SUPERPACKERS

the ultimate backpacking experience

The Superpacker unit is an advanced backpacking experience for campers with serious overnight backpacking experience (Trekkers is a perfect example). The highlight of this unit is the 11-day, 10-night backpacking trip where the campers are fully responsible for utilizing their backpacking skills, including bear bagging, outdoor cooking, water purification, wilderness living, and orienteering (reading a topographical map, using a compass, and finding your way).

Superpackers embark on a challenging and beautiful route that takes them through alpine meadows in full bloom, brilliant sunsets, clear natural lakes, icy rivers, and up granite peaks to take in breathtaking views of the High Sierra. This is the unit our younger backpackers aspire to enter: the big, the mighty, the Superpackers! Campers returning from this trip feel strong and accomplished, and have the knowledge and skills to become independent, lifelong backpackers. Campers learn to value their own unique abilities and contributions to the group, and to appreciate the importance of resourcefulness, creativity, trust, and accountability. Most important is the confidence and self-esteem they bring home, which has helped to carry hundreds of former Superpackers through every obstacle each has faced throughout their life. 

Superpackers are given the opportunity to work independently and take on leadership roles, and prior backpacking experience is a must. The focus of this unit completely centers on backpacking, but not to worry! The campers are at camp for a full two sessions and have ample time to participate in regular camp activities.

The trail route may be strenuous, but the mileage and difficulty level are chosen to provide a challenging, fulfilling, yet safe and manageable trail experience to satisfy our adventurous campers.

After this unit, don’t be surprised when your camper comes home independent, confident, and ready to take on any challenge that might come their way!

Superpacking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience: due to the popularity of our Superpacker program, campers may enroll only once.  Options for older campers include our Pioneer or OSB units.

Special Dietary Needs: For the safety of other campers with food allergies, we are unable to accommodate vegan, celiac, nut-free diets, or severe allergies on backpacking trips. We can accommodate vegetarians.

Age: 11th-12th Grades
On Trail: 11 days/10 nights
Min Weight: 100 lbs

BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
LIMITED TO ONE SUPERPACKER SESSION PER CAMPER
Attendance at a group virtual pre-trip meeting is required prior to camp to check gear and finalize plans for the trip.

A unique Superpacker unit sweatshirt is included in the unit cost!

The Superpacker leaders are known and chosen for their backpacking experience, enthusiasm, and responsibility.

Trivia

The first Superpacker unit was held in 1981, and their intensely difficult trip included a stop at Camp Irene (try to find it on a map). These days you'll find Superpackers hiking in other parts of the Sierra Nevada, including Emigrant Wilderness or Desolation Wilderness, depending on group size and trail availability!