General F.A.Q.

+ I don't know anyone else that is going - will I make friends?

You are not alone! TVOP is all about creating community. Many people show up not knowing other people and leave with meaningful new friendships. We strive to make everyone feel safe and included. Let us know how we can make you feel more comfortable.

+ Can I bring my dog?

We're sorry - dogs are not allowed on overnight TVOP trips. If you are someone who needs a trained service dog, please check in with us to make sure the route is suitable for your animal, and we will do our best to accommodate you both. Check details on our Day Hike page to find out about your dog during any of our day events.

+ I'm an older adult. Will I be the only person that age?

All TVOP adult trips are open to people of any age, and we’ve had past participants from ages 18-75! We love trips that are intergenerational, where we can all learn from each other.

+ I don't have any of my own equipment.

TVOP will supply all gear for all courses including tents, cooking stoves, and other group-use items. Personal gear such as sleeping bags and pads, backpacks, and trekking poles may be borrowed from TVOP at no additional cost. Individuals will be responsible for supplying their own hiking boots and clothing (however, we do have some clothing that can be borrowed - If you think you might need something, just ask us!).

+ I have all of my own equipment. Does that mean I can pay less?

We offer free gear rental to those who need it to lower the barriers to accessing the outdoors - therefore, whether or not you choose to use our rental gear, the cost of this gear is not included in the pricing of our courses. If you feel that the purchasing of your own gear has limited your financial access, we invite you to choose a lower amount on the sliding scale. If you have questions about where you fall on our sliding scale, please see the “How much should I pay?’ question below.

+ How much should I pay on the sliding scale?

Our sliding scale is meant to make our trips and events more accessible for those who experience financial barriers, are looking for reparations pricing, and/or have high travel expenses. Paying a higher amount allows us to provide more opportunities to others. Paying a smaller amount is recommended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford the estimated value. Please choose an amount that you will be able to pay, but will not hinder your ability to afford food, housing, etc. By paying as much as you can, we are able to serve more of our community members.

Our sliding scale recommendation:

• Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs
• Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income
• High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs

Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.

+ What happens if I get hurt?

There is, of course, a certain amount of risk involved in any backcountry trip. With this in mind, every course has a written and documented emergency protocol plan in the event of an emergency. Instructors at TVOP are Wilderness First Responder certified. These are nationally recognized standards in wilderness medicine. Your safety is extremely important to us. All participants will be required to fill out a medical form which will be reviewed by the TVOP medical staff who will help make plans should any medical accommodations be necessary.

+ I bind and/or wear compression garments and/or tuck. Is it safe to do so while backpacking?

We recognize how important binding/compressing/tucking is for many members of our community. While on a backpacking trip binding/compressing/tucking could interfere with physical comfort and safety. We are happy to talk through some options to help you feel affirmed without compromising your health. Please contact us for more information.

+ Will there be swimming?

We often pass by ponds while backpacking and our participants have enjoyed swimming with the safety and security of swimming in a group. While we try our best to give all of our participants a chance to swim while on trail, we cannot guarantee access to swimming spots during your course experience.

+ I have a dietary restriction/special diet/allergy/food preferences. Will there be food for me?

We have created backcountry meals that can fit most dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, and dairy/gluten-free. We have a small kitchen and cannot guarantee a lack of trace amounts of gluten (or other trace allergens) in our meals. If this does not meet your dietary needs, please reach out to us and we will work with you to find a solution. Please let us know of allergies, special diets, and/or preferences prior to the trip.

+ Can I take my hormone shot while backpacking?

It is difficult to create a completely sanitary setting while backpacking. For this reason, we recommend that you work with your physician to adjust the timing of your shot so you can do it before or after the trip because it is challenging to have a completely sanitary setting while backpacking. However, if that is not possible, it is feasible to do your shot on the trail. We ask that you carry a spare needle and syringe in case one gets broken. We’re happy to further chat through what this looks like with you in order for you to not feel that you need to compromise your health.

+ I do not identify as queer. I'm not sure if I belong.

TVOP trips are open to anyone who identifies as queer, LGBTQ+, asexual/aromantic, two-spirit, intersex, and more! We say the word “queer” a lot when talking about our trips. What does that mean? While we recognize the negative historical context of this word, we like to use it as a reclamatory umbrella term to refer to anyone within the LGBTQ+ community. If you feel that you might belong - you probably do!

+ Will I be the only person of color on my trip?

We recognize that while the level of access to the outdoors for the LGBTQ+ community is low, it is even lower for our QTBIPOC community members. We strive to lower that barrier by investing in the recruitment of BIPOC trip leaders and divesting organizationally from practices rooted in colonialism. Unfortunately, we cannot know who will be on a trip before everyone is signed up. We recognize that many people of color do not feel comfortable in wilderness spaces without other BIPOC people present, and that not knowing this very important piece of information can feel/be risky.

