Backpacking Basics: The Six Systems

Live Online

Status: Open
Date — Duration October 7
5-6:30PM
8 sessions
Format Online
Rating Intermediate
Cost/Person $175* *Discounts Available
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Overview

Overnight backpacking multiplies everything a day hike asks of you. You’re carrying your shelter and sleep system, planning food and water for days, and maybe being exposed to weather in remote locations beyond outside support. A gear list alone doesn’t prepare you for that, because gear is only as good as your understanding of what it’s for.

The Six Systems is Five Miles Further’s answer to the problem of modern backpacking culture influencing people to buy solutions before they understand the problem. The gear we carry in our pack is important, but it’s not nearly as important as understanding the systems that the gear supports and protects.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to use modern and traditional navigation tools to give yourself an entire picture of the landscape you’re entering, and how to start building an actual map in your head
  • How to test your current physical fitness against the needs of your goal and work up your endurance in a safe environment
  • How to judge the amount of calories you’ll need to complete a trip safely and comfortably, while understanding the micro- and macronutrients that you need to feed your body, so you’ll be at your best every day
  • How to warm or cool your core temperature as necessary to keep your body working as it should as you work through the adventure
  • How to respond to basic medical problems and how to know when you’re beyond your ability to help yourself or your team, as well as when and how to call for outside help
  • How to deal with unexpected events using your skills and experience, and how to understand a situation rather than reactively jumping into action

This course goes beyond basic packing systems like the Ten Essentials and teaches you how to understand the systems our backpacking equipment supports and protects. You won’t just know what gear you’re using; you’ll know why you’re using it, and you’ll know how to use it. This course will make you a better backpacker and, if you’re ready for it, a better outdoor leader.

Though this course will cover some basics of wilderness medicine, it is not a certification course.

Timeline

Session 1 Orientation: the Six Systems framework and how the systems work together
Session 2 Navigation: knowing where you are and where you are going
Session 3 Fitness: knowing your physical baseline and how it compares to the route you have in front of you
Session 4 Nutrition & Hydration: where will you get water from, and how do you know how much food you need to bring for the calories you'll be burning on the trip?
Session 5 Thermoregulation: knowing how to manage your body's core temperature, and why it's one of the most important pieces you can understand for your safety
Session 6 Basic Medical: knowing how to respond to basic medical problems like blisters, sprained ankles, minor cuts, and altitude sickness, and knowing when you should call for outside help
Session 7 Mental Fortitude: the situational awareness and confidence you gain from understanding how to use the six systems, and how to stay calm when things don't go exactly to plan
Session 8 Closing: bringing the six systems together as a whole

Event Details

Pre-Event Communication: After registering, you'll receive a confirmation email containing exact directions to the venue, parking details, and a brief outline of the topics we will be covering.

Multi-Person Pricing Structure

• Multi-Person Discount: 10% off for parties of 2 or more (must enroll in one transaction).
• Youth (16 and below): 25% off.

Secure Your Spot

Capacity is strictly limited to ensure a high-quality experience. Complete the registration below to lock in your roster spot.

Registration Note: Registration secures your spot on a first-come, first-served basis. Successive registrants will be automatically placed on a waitlist. Our top priority is a safe, excellent experience for the entire team.

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