Do I need my own gear?
Yes, you need to have some of your own gear to participate.
hiking boots
clothing / layers
sleeping bag
sleeping pad
personal items like : sunglasses, hat, bug net, toiletries, book, journal, etc
What you can borrow from Unruly Women for our backpacking adventures:
Deuter backpacking backpacks
lightweight backpacking tents (there are only 2 at this time, otherwise I can help you source a rental)
Sea to Summit Dry Sacks and paracord (these are used to hang your food and toiletries as a bear bag)
Nalgene water bottle (I only have a 1 at this time)
a puffy warm jacket (sized medium)
What Unruly Women will provide for the group to use :
water filtration system
Cooking stove and fuel (to boil water for beverages and dry meals)
Medical Kit (this does not include your personal medication, or life saving medications, or epi-pen. Although I am certified to use an Epi-Pen if you have one, have an allergic reaction and need my help to administer it. (I am a Certified Wilderness First Responder through NOLS Wilderness School)
Rain tarp
bug net room (small space for 2 people)
Garmin GPS with Safety SOS with subscription (for emergencies only)
Eventually our goal is to provide all gear as Unruly Women LLC understands that having gear can be a financial investment and this is a financial barrier that limits accessibility to the outdoors.
Bikes: Bike Rentals will be available through the bike shops that Unruly Women partners with for specific events.
Water Filters: In 2023 and 2024, everyone who comes on an Unruly Backpacking Adventure will be getting a Sawyer Squeeze, thanks to Sawyer!
Sanitized equipment provided by Unruly Women LLC: Gear and equipment intended to be used by one person for the duration of the event will be issued on an individual basis. Unruly Women provided gear gets cleaned and disinfected after each event.
Tents/Accommodations: At this time, Unruly Women LLC has 2 lightweight single person backpacking tents to be used on the overnight backpacking trips. If these get reserved first, then tents can be rented through REI (possibly other options) and you will be able to choose to have a single tent, or share a tent with someone you came with and trust. If you are a solo traveler and able to provide proof of Covid vaccination, you have the option to be paired with someone else and share a tent.
Are Unruly Women’s retreats, events, and adventures LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes. Unruly Women LLC is committed to promoting and supporting diversity in outdoor spaces and outdoor recreation that have been historically dominated by cis-gendered heterosexual males, by actively welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals who are female identifying or non-binary.
Everyone, especially those who are underrepresented in these spaces, deserve to feel both safe and belonging.
Disrespect against the LGBTQIA2S+ community will not be tolerated, you will be asked to leave and you will not get a refund on your adventure.
As part of Unruly Women’s (ongoing) work to help improve inclusivity, equity and help diversify outdoor spaces, as an individual of the LGBTQIA2S+ community you are encouraged regardless of income level to participate in the 20% discounted rate for multi-day adventures and 1:1 mountain bike coaching , please reach out by email on the base camp page to inquire further.
Are Unruly Women’s retreats, events, and adventures BBIPOC friendly?
Yes. Unruly Women LLC is committed to promoting and supporting diversity and inclusivity in outdoor spaces and outdoor recreation by actively welcoming BBIPOC individuals, as these spaces have been historically dominated by whiteness and males. This underrepresentation has historically been because of discrimination, lack of access to these natural spaces, financial inequalities and inequities (just to name a few) and is reflected in the number of individuals who recreate and explore these spaces even today (recent studies show that generally these spaces are >70% white, depending on where the research was conducted and when).
It is important that all historically underrepresented individuals feel not only safe, but also belonging in these spaces.
Racism will NOT be tolerated, if you display any racist behavior you will be asked to leave and there will be no refund on your adventure.
As part of Unruly Women’s (ongoing) work to improve inclusivity, equity and help diversify outdoor spaces, as a BBIPOC individual you are encouraged regardless of income level to participate in the 20% discounted rate for mountain biking retreats, backpacking retreats and 1:1 mountain bike coaching, please reach out by email on the base camp page to inquire further, or make sure to fill out the proper areas on the form when signing up for the adventure!
It will also be recognized, and made point-of, that the places we hike, bike, backpack and recreate are on stolen indigenous land.
Are scholarships available?
Yes! Please reach out via the contact page if you have questions and/or are interested in receiving a scholarship, otherwise head over to the scholarship page to give a contribution!
All contributions given to the scholarship fund are not considered tax-deductible. Scholarships will go towards individuals to attend single and multi-day retreats and weekly activities.
There are 3 partial scholarships for the 2024 retreats, please see scholarship page for details and application.
What is the sliding scale payment all about?
Unruly Women LLC understands that financial barriers, specifically systemic barriers and inequities that don’t afford everyone the same access to resources, limit accessibility to outdoor spaces and recreation.
