Lightweight Backpacking Course

I am a volunteer instructor co-teaching a new class at the Mountaineers that is coming up in May. It is open to everyone. The course description is below and also attached in a slightly nicer format. Please feel free to pass it on or even print it out and post it anywhere that people might be interested. Also feel free to email me with any questions. Hope it is okay to post this notice here. Thanks! Pack Too Heavy? Lighten Up with the Mountaineers! Lightweight Hiking and Backpacking Course Looking to lighten your load? Whether your goal is to relieve stress on your knees and back, to travel farther and faster, to prepare for a thru-hike, or to carve out some room for the camp chair and a special treat, this class is for you. You don’t have to drill holes in your toothbrush, but you do have to think differently about what goes into your pack. The Seattle Singles Hiking Committee is sponsoring a course on lightweight hiking and backpacking. Rather than taking a one-gear-list-fits-all approach, this course will teach you how to apply the principles, strategies and product knowledge of ultralight backpacking to fit your goals, backpacking style, personal needs, and trip conditions. Lose 5 pounds or 25 (from your pack!). We’ll provide extensive coverage of the latest clothing, gear, and food, including innovative products from home-based gear designers, and resources for making your own gear. Demonstrations, recipes and an extensive resource list included. Enrollment Process: Open to the public and to Mountaineer Members, the enrollment is limited to 40 people. Registration is from April 1st to April 29th. Register by mailing the course registration form (class #2367) in the back of the Seattle branch section of the Go Guide to club headquarters along with a check or credit card payment. Registration form also available at: http://www.mountaineers.org/forms/coursereg.pdf Telephone registrations are not accepted, but call clubhouse (206 284 6310) if you want to register after the deadline or have questions. You will receive a confirmation letter with room location, updated syllabus, etc. Course Fee: $45 members, $55 nonmembers, plus copying costs for course packet. Course Structure and Schedule: The class consists of three lectures, three Thursdays in a row at club headquarters at 300 Third Ave. W., Seattle. * Thursday, May 6, 7:00 – 9:30 pm. Course introduction, general principles and strategies – defining your goals, style, and needs. * Thursday, May 13, 7:00 – 9:30 pm. Clothing, gear, making your own gear. Guest speaker: Ultralight climber and backpacker Paul Griffith. * Thursday, May 20, 7:00 – 9:30 pm. Food, cooking, overall trip strategy and final pack analysis with fellow classmates.