Spring Gear Shakedown - Sat, Apr 12 2025

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Spring Gear Shakedown


The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Springer Mtn   Backpacking: Spring Gear Shakedown  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Apr 12 2025  11:00 am >> Sun, Apr 13 2025 1:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Mar 31 2025 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Apr 11 2025 7:00 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 2 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:10 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Tim W
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:6
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 7 / 3 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

Time to dust off your gear and get ready for this year's backpack adventures.  This event is intended for folks with upcoming backpack trips to test, try-out, practice and generally shakedown your backpack equipment. The hike is relatively easy but should still remind you what it's like to carry a full pack.

We'll start at the Springer Mountain parking lot and head north on the AT for about 4 miles to Long Creek Falls.  Then we'll take the BMT about a mile upstream from the falls to a great campsite beside the creek.  There should be plenty of room for 6-8 tents if it's not already occupied.

At camp we'll setup our tents, check over our gear, settle in and and have dinner.  In the morning we should have plenty of time for a hot breakfast and packing up.  We'll plan to go to bed around dark and wake up around dawn (the way nature intended).  Dry conditions may prevent us from making a campfire so we'll have to see that weekend.  We probably won't stop for a long lunch either day but bring plenty to snack on during breaks to keep you going.

Unless arrangements are made with others, everyone should bring there own food, cooking gear, tent and backpack. (That's kinda the point of the trip.)

Note, priority will be given for those people registered for the Maroon Bells trip in July.

This is a D4 backpack event with a 5 mile hike to and from the campsite. Total elevation gain is around 1500 ft.  Extensive backpacking experience is not necessary but you should have all your own gear and be responsible for carrying and setting up your own stuff as well as preparing your own dinner and breakfast.


Required Items to Bring:

Hiking boots/shoes

Backpack

Tent/tarp/hammock

Sleeping system bag/quilt/pad

Food and snacks (1 dinner, 1 breakfast, trail snacks)

Water with filtration/purfication

Headlamp/flashlight w/ spare batteries

Cooking gear (stove/pot/cup/spork/etc) DO NOT PLAN TO COOK OVER OPEN FIRE

Matches/lighter

Rain gear

Bear canister or bear bag hang

Toiletries

Weather appropriate clothing

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Phone/camera

GPW/PLB

Camp chair

Cheery attitude

Towel


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Please meet the Springer Mountain Trailhead by 11:00am.

Click here for trailhead location

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):110Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $44.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.