This workshop series will enable you to make choices about lightweight gear procurement without sacrificing safety and comfort. You will learn options and alternatives on how to outfit yourself for a weekend or week-long backpack trip. There are 2 required classroom sessions and 2 optional, highly recommended, activities. These include practice with equipment during a short shake down and a 2-night backpacking trip. All designed by Sierra Club to help you meet your optimal backpacking goals. Enrollees must attend both classes and shakedown to participate in backpack trip. No previous training is required. Information for the "Lending Gear Library" will be made available in the classroom sessions. There will be an optional field trip to REI.. After enrolling, you will receive a letter by email and mail with more details on each session and its location. A signed liability waiver will be required at start of session 1. Refunds are permitted until noon on Friday, Feb. 15.