An Awesome Weekend Backpacking Trip!!!!! (with a twist)

OVERVIEW

Hi everyone!! I feel like going backpacking this weekend and you all should come. This is very late notice but I can grab any gear you may need from the gear room so no problems there!!!! Come!!! Current plan is to do the Wil Kohlbrenner Memorial Loop. The game for this trip is LAYERS!! Also…ONE FOOD CHALLENGE!!!! I’ve talked about this before but it is finally coming to fruition. I’ve done this before while backpacking and it is pretty fun and silly, especially for this trip cause it’s only one night. So you can only bring ONE food (in the past ive done fig newtons which i don’t recommend) to eat for the whole trip. Choose wisely!!!!!!!!

The mileage for this loop is 17.5 miles for the base loop and 19 miles overall with the out and backs to Duncan and Strickler Knob (which I think we should totally do for beautiful views but we can play by👂) Current thought is to do 12 miles of the main loop on Saturday and set up camp at the saddle below Duncan Knob. From there I was thinking we could head up to the top of the knob for what rumor has it is a beautiful spot to eat dinner + watch the sunset. This will be fun!!! Come join!!!

PLan
Leave Saturday from Echols at 9am
Arrive at New Market Gap around 1030
Take our sweet time hiking ~ 12.5 miles
Arrive at camp before sunset and set up our stuff
(if we have time we can head up to the knob for dinner + sunset)
Sleep!
Leisurely wake up Sunday whenever we are feeling it
Hike out 5.5 miles (option to head up the ridgeline to Strickler Knob if we are feeling it)
Back to cars at noon latest
Drive home, arrive around 1:30
(we will probably be back sooner than this, just want everyone to leave enough time)

What to bring (I can pick up anything you don’t have from the gear room!)
– backpacking backpack
– no school bags; you can get one at the gear room!
– sleeping bag (aim for like a 20 degree bag)
– pack liner (trash compactor bags work great)
– sleeping pad
– sleeping bag liner (optional)
– hiking shoes/boots
– layers! (it will be cold, avoid cotton. bring base layers, aim for wool)
– warm socks
– puffy jacket (optional)
– fleece
– gloves (optional)
– beanie
– etc
– rain jacket/pants (in case it rains)
– toiletries
– hand sani
– toothpaste
– toothbrush
– toilet paper
– etc
– headlamp/flashlight (bring extra batteries)
– we will be using these when hiking back to camp after sunset
– at least 3 liters of water (there will be places to fill up along the way)
– camp shoes (if you want)

Food:
– ONE FOOD ONLY!!!!!!!!!!! (this is not mandatory but will make it so fun and communal)

what we’ll bring
– tents
– we will also be distributing pieces as group gear so leave a little room for that
– first aid kid
– stoves
– stuff to filter water
– trowel

DRIVERS NEEDED!
– Drivers get priority off the waitlist. The club reimburses for gas +50% tip!
– Drivers need to show up to Echols with a full tank of gas!