FAQ

**What will I learn on a Wander Women trip? **

In short, you'll learn how to become a confident and skilled outdoors person. On trips, we teach fire starting, tent pitching, camp cooking basics, packing a bag for a day hike, leave-no-trace principles, how to go the bathroom in the woods (yep!), map reading, and identifying local flora and fauna.

You'll also gain the knowledge and wisdom that comes from being surrounded by a group of folks in nature. Our collective knowledge is powerful!

What should I bring on a Wander Women trip?

You'll need to bring weather appropriate clothing, toiletries, and any other personal items. We'll provide a suggested packing list two weeks prior to each trip.

What gear do you provide?

Camping & backpacking gear is available to rent from us on almost every trip. Our gear rental packages include tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, hammocks, latterns, cooking tools and first aid supplies.

If you have your own gear, you are more than welcome to bring it.

What if the weather is bad?

Here's the thing: Part of camping and being in the outdoors is learning to overcome and appreciate less-than-ideal weather scenarios, but we also want you to enjoy your time. For the most part, we will camp rain or shine, hot or cold, windy or still, and it's gonna be fun! But in the case of severe or life-threatening weather, such as flooding, extreme cold/heat or natural disasters, we have and do reserve the right to cancel, adjust or reschedule trips. Please review our trip cancellation policy here.

How do you deal with health and safety?

All our guides are trained and certified in Wilderness First Aid. We also bring a fully stocked first-aid kit on every trip.

**How many folks are on each trip? **

We have a minimum trip registration of 6 participants and a maximum of 12 participants, depending on the trip. Backpacking trips are smaller due to location and gear.

**How do I get to/from a trip? **

You're responsible for your own transportation to and from Wander Women trip locations, but we will help coordinate carpools for those leaving from central Iowa. If you own a car and are willing to drive others, they'll contribute to cover gas, tolls, and wear & tear. If you ride with someone else, plan to compensate the driver.

**What are the sleeping arrangements like? **

You have the option to sleep in a solo or a shared tent. Shared tents cost slightly less, and are 4 person tents shared by two Wanderers.

Do I have to have experience in the outdoors prior to going on a trip?

No! In fact, we highly encourage novices to join us! Wander Women trips are a great opportunity for you to learn camping and hiking basics, so you'll look like a seasoned pro on all future camping trips! Wanderers of all skill levels are welcome.

**I’m already a talented outdoor recreationist. Are these trips for me? **

Yes! We welcome participants of all skill levels with open arms, knowing that the things we learn from one another during the trips are incrediably valulable. Wander Women trips are a great opportunity for you to meet others who share similar interests and contribute to the collective knowledge of all Wanderers. We've learned a lot from past participants!

**What if I have a food allergy or dietary restriction? **

We will do our best to accomodate food allergy and dietary restrictions. Please be sure to list all of your needs on the registration form so that we can plan accordingly. ** If you have an allergy that can cause anaphylaxis, please let us know on your registration form, and please bring your epi-pen with you!**

**What's your cancellation policy? **

You can view our cancellation policy here

How old do I need to be to participate in a trip?

We welcome all Wanderers over the age of 21. On our Sprouts trips that include children, the age range of children will be specified in the trip title.

Is it weird if I sign up by myself?

Not at all! Here's the cool thing — Wander Women attracts positive, thoughtful, adventurous folks, just like you. One of the best things about a Wander Women trip is finding a community full of folks with similar interests, motivations and love for nature. A majority of our participants sign up alone and walk away with new nature friends and companions.

If you and your best bud are both excited about the same adventure, though, you should totally sign up together!