Introductory Backpack July 10-11, 2026
This activity will provide an opportunity for folks interested in extending their day hiking into backpacking, to get out and test their gear in an organized setting. We’ll gather at the Tyee Lodge (30133 West Leg Road, Government Camp, OR) at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 10th for a general orientation, and then head out from there for a loop hike of approximately 4 miles, carrying packs with our overnight gear. We’ll then set up camp, have our dinner and spend the night out. The next morning we’ll have breakfast, break camp and return to Tyee for debriefing and a tour of the Lodge.
A gear list, and some advice for putting your backpack together ahead of time, is provided below. If you are just getting started, you may find it useful to borrow or rent some of the more expensive items, such as tent, sleeping bag and backpack, or purchase used gear (check with REI or the Mountain House). Focus on items which are lightweight, compact and necessary, as it is very easy to purchase all of the latest gadgets and then find your pack to be overloaded and way too heavy. Shooting for a pack weight of 25-30 pounds for short outings is a good rule of thumb.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Backpack: A 48-52 liter pack, if you plan to place everything inside. A smaller pack could suffice if you strap some items on the outside.
Tent: A number of lightweight 1-person backpacking tents are now available. Optionally, if you partner with someone, one of you could carry the 2-person tent while the other carries the stove, fuel, water filter and food.
Sleeping bag, pad, headlamp with batteries. A small bag or pillowcase can be stuffed with a jacket, if you need a pillow. Down bags are lighter and more compact, but lose their insulating warmth if they get wet.
Water bottle, and water filter or tablets.
Food: 1 dinner and 1 breakfast for this outing. Trail snacks, meds/vitamins.
Kitchen: Stove and fuel, lighter/matches, cup, plate or bowl, spoon, trash bag.
Animal Deterrent: 50′ cord for hanging food (I will bring for the group).
Kits: First aid, poop (TP, spade & ziplock baggie), personal hygiene items (toothbrush/paste, etc).
Sun: Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat.
Mosquitoes: During the season: insect repellent, head net. Spray clothing with Permethrin before the trip.
Communication: Phone, small power bank.
Navigation: Trail description (I will provide), map & compass; AllTrails or GAIA-gps app if desired.
Clothing: Garments and boots appropriate for the adventure; extra jacket, wool beanie, rain gear, extra socks, undies & gloves.
Miscellaneous: Hiking poles/staff, reading glasses if needed.
Notes: Depending upon the adventure, additional items such as camp slippers, sit pad, tea kettle, microspikes & gaiters may be useful or needed, and worth the added weight and space. Some areas (such as the Olympics) may require bear canisters.
Please contact Tom Thrall <> if you are interested in participating. I will be available to answer any questions you may have as you get your backpack together!
