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The Minneapolis/St. Paul Backpackers Meetup Group

Saint Paul, MN, US

1,433 members · Public group

Organized by Ken and 15 others

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What we’re about

COVID-19 Policy:
We take our health and your health seriously. All Trips will include precautions specific to that activity from your Trip Leaders.

We ask all participant who have a fever, or flu-like symptoms to stay home

This group welcomes backpackers of all levels, from beginner to long-trail alumni, to share their interests, expertise and enthusiasm for backpacking. Our group is centered in the Twin City metro area but welcomes members from broader MN and surrounding states as well.

The agenda is up to you. We always welcome input and trip ideas from all of our members.

We share, discuss and learn about equipment, techniques and experience to make living in the wilderness comfortable, safe and fun.

WE MAY EVEN GO BACKPACKING!

We label our backpacking trips as "Base", "Intermediate", or "Advanced" so members can pick events they are ready for. See below for trip level descriptions.

Links to helpful information:
Trip Difficult Rating: Comparison Chart
Past trip summaries
Trip Difficulty Rating: Descriptions
Helpful Information for Backpackers
Suggestions for Trip Leaders

Upcoming events (2)

Fri, May 9, 2025, 5:00 PM CDTSpring ahead with SHT Slackpacking - Gooseberry State Park (all levels welcome)
Gooseberry State Park, Two Harbors, MN
WHY ATTEND?
Are you interested in hiking through the stunning natural beauty of the north shore and Superior Hiking Trail, past high granite cliffs and scenic gorges with towering waterfalls, through dense northern boreal forests? Perhaps you have a goal to section hike the entire SHT and are looking to knock off another section? Or maybe you are looking to meet and learn from fellow friendly knowledgeable backpackers? Then this trip is for you!

PARK OVERVIEW (From DNR site)

Gooseberry Falls is the gateway to the North Shore. It is known for its spectacular waterfalls, river gorge, Lake Superior shoreline, Civilian Conservation Corps log and stone structures, and north woods wildlife. Listen to the thunderous roar of the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls of the Gooseberry River as it plummets through a rocky gorge. Watch for waves, ships, or the moon rise on Lake Superior from an ancient lava flow known as the Picnic Flow.

Hike or ski to see the Fifth Falls through a forest of evergreens, aspen, and birch, and enjoy camping in modern campsites, picnicking, and relaxing along the Lake Superior shoreline or the Gooseberry River.
To get the most out of your visit, stop by the Joseph N. Alexander Visitor Center where you can find park information, interpretive displays, a park video, Nature Store, and more. Don't miss the Gateway Plaza for outdoor interpretive signs on area resources and history.

CAMPING

We will car camp all weekend at the Group Camp - Group Area - Basic-A - Nestor Grade at Gooseberry state park

Showers, flush and vault toilets are available in the campground

Vehicles entering MN state parks need a MN State Parks Permit ($7 daily, $35 annual)

HIKE DIFFICULTY RATING: All levels welcome

THE HIKES

Day hiking near Gooseberry State Park Saturday and Sunday

We will split up into slower and faster hiking groups, take your pick

We will be hiking rain or shine. Come prepared for rain.

SCHEDULE
Friday night:

Meet at Gooseberry State Park at the Group Camp - Group Area - Basic-A - Nestor Grade. If you will be coming late, please text/email one of the organizers.

Saturday and Sunday:

breakfast 8-9a

hiking 9a+

CARPOOLING
I'll start a carpooling conversation in the meetup event chat a few weeks before the trip date.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

hiking daypack

comfortable and broken in trail runners or hiking boots (1 size larger than normal)

waterproof tent or shelter

sleeping bag (rated 20 degrees or colder)

sleeping pad

food

water bottle

A rain suit is highly recommended along the north shore this time of year.

Watch the weather forecast and be prepared for cold temperatures.

We can share cook stoves if you don't have one.

If you need gear, REI and the University of MN rent quality backpacking equipment at reasonable rates.

COST:
Please pay me $10 when you arrive for your share of the camp site fee.

