How To Organize A Group Backpacking Trip

Vol. 23

I organized a group backpacking for a friend’s 50th birthday this weekend. Here’s the Google Doc I put together for participants, many of whom had never backpacked before. Hopefully this can help you organize something similar.

Dates: Aug 18-20 - I hope everyone can come in the afternoon of the 18th as the drive is probably about 3 hours - see location below.

Tentative Location: [redacted]

This is a high alpine, backcountry lake south of [redacted]. There is no established trail to this location, which means no one else should be there, and there should be minimal sign of human presence in the area. I am still working on figuring out the best route in, so don’t have a total distance for the hike yet, or an exact parking location. I should be able to resolve these variables by the end of July. I’m told there’s trout in the lake. 

Travel: An approximately 3 hour drive from Bozeman. 4x4 vehicles on good off-road tires required. I will develop a more precise idea of vehicle requirements when I scout it.

Weather: Look up weather reports for [redacted], then subtract 16.5 degrees from nighttime lows to account for elevation. Weather in the Rockies is unpredictable, and often extreme. It could be 100 degrees, it could be zero. It could be totally dry, it could be a blizzard. 

Risks: Exposure, grizzly bears, terrain. The best way to prepare for exposure is to wear and bring adequate clothing. Zero cotton allowed. Sleeping bags should feature a comfort rating of 20 degrees or less. Sleeping pads need to be insulated. Rain wear is necessary. When it comes to bears, traveling in a group should virtually eliminate potential for surprise encounter. I will bring supplies to hang bear bags at night. Everyone should plan on bringing a canister of bear spray, know how to use it, and carry it in such a manner that it is always accessible, whether you have your pack on or off. I will also bring at least one bear dog, and wear a firearm. I’m happy to handle bear deconfliction duties. Please wear sturdy, comfortable, over-the-ankle hiking boots, not tennis shoes. Should an injury occur, we’ll all head home as a group, bringing the trip to an end.  Predicate choices you make on that knowledge. 

Individual packing list:

(the best way to cut weight is only to bring what you need, no more)

• 1 pair hiking boots

• 2 pairs wool socks

• Lightweight soft shell outdoor pants w/lightweight belt if needed

• 2 pairs merino or synthetic underwear

• Lightweight synthetic or merino t-shirt

• Fleece or wool sweater

• Puffy jacket

• Sun hat

• Warm hat

• Rain jacket

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Chapstick

• Base layer tights

• Tent

• Sleeping Bag

• Sleeping Pad

• Water bottle

• Filter or treatment

• Lighter

• Knife

• Mug

• Spork

• Meals and snacks, hot cocoa and similar

• First Aid kit, medications, toiletries

• Backpack

• Whiskey 

• Headlamp

• Hand sanitizer

• Baby wipes

• DEET-based bug spray

Optional:

• Fishing gear and license

• GPS messenger (if you have one)

Group gear

(let’s split this up between people to distribute weight, Wes to provide all)

• Canister stove + fuel 

• Group first aid kit

• Battery lantern

• Folding saw

• Poop trowel

• Bear bag

• Paracord

• Cooler, ice, beer for when we get back to trucks

• Vehicle repair, recovery gear

• Tin foil, butter, Sazon Goya, lemons in event of catching fish

• Binoculars 

Participants: (please list any gear you may need to borrow)

• Wes Siler (confirmed, no needs)

• [redacted]

Some recommendations:

• My favorite backpacking food:

https://goodto-go.com/

• World’s greatest flask: https://www.amazon.com/Fighter-Pilot-Flask-Concerts-Sporting/dp/B0BSB1L1TZ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=P1BNHLLFGFJW&keywords=pilots%2Bflask&qid=1688417394&sprefix=pilots%2Bflas%2Caps%2C497&sr=8-3&th=1

• Good personal first aid kit: https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Ultralight-Watertight/dp/B0009RIQBE/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2V3RX89E4SO2W&keywords=adventure+medical+kits+ultralight&qid=1688418206&sprefix=adventure+medical+kits+ultralig%2Caps%2C226&sr=8-5

• Navigation app: https://www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/app

• Good water filter (screws onto Smart Water bottle): https://www.amazon.com/Platypus-11458-Quickdraw-Microfilter-Blue/dp/B08XJQ9HPX/ref=sr_1_5?crid=35FAJI6XHEZEJ&keywords=platypus+water+filter&qid=1688418322&sprefix=platypus+water+filter%2Caps%2C365&sr=8-5