What is Geargasm?

We’re pretty excited to announce the dates for this year’s Geargasm—June 22 to 24—and we certainly hope you will be there.

DC UL has been hosting Geargasm for the past six years as a way to help our members check out gear from a number of ultralight manufacturers, such as Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, Vargo, ULA, YAMA, and others. Our Hammock City area shows off a variety of hammocks and tarps. There are more stoves on display than you can imagine. It is gear that you’ve probably heard about but may not have seen up close— Geargasm gives you a chance to check it out in person.

We’ve added talks and skill sessions over the years, starting with talks about going ultralight, building in conversations about Leave No Trace and basics of first aid, and adding knot tying and fire-making workshops. Last year, I was especially pleased that we started to offer pack shakedowns where we connected DC UL members with DC UL leaders to go over gear lists and offer advice on what should be in your pack. That will be on the agenda again this year.

We also use it as an opportunity to raise money for the City Kids Wilderness Project, a D.C.-based nonprofit that provides enriching life experiences for D.C. children to enhance their lives, the lives of their families and the greater community.

A great event all around, Geargasm is an opportunity for the ultralight and backpacking community in the Mid-Atlantic area to come together. If you’re a new backpacker, it is a great way to meet DC UL organizers and learn more about the group. If you’re an experienced backpacker, it is a great way for you to share knowledge and trade tips with others. And for all, yes, it is a great way to geek out over gear for the day.

It’s an event that’s growing each year, and I believe getting better each year. Join us in June—you can sign up via our Meetup event page. Comment below if there’s something you’d like to see on the agenda. And if you’re a company who is interested in participating, please let us know–you can email either Jennifer Adach <jen[at]dculbackpacking.com> or  Brian Horst <brian[at]dculbackpacking.com>. We’d love to get your gear in front of our members.

See you in June!