and it absolutely did not disappoint. It took me back to when I was a kid playing with flashlights in the dark and pretending to be in a mystical world of my own creation. To top it off it was a clear night, and at over 6,000ft with minimal light pollution, the stars at the peak of Sam Knob were a wondrous site!
That night the temperature dropped to below freezing, so when we got back to the campsite our guides gave us some tips and techniques for staying warm while we slept. (Fun fact: If you forgot to check the weather before backpacking, fear not because Rhododendron is nature’s thermometer and its leaves will actually droop when temperatures drop below freezing). Speaking of freezing, we also awoke to Freezing Fog which was another incredible site! While we packed up camp, the campsite had a dense fog hovering around it, making it seem as as if we woke up in a completely different place than before. As we walked along the trail to complete the trip, the fog was like a veil being lifted just enough to entice us to keep going; slowly revealing trees and plants that were perfectly coated in a thick but clear layer of ice. And with every new plant revealed, those that we had passed were hidden once more, producing a calming yet somewhat eerie sense of isolation.
Overall this backpacking class was everything I had hoped for and more for my first backpacking experience! It was centered around learning, was an absolute blast, and still provided that escape I so long for. I can also now say with confidence that I feel more ready and capable to go on short, solo backpacking trips (something I was hoping to work towards since I live here alone). Granted I do not think this is ideal as it will always be more fun and a lot more safe with friends, but it’s definitely a testament to the instructors and the design of the class.
Concluding thoughts: REI is great, and so are their adventures/classes. Check out what your local REI offers, and when you sign up for something cool like this, be sure to invite me ;)
Till next time,
RWR