by Alexis McAllister, an Appalachian Trail (AT) Thru hiker and experienced backpacking teacher and AT Section Maintainer

Alexis McAllister, an AT Thru hiker and experienced backpacking teacher and AT Section Maintainer has graciously offered to host a 6-Week Backpacking 101 Course (Syllabus below) via Google Meet, beginning on Sunday, January 5th, at 7 PM followed by 2 field trips.

Each session will feature a PowerPoint presentation, with a PDF copy provided to participants beforehand. This will allow everyone to follow along during the session and easily reference the material afterwards. By holding sessions on Sunday evenings, the course is designed to be more accessible to those with busy weekday schedules, especially for those who work evenings.

This is a fantastic opportunity for both beginners (like me!) and seasoned hikers to gain valuable backpacking tips, exchange best practices, and contribute to planning exciting backpacking adventures for 2025. You’re welcome to attend all the sessions or just the ones that interest you—there’s no attendance requirement.

To register please email howardnreidjr@gmail.com and registrants will receive the Google Meet link and any course materials. Remember that you can attend as many or as few sessions that interest you. The cost is just your time and interest in backpacking.

Week 3 of 6: First Aid & Hygiene - Sunday, January 19
Description: Using WFA, we will go thru the common first aid items encountered on a backpacking trip. What should be in your personal first aid kit? Hygiene, what are all the gadgets out there? do they work? What do I need to consider based on the Trek I planned for?

Details
Meeting place: via Google Meet (virtual). So, please register with hike leader, Howard Reid at howardnreidjr@gmail.com. Registrants will receive the Google Meet link and related course materials.
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Howard Reid 610-420-8194

Loop hike to the Pulpit and Pinnacle

This is a loop hike, starting at the Hamburg Reservoir parking lot, first climbing to Pulpit Rock and then onward to the Pinnacle for spectacular views of the Lehigh Valley from both locations. This is not a beginner's hike due to the 1000' ascent and very rocky terrain. If there is snow on the ground, microspikes or other traction devices will be mandatory. Bring a least 2L of water and lunch / snacks. Steady rain or snow cancels.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 10 miles
Hike rating: D+
Meeting place: Hamburg Reservoir parking lot; 410 Reservoir Rd, Hamburg, PA
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299

8 miles full moon night hike

Let’s celebrate the Wolf Moon with the 4th Annual roundtrip 8-mile night hike to Dan's Pulpit starting at 4pm from the Kempton PA Game Commission Parking Lot. The hike is a moderate hike and warm clothes, snacks or dinner, headlamps and a great attitude is required :) Please note that the hike will be canceled in the event of adverse weather conditions.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 8 miles
Hike rating: B+
Meeting place: Meeting Place: 409 Pine Swamp Road, Kempton, PA 19529 - Coordinates: 40.62761745481498, -75.9529019748656
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Howard Reid 610-420-8194

by Alexis McAllister, an Appalachian Trail (AT) Thru hiker, experienced backpacking teacher and AT Section Maintainer

Alexis McAllister, an AT Thru hiker, experienced backpacking teacher and AT Section Maintainer has graciously offered to host a 6-Week Backpacking 101 Course (Syllabus below) via Google Meet, beginning on Sunday, January 5th, at 7 PM followed by 2 field trips.

Each session will feature a PowerPoint presentation, with a PDF copy provided to participants beforehand. This will allow everyone to follow along during the session and easily reference the material afterwards. By holding sessions on Sunday evenings, the course is designed to be more accessible to those with busy weekday schedules, especially for those who work evenings.

This is a fantastic opportunity for both beginners (like me!) and seasoned hikers to gain valuable backpacking tips, exchange best practices, and contribute to planning exciting backpacking adventures for 2025. You’re welcome to attend all the sessions or just the ones that interest you—there’s no attendance requirement.

To register please email howardnreidjr@gmail.com and registrants will receive the Google Meet link and any course materials. Remember that you can attend as many or as few sessions that interest you. The cost is just your time and interest in backpacking.

Week 4 of 6: Maps and Compasses - Sundays, January 26
Description: This is a detailed course for individuals looking to master map/compass. How to read the maps, colors, navigation etc, how to orient the map that I will be using on a given selected trip? what are the different types of maps? Why should I bother learning to use a compass or put one in my pack?

Details
Meeting place: via Google Meet (virtual). So, please register with hike leader, Howard Reid at howardnreidjr@gmail.com. Registrants will receive the Google Meet link and related course materials.
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Howard Reid 610-420-8194

Loop hike through the rolling hills of the Bryn Coed Preserve

We will be hiking through open fields and woods in this 500-acre former farm that has been preserved by Natural Lands Trust. The preserve includes a Pennsylvania Champion white oak, the headwaters of the Pickering Creek, and several Bald Eagle nesting spots. Expect about 1000' of climb total during the trek. Terrain can sometimes be muddy so wearing hiking boots is recommended. Bring lunch/snacks and water. Steady rain or snow cancels.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 10-12 miles
Hike rating: D+
Meeting place: 1869 Flint Road, Chester Springs, PA
Posted on meetup.com? NO
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299