ATTENDEE RULES:

No +1s, no pets, no minors (<18), and no illegal substances

All attendees must be a registered member of this backpacking meetup group with a recognizable profile picture

We hike at minimum in pairs with a designated sweeper pulling up the rear so we don't lose anyone

If I can't get a response from you to repeated messages to your meetup account, I may cancel your RSVP

### By signing up for this event, you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being and release the Minneapolis/St Paul Backpacking Meetup group, organizers, events organizers, and members from any (and all) personal injury and property damage liability. ####
26 attendees+21
Fri, May 16, 2025, 4:00 PM CDTBackpackerFest 2025 May 16-18
Katrina 1&2 Group Campsite - Baker Park, Maple Plain, MN
5TH ANNUAL BACKPACKERFEST 2025
Hosted by the Minneapolis/St Paul Backpackers Meetup Group

*** 2025 AGENDA UNDER CONSTRUCTION ***
*** BELOW IS FROM 2024 ***

LINKS

Flyer with Schedule / Activities / FAQ

Map to event

Presentation Notes

DATES

Weekend of May 16-18

Come for a few hours or camp the whole weekend

EVENT DESCRIPTION
This is a grass-roots community event for anyone passionate about backpacking. All experience levels welcome. Show off your favorite gear and techniques, and ask others about theirs. Talk about past and future trips, local and global, training spots and bucket-list hikes. Ask lots of questions. Make future backpacking plans and friends.

As always, please reach out early if you have ideas for activities or want to present this year (backpacking trip reviews, techniques, gear, etc.).
LOCATION (Same as 2022-2024)

Three Rivers Baker Park Reserve in the Twin Cities West Metro

Katrina 1&2 Group Campsites

Gated access (code: tba) just 1/2 mile from Jct of I-394/US-12 and CR 6 in Maple Plain, MN

Park along gravel road leading to Katrina camps. Do not drive on the grass, we are liable for turf repairs.

EVENT CONTACTS

Directions and Parking: Hilary 612-236-5949, Joe 651-699-6075

General info: Craig 612-440-7523

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS / ACTIVITIES
NOTE: Presentation order will be determined by attendee survey sent out before the event -- highest requested shown first.
New for 2024

Backpacking bear safety (MN DNR)

Hammock camping

Ultralight vs standard backpacking gear comparison

Wilderness First Aid class overview

Giving Back: Empower Minneapolis Youth in the BWCA

Trail mishap & recovery stories (group sharing)

Trail clearing the BRT

Backpacking trip reviews for Brooks Range Alaska, Cayambe Ecuador, Kilimanjaro, Isle Royale, Hut-to-hut in the Presidentials NH, and The Liechtenstein Trail

Returning

Backpacking gear camp walk, show off your favorite items

MacGyver techniques and emergency repair

SHT trip planning

Gear shakedowns Sunday morning (1x1 feedback on your gear)

Gear swap Sunday morning (bring gear to sell/donate)

Good MN/WI/MI weekend trips

Metro parks for overnight shakedowns

Fire building

Knot tying, ropes and boots

Park hikes grouped by pace

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

Your own backpacking gear: tent, sleep system, cook kit, food, headlamp.

Your own meals: we will have food samples during lunch Saturday but not enough to fill you.

Some backpackers slept cold at previous events. Be sure to bring a pad/mattress to insulate you from the cold ground.

Your own camp chair/cushion for group discussions and bonfires.

Hammockers welcome, there are many suitable trees

Park hammock rules: 12" minimum tree diameter, protective layer between tree and strap, no stacking, stay on edge of campsite

OPTIONAL: If you prepare your own trail food, bring samples to share and discuss.

SITE AMENITIES
Katrina 1&2 are large mowed-grass campsites surrounded by forest with:

faucet for drinking water

two-stall outhouse

large bonfire pit + firewood

at least 20 picnic tables

large roofed open-sided shelter with picnic tables & power outlets we will use for group meals, discussions, and presentations

GEAR SWAP SUNDAY MORNING
Buy/Sell/Swap/Donate your used backpacking gear.

EVENT RULES

$10/person fee to cover the campsite cost. Pay me when you arrive with Venmo, Zelle, Paypal, check or cash.

Attendance limited to 100 people and 40 cars

Park quiet hours 10:00 pm – 7:00 am

Adults only (18+)

No pets, No illegal substances

Beer/wine allowed in moderation

DISCLAIMER
### By signing up for this event, you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being and release the Minneapolis/St Paul Backpacking Meetup group, organizers, events organizers, and members from any (and all) personal injury and property damage liability. ####
42 attendees+37

Past events (359)

Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 1:00 PM CDTBackpacker Meal Creation
This event has passed
$35.00
17 attendees+12

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