Weekly Blog #5 - Sponge Takes a Backpack Class
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posted: Saturday, May 9th, 2026
Everyone is a student of the trail...Sponge included.
Recently, Sponge enrolled in a $20, 2-hour class offered on a Saturday at his local REI: "How to Pack a Backpack." But why? Surely Sponge knows how to pack his own Kawka 55! Well the answer is incredibly simple: there are always new things to learn.
Held in a small classroom behind the outdoor gear section, Sponge was the first to arrive. He followed email instructions - bringing his pack (fully loaded). He left his signature black hat in the car, but that was about all he left behind. The instructor mentioned there would be three other 'students' joining in and soon one arrived. His pack was pretty small - resembling more of a traditional high school backpack than a hiking backpack. A couple then arrived to complete the roster, each sporting brand new larger hiking packs.
Next up was introductions, where we all awkwardly said our names and told the group where we planned to hike and hoped to get out of the class. Sponge shared a little about his time on the Appalachian Trail and admitted he wanted to be certain his pack was "riding" correctly and being packed well. Small backpack guy (we'll call him "Eddie" from now on) said he was planning on taking a 5-day hike with a group of friends. The couple (let's call them "Ross" and "Rachel"...just for sheet fun, was hitting a national park in California.
The instructor admitted he had been everywhere, often with his dog (we shall call him "Charlie"...his dog, never mentioned again in this class, would be "Snoopy" obviously.)
With small talk done, we moved on to making sure our packs fit correctly. Sponge had a little trepidation about this - as he learned halfway into his AT trip just how wrong he was wearing his pack. By this point damage had been done - resulting in a deep blister on his right shoulder (which then tore open and was a fresh wound the remainder of the trip). A fellow hiker with the same Kawka 55 set him straight at a hostel - but he's always wondered since if: 1) this was the wrong-sized pack to begin with and 2) whether he was still wearing it wrong.
Luckily, REI has some fancy tools - a couple of interlocking plastic loops that go around your waist and then torso. Looking at the numbers on these then correctly size you to the right pack size. REI uses these when folks come in to buy a hiking pack for the first time - which is exactly what Ross and Rachel had done a few hours ago. Sponge was matched up with Eddie take turns measuring with the loops. The result? A larger size than Sponge's current, completely non-adjustable current pack.
Luckily, Sponge's bacon was saved by the next part of class - where everyone put on their empty packs and we looked at straps, belts and harnesses. Here, Charlie took a closer look at Sponge's pack - examining the spacing between his shoulder straps and back. It looks pretty good, he said - adding that going up a full size may be a worse fit. Relieved to not have to shop for a new pack, Sponge was glad to not have to sulk through the remainder of the class.
And what was left went fast. We went through layering contents - almost exclusively using Charlie and Sponge's gear, since all other packs were empty. We learned how to start with a soft compressible layer, then add some weight (like a tent or cooking gear), then another layer with items you may need some readily towards the top. All this Sponge knew, but he was still relieved to know he hadn't been messing it up this whole time. Liners were discussed, including the trash compactor bag trick (use inside your pack keep all contents dry and avoid having to buy a rain fly for your pack).
Then there was time left over for questions and training talk. Sponge shared a few of his favorite local trails and weekend warrior destinations, noting that Charlie had a sticker for one on his bear vault. Speaking of stickers, the class ended with a few freebies - including a 22% off coupon (since REI started with 22 employees) and an apparently sought-after sticker.
Overall, the class was worth $20 to alleviate some fears and pick up a few new tricks. Sponge quickly used the coupon to nab a new phone case sleeve for his shoulder strap - it will replace a $5 item he was using from Wal-Mart that was NOT waterproof.
So - no matter how "seasoned" you are - don't be afraid to take on a little more - and maybe share your knowledge with those who may need it. REI has plenty of good classes available - a quick glance at their web site shows classes that cover tents and sleeping systems, stoves and water treatment, and camping or hiking basics. Other outfitters likely have great offerings too. Remember, if even a little of your money or time can make you a better hiker or backpacker - it's a worthy investment!
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Double Note: Sponge will NEVER link products he does not stand behind. Also, Sponge has NEVER received free products or special treatment from companies whose products are shown.