What we’re about
We are a group of outdoor adventurers with a primary focus on overnight backpacking and occasional hut stays and also unique 'off the beaten path' dayhikes. Hikes and overnight trips will tend to be best suited to intermediate/ advanced skill level although there may be occasional easier trips.
There will be an emphasis on lighterweight backpacking to allow for efficient travel on the more challenging trips.
We may do trips in both designated and non-designated areas(random/dispersed camping) in Alberta/BC and trips further afield such as the US and abroad. Please note that trips will not be 'guided' but that we are simply co-adventurers together.
I also hope to set up in-city meet & greet events, in-city fitness training events, learning/skills events and maybe a few unique dayhikes, scrambles and off trail snowshoe events in winter.
All participants will need to learn and make every effort to follow 'Leave No Trace' principles.
The 7 Principles - Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
A word on Last Minute Cancellations/ No Shows:
While unforeseen circumstances sometimes occur in our daily lives, participants should make every effort to attend events they are signed up for as late cancellations could affect the success of a trip. No shows though will not be tolerated and could result in your removal from this group.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Twin Falls Backpack/Waterfall Valley (3days/2nights), Yoho NPTakakkaw Falls, Columbia-Shuswap, BC
***Weather Permitting***
Weather in late September can be variable. It could be summer like or full on winter with snow. A decision will be made closer to the event whether the trip is a go.Total Distance: 16.4km
Total Elevation Gain (to campground): 300m
Event Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Duration: 3Days/ 2NightsFacilities: picnic tables, food storage, outhouses, tentsites
Reserved Tentsites: 4Notes: No real difficulties on the hike in. The dayhike on day 2 will have a substantial uphill/distance.
Trip Details:
This promises to be a great trip in Yoho NP. Our 'base camp' will be the Twin Falls campground. On day 2, we will explore the Mt Des Poilus area with it's incredibly breathtaking glacier and lake. (Day 2 will be about 12km return and 600m gain)This trip is best suited for: Strong hikers/backpackers
Gear Checklist: This printable gearlist below is aimed for ultralight backpacking but can easily be adapted to any style of backpacking. Remember, you do not need to bring all the items in this list, only items necessary for a safe/enjoyable trip:
Additional 'required' items to bring:
Creek crossing footwear such as sandalsParticipant Cost:
$30.00 for two nights + $5.00 member fee*=$35.00 (see Payment Info section)*There will be a $5.00 non-refundable fee for all overnight trips. The fee is included in the 'Participant Cost'. A portion of this amount will cover the non-refundable reservation fees and the rest will help cover the bi-annual Meetup dues.*
Payment Info: Trip Cost/Person: $35.00
Payment is due upon registration. Etransfer to [email protected] PLEASE WRITE 'Twin' IN THE MEMO SECTION OF YOUR ETRANSFER. Cancellations four days prior to the event (by 12pm) may be refunded. Cancellations less than four days will only be refunded when a suitable replacement is found.Please familiarize yourself with backcountry LNT ethics:
Leave No Trace EthicsDifficulty Ratings:
Backpacking Adventure YYC- Difficulty RatingsAll participants must read and sign the waiver for all out of town events:
Please read club waiver - Carnarvon Lake Backpack (2days/ 1night)Needs location
One Way Distance: 11km
Elevation Gain: 605m
Event Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 2Days/ 1Nights
Notes: Difficult due to river crossing and scrambling up headwall
Random Camping/No facilities: *Practice Leave No Trace*---Trip Details:
'The most beautiful mountain lake in K Country demands a price in the form of an exposed scramble up a headwall. Even though there are now two chains to hold on to, this is not the place for nervous walkers. Although the headwall is clearly exciting, the rest of the route along a logging road is tedious' -Kananaskis Country Trail Guide (Daffern)Please Note: This trail involves a unbridged river crossing (bring sandals) and ascending a headwall near the end. There is a chain bolted in to assist with the climb but this trip is not for those with a fear of heights or those not confident in the abilities. Also, we will need a good forecast and dry conditions for this trip to proceed.
A waitlist has been created for this event.If we have not hiked together before, please answer the question regarding your hiking experience. The waitlist for this event is not first come, first serve, but based on ability to fit into the group to make the hike enjoyable and safe for everyone.
Gear Checklist: This printable gearlist below is aimed for ultralight backpacking but can easily be adapted to any style of backpacking. Remember, you do not need to bring all the items in this list, only items necessary for a safe/enjoyable trip:
Backpacking Gear ChecklistMANDATORY ITEMS: Bring poop kit, bear proof container such as bear vault or Ursack. (Traditional food hangs are impractical in many areas of the Canadian Rockies.)
Participant Cost:
$5 event fee (see Payment Info section)
*There will be a $5.00 non-refundable fee for all overnight trips. The fee is included in the 'Participant Cost'. This amount will help cover the bi-annual meetup dues.Payment Info: Trip Cost/Person: $5 event fee
Payment is due upon registration. Etransfer to [email protected] PLEASE WRITE 'CARNARVON' IN THE MEMO SECTION OF YOUR ETRANSFER. Cancellations four days prior to the event (by 2pm) may be refunded. Cancellations less than four days will only be refunded when a suitable replacement is found.Suggested Carpool Amount/Person: $25.00
Please familiarize yourself with backcountry LNT ethics:
Leave No Trace EthicsDifficulty Ratings:
Backpacking Adventure YYC- Difficulty RatingsDisclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition and current trail conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.
You will need to sign our waiver before each trip:
Backpacking Adventure YYC waiver - Emerald Peak ScrambleShouldice Park & Ride Lot, Calgary, AB
Total Distance: 13km
Elevation Gain: 1100m
We will follow a steep trail to Hamilton Lake. After a snack break, we will continue up to the ridge on the east side of the lake on our way to the summit and will be rewarded with excellent views of the Emerald Lake area.
This trip is best suited to strong and experienced hikers/scramblers. A climbing helmet is required for this event. This is mostly a steep hike with a few short sections of easy to moderate scrambling with possible mild exposure. We will be keeping a moderate pace for this hike.A waitlist has been created for this event. If we have not hiked together before, please answer the question regarding your scrambling experience. The waitlist for this event is not first come, first serve, but based on ability to fit into the group to make the hike enjoyable and safe for everyone.
Required Items to Bring:
*Climbing Helmet*
Sturdy Hiking Boots
Warm Clothing
Toque/Gloves
Rain Gear
Lunch
Water 2L (or more in hot weather)
$ or Park PassAbout carpool: The carpool for this trip begins at Shouldice Park & Ride. It is ok to post in the comments to see if there is anyone who lives in your area and is willing to share a ride to carpool. Please indicate which area you live in your comment. If no one is in your area, then you may need to find your own way to carpool i.e transit/uber or meet a driver at a mutually convenient location. Do not randomly contact other members looking for a ride. The success of a group like ours is dependant on the willingness of people who offer to drive to the trailhead from the designated carpool location. Also, please bring a plastic/reusable bag to put muddy boots in after the hike.
Suggested Carpool Amount: $35.00
Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition and current trail conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group. You will need to sign our waiver before each trip:
Backpacking Adventure YYC waiver