A detailed packing list will be included in your pre-trip materials but when you book a trip with Wild Juniper, you shouldn’t have to bring more than a pair of hiking boots, sandals, or trail runners, some clothes, a pair of camp shoes (like crocs or sandals) and your personal toiletries. Other items you may not already have and will need depending on the season you book a trip are a lightweight or packable down jacket, rain jacket, or sun shirt. We’ll provide the rest! Gear rental is included in the base price of a trip and again, a detailed packing list will be provided in your pre-trip materials that you will receive in an email after ordering.

Included in your pre-trip materials will be a suggested training guide. Ideally, your trip was booked 60+ days in advance and you’ve got some time to train and feel more prepared. But, your body is stronger than you think! If you’re able to go hiking regularly, or if you exercise a few days a week, you’ll be just fine! Because these are meant to be introductory trips and you’re using high quality gear, the trails are shorter and your pack shouldn’t feel too heavy. If you have specific concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out.

I have personally backpacked pregnant and would welcome any woman who gets approval from her doctor and is less than 30 weeks pregnant.

If you don’t regularly experience cramps or other symptoms that interrupt your daily life when you’re on your period, you should be just fine! I’ve spent ~30 of my periods on the trail and it’s totally manageable. I personally recommend using a menstrual cup for on the trail so that you have less trash to carry around with you, and bring baby wipes! As always, reach out if you have specific questions.

None! I will teach you everything you need to know.

The majority of your calories will come from freeze-dried meals from brands like Peak Refuel and Mountain House. Backpacking food is delicious, especially when you’ve been hiking all day. I also provide some snack, but feel free to bring some of your own. Just rmember you have to carry everything you bring! If you have specific dietary restrictions, please notate this in your post-order survey. I should be able to accommodate any dietary needs.

If you are particularly susceptible to insect bites, I recommend wearing long pants and long sleeve shirts as well as a bandana or buff around your neck. There are a lot of great options for natural bug repellents. If they come in a huge bottle, you can always transfer some to a travel-size spray bottle. I also recommend bringing along any allergy medications that normally help you and I carry a limited amount of bite and sting relief pads in my first aid kit. I also try my best to plan trips around the season and pick trails that aren’t particularly buggy.

Please view our refund policy for specific answers to this and related questions.

Almost always, we will not. I still recommend bringing your phone to use for taking photos and I will have an emergency satellite communicator at all times so that we can get help if needed. I will also provide you contact information for our field support person that you can give your emergency contact so that they can reach out if there is an emergency at home.

In any instance of illness or injury, I will do my best to care for you in the field within my scope of practice as a Wilderness First Responder. If at any point I don’t feel comfortable continuing care in the field, or you are no longer having fun due to your illness or injury, we will arrange to leave the field and return home.