Welcome Backpackers!

Here is a group picture from a recent event.

Backpacking is multiple day hiking where you carry all of the gear you will need for your comfort and safety in the pack on your back. This group is focused on arranging wilderness backpacking adventures and the discussion and sharing of backpacking information and resources. If you would like to join the Southern California Backpacking Cooperative group please answer the backpacking profile questions. Beginners are encouraged and very welcome here!

Please note that this is a member supported group. I pay Meetup.com to organize this group and provide you this service. There is no cost to join but effective 9/16/09 I ask that you contribute $5 for the first backpack you attend and $1 on any subsequent trips. Please give this to the backpack coordinator. If I am unable to make this group self supporting by June 2010 I will be stepping down as Organizer.

Please keep your RSVP's current. Backpack events by nature are limited to a very small number of participants. It is unfair to other group members that might be able to attend if a slot is used up by your YES or MAYBE RSVP and you know you will not be able to attend.

Please update your profile questions as necessary. Backpack coordinators will initially use your profile answers to help determine your fitness to attend the trip that you are requesting to be considered for. Your YES RSVP does not guarantee a spot. If you do not respond to emails or do not appear qualified the backpack coordinator may remove you. A MAYBE RSVP may be removed at any time if qualified members contacts the coordinator and request to be added as a YES RSVP.

We are not responsible for anything that might happen to you on one of our backpacks. This includes but is not limited to bear attacks, rattlesnake bites, falling off high cliffs, backpack stove flare ups, hypothermia, hyperthermia, altitude illness, heat stroke and being mauled by marmots, coyotes or raccoons. We will make every effort to make sure you understand the risks involved for any backpack event but ultimately you are responsible for your own well being. Accidents do happen and we will make every reasonable effort to respond to them with the resources available to us but there is no guarantee of any appropriate or prompt medical attention.

By requesting to join this group you agree to the above rules and understand the risks inherent in an outdoor activity of this type.