Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
We provide all major gear—tents, sleeping bags, pads, kitchen gear, and food. You’ll need clothing, toiletries, and sturdy footwear. Wear moisture-wicking layers and absolutely no cotton—it stays wet and gets cold.
Will it be cold?
It can be! Mornings and evenings are usually chilly. Bring layers, a warm jacket, and a beanie even in summer.
How hard will this be?
Most trips are beginner-friendly and meant for reasonably active people. We hike 3–8 miles per day at a relaxed pace with plenty of breaks.
What does SSE provide?
We handle all group gear, logistics, food, and major camping equipment. You just bring clothes and personal items. See full details on our Trips page.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Trail runners or light hiking boots work great. Make sure they’re broken in with good traction.
What kind of socks are best?
Wool or synthetic hiking socks only. No cotton—wet cotton = blisters.
Do you offer private trips?
Yes! We offer custom and corporate group trips. Reach out through our Contact page to plan your private adventure.
Can I come alone?
Yes—most guests come solo and make friends fast. These trips are built to be welcoming and community-based.
The price seems a little high—why is this?
Totally fair question—and we always want to be upfront and transparent about where your money goes.
The cost to run these trips covers a lot, including but not limited to:
Purchasing and maintaining high-quality gear
Supplying all the food
Paying required Forest Service permits and a percentage of our gross revenue
Insurance coverage
Safety certifications and training for guides
Credit card and transaction fees
State compliance and business admin costs
An immense amount of time by the founders and guides
Software, tools, and subscriptions that help us stay organized and responsive
We truly pride ourselves on keeping our pricing highly competitive with other outdoor programs, while offering a fully guided, low-stress experience.
Plus, this is a great way to try backpacking without dropping $2,000+ on gear and wondering which trailhead to pick, wandering a bad trail, or figuring out how to filter water. We take care of all that so you can just show up and enjoy the outdoors.
And most importantly—we never want money to be the reason someone misses out on these experiences. We offer regular giveaways, discounts, and scholarship options. Just reach out—we’d love to find a way to get you out there.
Should I tip?
We know it can feel a little awkward to bring up, but yes—tips are always appreciated. Our guides put in a tremendous amount of time and care to ensure your experience is safe, smooth, and memorable—not just during the trip, but also in the days before and after. They handle everything from pre-trip planning and food prep to water filtration, cooking, tent setup, and even carrying extra group gear so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
Tipping is very common in the outdoor guiding industry—whether it’s for backpacking guides, fly fishing guides, rafting guides, horseback tours, or zipline and climbing guides. The typical amount ranges from $30–$50 per guest per day, depending on the trip length and overall experience.
Tips go directly to the guide team and help us continue offering high-quality, all-inclusive trips that go above and beyond.
How do I pay and book?
Booking is simple through your phone or computer via Square. A $100 deposit holds your spot and is refundable up to 30 days before the trip. The remainder is invoiced and due before your trip. Visit the Reserve Now page for full refund and cancellation info.
What’s your cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 30 days before your trip for a full refund of your deposit. Please see the Reserve Now page for full details.
Should I tip the guides?
Yes—tips are highly encouraged in the guiding industry. Bring cash if possible. If not, we can send a secure link to tip by card after the trip once you’re back in cell service.