All our backpacking trips take place in the Shenandoah National Park with your group of 8 to 10 people where we spend the weekend away from civilization, hiking in the backcountry and camping under the stars. The trips begin after work on Friday and end on Sunday. During the three days you will see mountain views and water falls, all with the comfort of a guide making sure that all goes well. Mountain Skills will provide breakfast and dinners, and will provide all of the necessary gear, or you can bring your own equipment to enjoy the fun. A list of those items you need to bring will be provided and a question and answer meeting is held on the Wednesday before each trip.

Location: Jeremy's Run / A.T. Loop

Our backpacking trip will take place in the Shenandoah National Park. We depart on Friday afternoon and return Sunday evening. During the three days we will be spending time in some of Virginia's most beautiful areas. Relax and get away from the busy life and restart your engines in the backcountry. We will discuss how the trip was planned and how you can plan your next trip. Participants will learn through hands on experience how to set up camp, cook on backcountry stoves, and filter water. This is a great opportunity for someone to get first hand experience in backcountry travel.

There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting the Wednesday before the trip at the Virginia Outdoor Center (VOC) at 7:00 PM to fit rental packs and check fit of packs that are being brought.

We will meet at the VOC on Friday at 4:00 PM. From there transportation will be provided. Bring a change of clothes to keep in the van for the ride home. We will return to the VOC between 4 and 5:00 PM on Sunday. Call to schedule your group of eight to ten.

Backpacking stoves, water purifiers, and all meals except for lunches are provided. You should bring the following items:

1. ~Tent (small backpacking style)

2. ~Backpack (5000-6000in3)

3. Sleeping Bag (30 degrees or better)

4. 2 - 1Liter water bottles (no glass)

5. Long Pants

6. Shorts

7. 1 set Polypropylene or synthetic long underwear

8. Hiking Boots

9. Lunch and Snacks for each day

10. Wool or Synthetic Socks (3 Pair)

11. Rain Jacket and Pants

12. Sweater (Wool or Fleece)

13. Light pair of Gloves

14. Stocking Hat

15. Sun Screen

16. Insect repellent

17. Bowl w/ spoon and or fork

18. Insulated cup

19. 3 Hefty Trash Bags

20. 6 Zip Lock Bags

21. 20 ft nylon accessory cord

22. Personal Items

23. Small Flashlight (with new batteries)

24. 10 ft. Duct Tape

25. *Lip Balm

26. *Camera

27. * Items are optional

28. ~ Items can be rented

When selecting clothing to wear on the trip, please do not bring clothing made of cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it next to the skin where it cools the body. Polypropylene long under wear or a pair of polyester sweats will be a sound investment that will make a backcountry trip much more enjoyable. Keep in mind that the temperatures will be at least ten degrees cooler, if not more, than those temperatures we see here in Fredericksburg.

Itinerary for Back Packing Trip

Wednesday
7:00 PM - Pre-trip meeting at VOC to fit rental packs and check all personal gear for the trip for size, fit and adequacy. Bring questions and paper for short note taking.

Friday
4:00 PM - Meet at VOC with all gear and equipment. We will load the vehicle and depart at 5:00 PM. A "box" dinner will be served in route to our trailhead.
6:30 PM - Arrive at the trailhead and set up camp near the vehicle.

Saturday
7:30 AM - Rise and eat a breakfast of pancakes, hot cider or chocolate. Break camp and pack packs for our trip.
9:30 AM - Depart into the backcountry. You will eat several times throughout the day on the lunch and snacks that you brought, as well as drink plenty of water. We will have plenty of views and scenery to enjoy during your hike.
Evening - Arrive at campsite and set up camp. Erect tents, filter water, cook dinner. Dinner will consist of beans and rice burritos, a snack, hot cider or chocolate, and cookies. Enjoy the solitude of the backcountry.

Sunday
7:30 AM - Rise and enjoy a breakfast of oatmeal, pop-tarts, hot cider or chocolate. Break camp and pack up for the next day of hiking. This day, as well, you will eat many times on the lunch that you bring.
Afternoon - Arrive at the vehicle and load the van for the ride home.
4-5:00 PM - Return to VOC, unpack packs, and head for home.

Equipment

As you chose gear for the trip, please consult a knowledgeable source. Always call us at The Virginia Outdoor Center if you have any questions.

Rentals

Prices given are for the entire trip. You will receive packs at the Wednesday meeting and have the next few days to pack the pack and become familiar with the features, pockets, and such.