Here’s what we do know. In past years, 19% of our participants (generally 1-2 people per trip) have identified as something other than white. Our instructors and volunteers are assessed on cultural competencies and cross-cultural facilitation, and all non-BIPOC back-end administrative staff work with external organizers to learn about and dismantle sources of racialized harm. We hope this small but hopefully helpful bit of information supports you in your decision-making. Whether on a TVOP trip or outside of one, we’d love to see you out on the trails!

+ Why would I pay to go backpacking when I can go for free?

You are correct, you can hike for free on your own! What we are offering is not just a wilderness trip, but a chance to create community. On a TVOP trip, you will meet people with shared identities, have meaningful experiences and conversations in community, have someone else plan the logistics of your adventures including food and gear, and have certified Wilderness First Responders on hand should you ever need one. All of the money we collect goes towards operating costs for our programs.

+ What are the credentials of the staff?

All of our trip-leading staff are certified (at a minimum) in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. The majority of our staff (including all of our backcountry instructors) are Wilderness First Responders. All staff have undergone thorough background checks and are experienced and trained outdoor educators.

+ Can I bring alcohol and/or drugs?

Most TVOP trips are alcohol and substance-free. If a trip allows substances, this will be noted in the trip description. We realize some drugs (such as cannabis) are used for medical purposes - if this is something you feel you may need, please contact us and we will find a way to accommodate your needs.

+ What happens if it rains?

Trust the weather: Our trips operate rain or shine. You can expect to be traveling in all weather conditions (rain, wind, cold, humidity, etc.) except when storm/weather watches are in effect or when weather would otherwise cause undue hardship. While we do our best to complete the routes we intended, the planned itinerary may change due to many factors outside of our control, and instructors make real-time decisions based on group pace and safety.

+ What do the trip levels mean?

On whatever TVOP trip you choose, we want you to have fun! Ensuring participant and instructor safety is our number one priority. One way that we do this is by helping our participants find a trip that will challenge and push them without putting them in a risky situation.

There are many ways to challenge yourself on a TVOP adventure. Whether it's physical, mental, or emotional, 'challenge' looks different for everybody (and every body). We have developed trip levels to help explain the different types of physical challenges you may encounter on a TVOP trip, so that you can choose the trip that best fits the level and type of challenge you are looking for. At the junction of community building and challenge is where we build resiliency - through doing hard things in relationship to one another, we strengthen our individual and collective capacity to withstand and recover.

Land-based trip levels

These levels are designed to explain the differences between our land-based trips - we are currently offering multi-day backpacking, day hiking, and day bikepacking trips.

Level 1- Mileage: 2-4 miles/day, Elevation change: <1,000 data-preserve-html-node="true" ft/day. Participants should be able to backpack at a pace of 0.5 miles per hour or faster for up to 6 hours per day. Participants will carry their own packs weighing approximately 40 pounds, carrying both personal and group gear. We will take short breaks multiple times per hour, break for lunch, and will likely set up camp around 3pm each day. We teach you everything you need to know about backpacking - prior experience with backcountry travel is not needed! Community building is both organic and structured through evening conversations, ice breakers, and group travel. Our goal is always community development, safety, and enjoyment first, distance traveled second.

Level 2- Mileage: 3-6 miles/day, Elevation change: 1,000-1,500 ft/day.

Participants should be able to backpack at a pace of 1 mile per hour or faster for about 6 hours per day. Participants will carry their own packs weighing approximately 40 pounds, carrying both personal and group gear. Prior experience with backcountry travel is not required but is recommended. We will take short breaks a couple times per hour, break for lunch, and will likely set up camp around 4pm each day. These trips balance skill building and community building. Instructors will ensure all participants know how to successfully and safely travel in the backcountry and group travel. Our goal is always community development, safety, and enjoyment first, distance traveled second.

Level 3- Mileage: 5-10 miles/day, Elevation change: 1,500-2,000 ft/day.

Participants should be able to backpack at a pace of 2 miles per hour or faster for 6 hours per day. Participants will carry their own packs weighing approximately 40 pounds, carrying both personal and group gear. Prior experience with backcountry travel is required. We will take short breaks about once per hour, may break for lunch, and will likely set up camp around 4pm each day. These trips are focussed on individual challenge goals and community building over skill building. Participants are encouraged to share their knowledge while the group travels together. Our goal is always community development, safety, and enjoyment first, distance traveled second.

+ Can I get my money back if I signed up but now can't go?

Refund Policy:

*Deposits are non-refundable. (This is the first $100 you pay, $200 for Rafting.)

*90+ Days Prior to Trip Start Date: 100% of full trip tuition is refundable (minus deposit) for all trips.

*90-60 Days Prior to Trip Start Date: 50% of full trip tuition is refundable (minus deposit) except for Rafting trips (these are non-refundable within 90 days of the trip).

*Less than 60 Days Prior to Trip Start Date - Trip is non-refundable.