2026 Discovery Series: Backpacking 101
November 14 – 15, 2026
Have you ever wanted to try backpacking, but weren’t quite sure where to begin?
Maybe you’ve looked at all the gear and wondered what you actually need. Maybe you’re comfortable hiking but aren’t sure how to plan for an overnight. Or maybe spending a night under the stars has been on your list for years, and you just need a little guidance to take that first step.
Discovery Series: Backpacking 101 is designed to help you make the leap.
Created specifically for beginner backpackers, this multi-session experience will take you from learning the fundamentals to spending a night in Crystal Cove State Park’s backcountry. Together, we’ll demystify the gear, planning, and preparation that can make backpacking feel intimidating and give you the practical skills and confidence to get out there.
We’ll start with a two-hour classroom workshop on October 29, where your guides Erin and Nick will walk you through everything you need to prepare for an overnight on the trail. We’ll talk backpacks and pack weight, tents and sleep systems, food and water, clothing and layers, navigation, safety, Leave No Trace, and the little lessons backpackers usually learn through experience.
Then you’ll have two weeks to prepare, practice, and get comfortable with your gear. Have questions along the way? Bring your pack, tent, sleep system, or packing list to our optional office hours on November 5, and we’ll help you troubleshoot.
Then comes the fun part. On November 14, we’ll meet at Crystal Cove, spread out our gear, and pack our backpacks together. Once everyone is ready, we’ll shoulder our packs and head into the backcountry for an overnight at Lower Moro Environmental Campground.
By the time we return, you won’t just know more about backpacking. You’ll have done it.
No previous backpacking experience is required. If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to learn in a supportive environment, ask questions, and experience your first overnight alongside knowledgeable guides and fellow adventurers, this is it.
Program at a glance:
Who Is This For?
This program is designed for beginner backpackers.
You don’t need previous backpacking experience, and you don’t need to already know what you’re doing. That’s why we’re here.
Participants should, however, be comfortable hiking several miles over uneven terrain and be prepared to carry their personal overnight equipment.
If you’re already a hiker and have been curious about taking the next step into backpacking, this program was made for you.
SESSION 1: Backpacking 101 Classroom Workshop - OCTOBER 29
Date: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 | 4 – 6 p.m.
Location: Cottage #34, Crystal Cove State Park Historic District
This two-hour workshop will give you the foundation you need to prepare for our overnight. We’ll cover gear, pack fit and organization, shelter and sleep systems, clothing, food and water, cooking, navigation, safety, Leave No Trace principles, and more. You’ll leave with a detailed packing list and a clear plan for preparing over the following two weeks.
Learn how to prepare for an overnight backpacking trip, including:
– Choosing and fitting a backpack
– What gear you actually need
– Tents, sleeping bags, and sleep systems
– Packing and weight distribution
– Clothing and layering
– Backpacking food and camp cooking
– Hydration and water treatment
– Navigation
– Weather and safety
– Leave No Trace
– Preparing for your first overnight
Optional Backpacking Office Hours
Date: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Cottage #5, Crystal Cove State Park Historic District
Still wondering whether your sleeping bag will be warm enough? Can’t figure out how everything is supposed to fit in your pack? Bring your gear and questions and stop by for individualized help from Erin and Nick.
Drop in anytime between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. No need to stay for the full day.
SESSION 2: Guided Backpacking Experience - NOVEMBER 14 - 15
Saturday, Nov. 14 — Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026
Meeting Location: Berns Amphitheater
Meeting Time: Saturday, 8 a.m.
Camping Location: Lower Moro Environmental Campground, Crystal Cove State Park
Estimated Return: Sunday, 12 p.m. (noon)
We’ll begin Saturday morning with a hands-on gear and packing session before heading into the backcountry together.
Once we’re on the trail, this becomes your opportunity to put everything you’ve learned into practice. We’ll hike to camp, set up our shelters and sleep systems, prepare dinner, spend the night in Crystal Cove’s backcountry, and wake up the following morning to breakfast before packing up and hiking back together.
Additional information about parking, the route, food and water, required equipment, waivers, weather, and final trip logistics will be provided before the program.
Meet Your Guides
Registration:
Registration includes:
– October 29 Backpacking 101 classroom workshop
– Detailed backpacking packing and preparation guide
– Optional November 5 drop-in office hours
– Hands-on gear and pack review
– November 14 – 15 guided backpacking experience
– Overnight camping at Lower Moro Environmental Campground
– Instruction and support from Erin and Nick throughout the experience
Capacity: 15 participants
Space is intentionally limited so participants receive plenty of hands-on instruction and individualized support throughout the experience.
For questions, please reach out to Erin Andreatta at ErinA@crystalcove.org.
Classroom Workshop: Thursday, Oct. 29 | 4 – 6 p.m. @ Cottage #34 Cultural Center
Optional Backpacking Office Hours: Thursday, Nov. 5 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. @ Cottage #5 Crystal Cove Conservancy Office
Overnight Backpacking Experience: Saturday, Nov. 14 | 8 a.m. – Sunday, Nov. 15 | 12 p.m. @ Moro Canyon, Lower Environmental Campground