What experience do I need?

• None. Unless otherwise-indicated, our trips are beginner-friendly! Each trip will be run by experienced instructors ready to teach you the skills you need.

What gear do I need?

• We have all the gear you need! While you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you have it, we want you to join our adventures without the high cost of gear. All you need to bring are your own personal items.

Will I be able to keep up with the rest of the group?

• We move at a pace that feels sustainable to everyone and take frequent breaks for snacks, water, and to go to the bathroom. This may be a bit slower than you usually travel.

What do I do when I have to pee, poop, or if I’m menstruating on a trip?!

• We know that dealing with bodily functions in the woods can be intimidating! Our instructors will make sure to explain how to safely and comfortably take care of business in the outdoors.

• For many of our camping trips, backcountry toilets will be available.

• Many folks who normally sit to pee like to use stand-to-pee devices to pee more comfortably (our favorite is the P-Style) and antimicrobial cloths like the Kula Cloth for wiping.

• If you might menstruate on a trip, make sure to bring the products you’re most comfortable using. Instructors can give advice on how to dispose or store of single use products properly.

• We tend to go without showers on our trips; you can always freshen up at nearby water sources. If cleaning up is a special concern for you we are happy to talk through possible on-trip hygiene strategies. 

How does transportation work?

• For most trips, plan to meet at the start point. We will send out a carpooling spreadsheet so participants can coordinate travel among each other. 

How do meals work?

Overnight trips:

• For overnight trips, Kindling Collective will pack all the food needed for the whole group—breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and snacks. When you register, we will ask you to share any dietary restrictions, and we pack our meals accordingly. 

• You are welcome to bring your own snacks; we’ll make sure to animal-proof all food at night.

• Kindling trips are alcohol-free—please leave alcohol at home.

• Drinking water for multi-day events is treated water from nearby water sources, making it safe to consume. 

Day trips:

• Food and water varies by trip. Check the trip description for information on what food and water to pack.

Tell me more about camping?

• On overnight trips, we try to get to camp in the early afternoon. You'll choose your spot and set up your tent - we’re around to help if this is something you’ve never done before!

• After setting up our tents, you will be free to enjoy time to swim, read, write or play games with others.

• There are many "jobs" that our trip leaders will need help with and will ask you to volunteer. Some of these jobs could be cooking, cleaning, managing water treatment etc.

How are you addressing COVID-19?

• We ask all participants to test negative for COVID within 24 hours of overnight trips. For day trips, monitor your symptoms and please do not attend the trip if you or anyone in your household is experiencing symptoms or if you have been in direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past five days.

Does Kindling have a Code of Conduct?

• Kindling Collective is committed to providing fun, safe, and harassment-free adventures for all of our participants. We design trips with intentional focus on making connections and building community.

• We do not tolerate harassment or bullying of participants in any form.