As part of Unruly Women’s ongoing work to help diversify outdoor spaces, as an individual of the BBIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ communities, you are encouraged regardless of income level to participate in the 20% discounted rate for mountain biking and backpacking retreats and 1:1 mountain bike coaching, please reach out by email on the base camp page to inquire further, or make sure to fill out the proper areas on the form when signing up for the adventure!
I am a man, and/or male-identifying/ masculine-leaning non-binary person, can I attend?
No. Unruly Women events, retreats, and adventures are for female identifying and femme-leaning non-binary persons. If you identify as a man and/or a masculine-leaning non-binary individual, Unruly Women events, retreats and adventures probably aren’t for you. If you have questions, or do feel like Unruly Women is for you but aren’t quite sure, feel free to reach out, we want you to feel safe and comfortable while participating.
I would like to bring a male-identifying partner or friend, can they attend?
No. Unruly Women events, retreats, and adventures are for female identifying and femme-leaning non-binary persons.
Do I need a Covid Vaccination or test?
[UPDATED 03/10/23: Vaccinations are highly recommended, but not required to participate in any/all Unruly Women events/retreats/activities. Covid tests are not required for group rides, hikes or volunteering. Negative at home Covid Test Results are required for every multi-day backpacking and biking retreat in order to participate. Tests taken may be no longer than 48 hours prior to event start. ]
Group Rides & Hikes & Volunteering: Covid vaccinations are highly recommended and encouraged but not required. Covid tests are not required. Distancing will be encouraged and recommended even in outdoor spaces unless the whole group is fully vaccinated and can provide proof.
Multi-day Backpacking retreats: Covid vaccinations are highly recommended (2 weeks after second dose) but a negative Covid test (does not need to be PCR) is required for all attendees regardless of vaccination status, negative results 48 hours prior to retreat start will absolutely be required for participation in combination with a valid government issued photo identification (such as drivers license, passport, or school I.D.) . My top priority is keeping the group safe and healthy. No exceptions, no refunds, this is your responsibility once you’ve committed to a multi-day retreat.
Proof of Identification: For multi-day backpacking retreats, multi-day events, and multi-day mountain biking retreats all participants 18 years of age and older must present a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license or state-issued identification card, a military identification card or a passport or passport card.
Negative Covid Test Result: Those choosing the testing option are required to produce a negative result from a COVID-19 test (PCR not required) no more than 48 hours before adventure/activity start.
The following are acceptable as proof of a negative COVID-19 test result:
Printed document (from the test provider or laboratory)
An email or text message displayed on a phone or electronic device from the test provider or laboratory
The information provided should include name of person tested, type of test performed, and date of negative test result.
Vaccination Guidelines: Participants are considered fully vaccinated two weeks following the second dose in a two-dose series such as Pfizer or Moderna, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine such as J&J/Janssen. Review the CDC guidelines for vaccination here.
Acceptable forms of proof of full vaccination include:
A photo or hard copy of the participant’s CDC vaccination card or other official immunization record from the jurisdiction, city, state, or country where the vaccine was administered, or from a healthcare provider or other approved immunizer who administered the vaccine, that provides the person’s name, vaccine brand, and date of administration
A photo or hard copy of an official vaccination record of a vaccine administered outside the United States for one of the following vaccines: AstraZeneca/SK Bioscience, Serum Institute of India/COVISHIELD and Vaxzevria, Sinopharm, or Sinovac.
Do I need a mask?
[3/10/23 UPDATE: Mask are not required for participation, and are up to each individual whether they would like to wear one or not based on their own level of comfort. This is subject to change depending of level of severity of Covid at the time of the retreat/event, but at this time, are not required.]
Based on current CDC masking guidance, Unruly Women guides are required—and participants are encouraged—to wear masks while indoors in counties designated as high COVID-19 Community Level by the CDC. Masks are optional indoors in areas with low or medium COVID-19 Community Levels. We will continue to require participants and guides to wear masks when in transportation, if transportation is provided, in alignment with CDC transportation guidance.
For the safety of our guests, guides and instructors, CDC-recommended face coverings will be required at various times throughout each experience. Fully vaccinated guests will still need to mask up in certain situations. While being worn, all face coverings must fully cover the nose and mouth. Face coverings made of mesh or other loosely knit fabric are not permitted.
What if I’m feeling sick?
Please stay home, do not come and spread your germs. There will be more adventures, I promise!
If you need to cancel because you are sick, your multi-day trip will be credited for a future backpacking trip to be used within the year it was initially purchased.
Health Assessment: Participants, guides, and instructors are asked to perform a health screening prior to the event, evaluating any possible COVID-19 symptoms or exposure. On the day of the event, participants will again be asked about any symptoms or exposure and may have their temperatures checked.
What is your cancellation policy?
This depends on the adventure.
Group Rides & Hikes: If the group ride or hike is cancelled by Unruly Women LLC due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be credited for a future group ride or hike, but not refunded.
