Trip Preparation
Are these trips for me?
I want to address the general concerns of people:
Age:
These trips are for everyone over the age of 18 at the time of the trip. I have had trips where the youngest person is 18, and the eldest is 30, and the groups have loved the age diversity!
Physical Fitness:
I encourage you to ensure that you can physically complete all of the hikes on the itinerary items (the pace can be adjusted, but the itinerary will not shift to accommodate). If you can physically complete all of the activities on the itinerary but are out of shape, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself for the trip. I think this can be a great opportunity to challenge yourself.
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Gear:
There are certain pieces of gear, such as clothing, that you will need for yourself. Coleman has sponsored a set of 11 sleeping bags, sleeping pads, headlamps, and 5 tents for the group to use on the trips. At trup sign-up people can request what gear they will need. I am very willing to help you choose the best gear for you as we move forward, and some of the gear you will need can be shared or rented.
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Experience:
The experience you need will depend on the trip you sign up for. If the trip denotes that you need experience backpacking, then you will need to have experience backpacking. However, if the trip is labeled as beginner, you will need to be physically able to complete the itinerary items.
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Cost:
I do my best to offer trips that are financially accessible across the spectrum. I offer more expensive trips and trips that are more affordable, so if trips I launch are financially inaccessible to you, please know that I offer one trip per summer that is under $500 (excluding flights). Please also know that several hours go into preparing for these trips, advertising these trips, hosting these trips, and leading these trips. Because of the energy, I pour into these trips, My trip costs and my co-leaders are always covered by part of your total cost for the trip. Rarely do I profit from leading these trips.
Do I profit from hosting these trips?
Please know that several hours go into preparing for these trips, advertising these trips, hosting these trips, and leading these trips. Because of the energy I pour into these trips, my trip costs and my co-leaders are always covered by part of your total cost for the trip. Rarely do I profit from leading these trips. However, I do profit from some of my trip hostings.
What COVID protocols do you currently take and what is required of trip members?
Currently, I am requesting that trip members are vaccinated. I do take your word and do not require you to prove you're vaccinated.
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If you are not vaccinated, Not a big deal! However, I ask that you get tested 2-3 days before flying and joining all trip members.
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I ask that you respect the rules and state mandates of the areas that we travel to, including wearing a mask.
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Because safety is a concern of mine, vaccinations and testing before joining the trip is the best way to limit the spread of COVID within our group. We will be together for several days; therefore, I will not require masks when we are in our group, regardless of social distancing. You are obligated to sign a waiver that states I am not responsible for your personal health and that you are assuming the risk for yourself.