a·foot 2024 · santa fe and abq hiking group

Join us for our annual trek to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, north of Alamosa. We will grab coffee and be on the road early and begin the scenic drive to our destination. Camping, glamping and lodging is nearby too, if you want to arrive a day early.

Why does a Marmot Precip jacket costs $100 and an Arc'teryx Alpha SV jacket costs 900? They're both just rain jackets. Right?

Technical clothing is designed to keep you dry and comfortable and to protect you from the elements when exploring the outdoors. But understanding the concepts and the technology can be daunting. Your instructor, Bernard Tibbetts, will take the mystery out of shopping for outdoor technical clothing so that you can be confident in your purchases and save money to boot.

By applying what you learn in this class to future clothing and gear purchases, you will recoup your investment in this class many times over.

This class will teach you the following:

• Poor weather or just poor clothing choices?
• The layering principle.
• Evaluating clothing properties such as insulation, wicking, sun protection, breathability, water protection and wind protection.
• Understanding the various water proofing methods.
• How to prioritize your purchases and build your layers over time.
• When is cotton appropriate for the outdoors?

Your instructor, Bernard Tibbets, had been an outdoor leader and instructor for over a decade and is committed to empowering others to get outdoors lead their own adventures.

Join us at MountainFilm in Telluride during the Memorial Day weekend 2024. It is a world-class event with engaging people in an incredible location. Buy a pass, or apply for a volunteer position and get a free pass ($400 value).

"Mountainfilm is the single most inspiring event that I attend each year. It is a chance to rub elbows with modern-day heroes, with people who are actually making a difference. A chance to see films that would be lost. A chance to find out what’s really happening in the world and to meet people who are living their dreams." — Ace Kvale, adventure photographer

"Established in 1979, Mountainfilm is dedicated to educating, inspiring and motivating audiences about environments, cultures, issues and adventures. Working at the nexus of film-making and action, its flagship program is the legendary Telluride Mountainfilm festival, a one-of-a-kind combination of films, conversations and inspiration."

“Perhaps there’s no better act of simplification than climbing a mountain. For an afternoon, a day, or a week, it’s a way of reducing a complicated life into a simple goal. All you have to do is take one step at a time, place one foot in front of the other, and refuse to turn back until you’ve given everything you have.” ― Ken Ilgunas

Comments from previous attendees:

"Very thorough and very engaging presentation. Excellent use of web and presentation technology. And, very educational!"

Join presenter Bernard Tibbetts as he introduces you to the 58 peaks in Colorado over 14,000 feet. Known as the Colorado Fourteeners, they provide amazing alpine experiences for thousands of people each year at all experience levels: hikers, backpackers, rock climbers and seasoned mountaineers alike.

Bernard will:

• Inspire and motivate you with the awesome images and map technology.
• Introduce you to the Colorado mountain ranges and groups where the Fourteeners are located.
• Discuss "first Fourteeneer" options.
• Explain how to research route and trailhead locations.
• Explain route ratings and use them to assess route difficulty.
• Present checklists for obtaining proper gear and clothing.
• Discuss ideas for getting fit for the Fourteeners.