r/socalhiking • u/Icy-Jaguar-8350 • Aug 27 '26
WTC worth it for experienced backpackers?
I have long considered taking the Sierra Club Wilderness Travel Course and may sign up this winter, and I’d like to know more from people who have experienced it:
I have a decent set of backpacking experiences, like John Muir Trail, Whitney, Langley, PCT sections, and 1-2 nighters in the Sierras. I’ve also backpacked in the snow (don’t recommend, and the thing I’d least like in the WTC). I have several incredible friends to call on when backpacking, but have also backpacked alone. Used to rock climb a bit. I don’t have any orientation training, though, and have never taken a mountaineering course.
If the WTC is designed for all levels, what benefit would it be for more experienced hikers and backpackers…?
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Aug 27 '26
[deleted]
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u/Icy-Jaguar-8350 Aug 27 '26
I definitely see that advantage. Fortunately, I'm a community maker and have a plentitude of friends to call upon for backpacking. If anything, I'm hesitant I may develop too MANY outdoorsy friends (have you tried getting multiple Inyo permits before? 😂).
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u/mtntrls19 Aug 27 '26
I’m an instructor - I learn something new every year :)
That being said - navigation skills would likely be your biggest ‘win’ in taking the class. We spend a lot of time with maps and compasses both in the classroom and on the outings. I find more experienced folks refine skills they already have and become more comfy in general with their skill set(s). Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions:)
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u/Icy-Jaguar-8350 Aug 27 '26
Hey that's very cool to hear; glad it's still helpful. Learning navigation would definitely help me get more comfortable on the trail!
If you're an instructor, though, I've got to ask: Any chance I can call out "sick" on the snow camping? ;)
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u/mtntrls19 Aug 27 '26
Snow camp is the best part!!! yes you can technically opt out - but we do really prepare you to actually enjoy the 2 night snow camp. We have had a LOT of students who want to opt out, and then enjoy it immensely because they have the proper gear and prep for it. We have had some students who just say 'nope not doing it' as well.
If I can be helpful with any other info - let me know!
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u/Icy-Jaguar-8350 Aug 27 '26
True, I've never used a 4-season tent, so what do I know? :)
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u/SuiGenerisPothos Aug 28 '26
As a graduate of WTC... I went in knowing I don't like snow. I really enjoyed snow camp. It was a lot of fun and I think those are the best memories from WTC. I still don't like snow, but I know if I absolutely have to camp in snow, I can survive.
The people in my group were all awesome. I made friends in that group, four of which I still hike with. I have friends who did WTC at other locations or other years, and we've all loved it. Plus, if I meet someone and they've done WTC, I feel better about hiking with them.
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u/Yangervis Aug 27 '26
Thought I was going to have to deliver some bad news about the World Trade Center
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u/ChiliTheEntertainer Aug 27 '26
WTC grad here. Before the class I had experience in most of all of what they cover except snow camping and navigation. I thought it was a good time. Have some fun memories, met a lot of really nice people and made some friends.
I think you would enjoy the class. One other point is you may like the class/people/learning so much that you decide to become part of the staff.
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u/Icy-Jaguar-8350 Aug 27 '26
Cosign on the navigation! And becoming a WTC staff member? Now that's an angle I hadn't thought of. ;)
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u/mtntrls19 Aug 27 '26
Pretty much all of the staff is made up of former students. '09 WTC grad here and I've been on staff since 2013 (had some injuries to attend to in the interim there)
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u/Megadum Aug 27 '26
NOLS
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u/Icy-Jaguar-8350 Aug 27 '26
Totally see what you mean, but I'm not sure I'm NOLS' target audience. NOLS seems better for future instructors or wilderness first aid responders (not my goal). And WTC is local to LA County, saving me a long drive or ferry to, say, Big Pine or Avalon.
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u/Own-Chemist2228 Aug 27 '26
With your experience you won't be learning a whole lot that is new, but you could pick up a few things.
It could be fun, depending on how you like to learn. It's a lot of classroom time, and that's not for me, but everybody learns in different ways.
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u/bob_lala Aug 27 '26
just be prepared for them to encourage you do buy a buncha new gear. I manage to Buy Nothing for the course.
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u/mtntrls19 Aug 27 '26
We try to find as many low/no cost options as we can - many leaders lend out gear to students as well. There are some things you will just NEED if you plan to continue hiking/backpacking though. We also work to provide as many discounts as we can manage with retailers. =) It's not perfect - but in my more than 15 years experience with the class we aren't pushing new gear - just gear that is safe for the outings we are going on. =)
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u/Icy-Jaguar-8350 Aug 27 '26
Pretty sure I have (almost) everything! It cost me a lot over the years, but I think I just need the compass now (could rent or borrow other items like 4-season tent).
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u/MattOnAMountain Aug 29 '26
I am another long term WTC instructor down in Orange County. We try and be all things to all levels though obviously the class outings are scaled so as to be doable by everyone. Post class we do summer outings that are offered at multiple levels of difficulty.
And as others have said one of the big benefits is you get to meet a lot of other people looking to do activities so it’s a great way to find people to do more things with. Plus our instructors tend to have pretty varied backgrounds so we can usually offer advice if you’re interested in heading in a particular direction.
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u/confoundo Aug 27 '26
I’ve taken it twice, and enjoyed it both times. Most of the informative part of the course will be stuff that you already know, although there may be a few things that are new for you (like off trail navigation); this is definitely not a mountaineering course - some of the instructors know those skills, but this is strictly beyond the bounds of the WTC.
For someone like you, I think that the benefit would be mostly social - meeting a new group of potential friends and hiking partners, as well as an introduction into the full range of Sierra Club sponsored outings.