Backpacking Section (BPX)

“JOIN THE PACK”

(Updated 11-01-2021)

***Special Notice*** Join the New BPX Facebook Group here

***Special Notice*** BPX is Recruiting, Training and Mentoring Backpacking Trip Leaders.  Check out this article,
“Why I Lead BPX Trips”, by John Walters.  If you may be interested in leading backpacking trips, contact BPX here

***Special Notice*** BPX Dues Begin in 2021  Dues for new members begin on Jan 4, 2021. Dues for existing members begin on your next personal CMC membership renewal dates. For more information, call CMC Membership Services at 303-279-3080.

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***Special Notice*** Nine Days on the Divide  Bill Greer’s party is unable to cross a raging creek, they are out of food, delayed a day, and oh, BTW a person drowned a few days ago trying to cross the same creek – what action did they take – what action would you take?   Read Bill’s story here

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BPX Statement of Purpose
The purpose of BPX is to promote backpacking as a core CMC activity, organize and coordinate backpacking trips, create and support a community of backpackers, and provide early notice of PBX events to members.

Major 2021 BPX Activities:

• Feb 17 – Leaders begin claiming 90+ pre-planned backpacking trips
• Mar 31 – BPX members-only receive preview of 90+ BPX Trips
• Apr 14 – BPX members-first begin registering for 90+ BPX Trips
• May 1 to Oct 30 – Main BPX Backpacking Season
• May 14-15 – Gear Check, Chatfield State Park
• May 21-22 – Gear Check, Chatfield State Park – Canceled
• Jun 18-19 – Gear Check, Mueller State Park
• Oct 16 – Annual Member Event at Staunton State Park Pavilion

Pack Leaders:

• Trip Leader Names
• Benefits of Being a BPX Trip Leader
• Trip Leader Qualifications
• Paths to BPX Trip Leader
• BPX Trip Definition
• Vetting Questions
• CMC COVID-19 Programming Protocols

Members:

• Benefits of Membership
• Trip Registration Guidelines
• BPX Suggested COVID-19 Ride Share Protocols

Resources:     

• Backpacking Trip Classification is assigned for the entire trip based on the most difficult day of the trip:
  • Easy Backpack: <5 miles/1000′ (Easy Hike is <8 miles/1200′)
  • Mod Backpack: 5-10 miles/1000′-2000′ (Mod Hike is 8-12 miles/1200′-2500′)
  • Diff Backpack: > 10 miles/2000′ (Diff Hike is >12 miles/2500’+)
• BPX Policies and Procedures (P&P) e-Manual
  • BPX explains nearly every operating practice here. Scroll down the P&P Table of Contents to a topic, click on the topic, and a paper opens to give the rationale behind the practice
• BPX Newsletter
  • Backcountry Cache, distributed electronically monthly. Here
• CMC Backpacking School (BKPS)
  • BPX supports BKPS, which teaches the skills needed to safely and comfortably backpack in the Colorado Mountains. Here
• Covid Protocol

Operations Committee:     

• Committee Members and Bios (click here)
• Committee Meeting Minutes
• Key Documents:
  • Denver Group Council Section Requirements
  • Application to and Approval of BPX by DGC
    • Committee Organization Amended April 13, 2021
  • Core Values
  • The Making of a Backpacking Community
  • New Committee Member Orientation
  • Complete 2020 Strategy & Objectives
  • 2020 Annual Report
  • 2021 Operating Plan Summary
• BPX Committee Functional Duties & Responsibilities
  • Communications Coordinator
  • Events Coordinator
  • Research Coordinator
  • Trip Leader Coordinator
  • Trips Coordinator

Important Links for Additional Information:   

• Public Health Orders by County
• Parks & Open Space Closures COTREX
• Federal, State and Tribal Outdoor Recreation COVID-19 Resources
• Find a Hospital

Educational:

• Notes on Lightweight Backpacking by Bob Dawson
• How to Get On The Trail Quickly When Breaking Camp by Linda Lawson
• How to Set Up a Tent in the Rain
• “Lightweight and Thru Hiking”, A Zoom Presentation by Karl Ford (Note: this YouTube video is 1 hour, 55 minutes)