Multi-day Backpacking retreats: Unruly Women LLC does not plan to cancel a backpacking retreat, prepare yourself for all weather, and contact us if you have questions regarding how to prepare for weather. If Unruly Women LLC cancels the trip, you will be fully refunded for the backpacking ticket fee, not including processing/permit fees. Unruly Women LLC will not compensate you for airfare or other travel fees incurred, travel insurance is recommended.
What is your refund policy?
This depends on the adventure.
Group Rides, Hikes, and Creative Writing workshops: No refund.
Multi-day Backpacking and biking retreats: Contact us about transferring your registration to a waitlisted person. If a waitlisted person is able to register in place of you, you will be refunded. If we are unable to register someone off the waitlist in place of you, you will not be refunded. If you need to cancel because you are sick, your trip will be credited for a future backpacking or biking trip to be used within the year it was initially purchased.
Unruly Women LLC understands that illness, injury and/or family emergencies happen, but this is our policy at this time and by signing up for an adventure, retreat or event you are acknowledging understanding of this policy - travel insurance is recommended.
Do I need medical coverage/medical insurance?
Medical coverage/Medical Insurance is highly recommended and encouraged and is your responsibility to have while participating in Unruly Women LLC events, retreats and/or adventures.
Medical coverage and insurance is highly recommended because injuries and illness can happen anywhere, anytime. If you get hurt or sick while on an Unruly Women LLC retreat, event and/or adventure your medical coverage/insurance is your responsibility and not Unruly Women LLC’s responsibility. Unruly Women LLC will either help you to the nearest hospital or care center if you get injured or ill, but will not be responsible for any fees incurred, or we will assist you in contacting your emergency contact, depending on the severity of the situation and what is most appropriate.
Basically, if you get hurt or sick during an Unruly Women LLC event, retreat and/or adventure Unruly Women LLC is not liable, is not at fault, and will not cover any of your fees that you incur and when you sign up for any of our events, retreats or adventures you are acknowledging your understanding of this.
Do I need travel insurance?
This depends on the adventure. If you’re participating in a local group mountain bike ride or hike, it is unlikely you will need travel insurance, but it is ultimately up to you to make that decision. If you’re participating in a multi-day retreat, event, or adventure we would recommend some sort of travel insurance to cover medical expenses and/or other situations that may interfere with or prevent you from traveling. Travel insurance is the best way to protect you from unforeseen circumstances.
Am I too old or too young?
You must be age 18 or older, but there is no age limit otherwise! As I always say, “age is just a number,” unless you’re under 18.
Where’s the tip jar?
As your trip guide, tips/gratuities are not necessary but greatly appreciated. If you would like to, 10-20% of what your adventure costs is a typical ‘guide gratuity,’ but again it is not expected and will not effect your adventure experience (i.e no special treatment).
I’ve noticed your prices are much lower than other guiding services, should I be worried?
No. This is just my attempt to make the outdoors more accessible, while also trying to make a living doing what I love. Could I charge 85% more like the other guiding services? Easily. Do I want to? No. By charging less, it doesn’t mean I have any less experience, that you’ll have any less fun, or the experiences will be any less safe or compromised in any way.
I’ve noticed your prices are much higher for the some of the biking retreats, how is this considered inclusive and helping to promote accessibility to outdoor recreation?
This is my job, my whole life, my career. As a small business, I am experimenting with different ways to bring in income - which is absolutely necessary for the survival of a business, especially a small business - to be able to offer adventure opportunities, to pay the amazing women helping me, to provide lower costs for the backpacking retreats and to be able to offer other free services (group rides, hikes, ASL interpreting services) and scholarships. In those ways, and more in the future, my hope is to keep the event prices low, which will allow for more individuals to be able to afford to participate and more opportunities in the future for free courses and clinics and events.
I am deaf or hard of hearing, will you provide an ASL interpreter?
Yes! For select backpacking and biking retreats (found below), Unruly Women LLC is able to provide an ASL interpreter for 2023. I have been grateful to have found someone that aligns with Unruly Women’s values and mission! There will be no additional charge to you for this service. If, you don’t see an adventure that aligns with your schedule, or if you have further questions, please reach out to me directly via email by clicking HERE and I’ll see what we can do!
ASL Interpreter Services are available for:
Backpacking Retreat June 14-16, 2024 (more details coming soon)
Backpacking Retreat September 27-29, 2024 (more details coming soon)
Mountain Biking Skills Clinic June 22, 2024 (more details coming soon)
Volunteering July 26th, 2024 (awaiting details/confirmation/coming soon)
I have a small group of friends/family that want to reserve a backpacking trip, can we book a private adventure?
Yes. If it is an already scheduled backpacking adventure, please reach out to Unruly Women LLC via the contact page to reserve before spots fill up. If there is a date or trip not listed that you would like Unruly Women to guide, please reach out via the contact page and request.
Can I return merch (items on the merchandise page/store)?
No. All sales are final, no refunds. Stickers, knitted hats, knitted headbands, jerseys and t-shirts included.
