If you are not used to camping, it can definitely be intimidating. Dealing with camping gear, starting a fire, cooking over a campfire, and even avoiding getting lost is not something many people instinctively know how to do.
Thankfully there’s Trail Mavens, a San Francisco-based organization that strives to not only teach women how to camp, but empowers them to head out into the outdoors on their own.
Trail Mavens encourages women to head into the outdoors (sorry guys, you’re not allowed).
Trail Mavens was created by Sasha Cox and Jen Snook. Cox was inspired to start the company during a backpacking trip in the Bolivian Andes.
Hiking and pitching a tent in the damp climate and cooking outside was something she really wanted to share with her female friends, but it wasn’t on their group to-do list.
She wanted to share her skills with them and other women — most of whom may never learn unless they date or are married to an outdoorsy man.
Fire starting, map reading, tent pitching and cooking are part of the program.
Cox continued to meet women who wanted to get outside more, but were deterred by the cost of gear, lack of skills, people to go with, and time constraints.
Trail Mavens now designs over 25 trips for ladies that include camping, cooking, hiking, backpacking, map reading and even kayaking and snowshoeing — and a little wine drinking.
Cell connections are forgotten and all the women are encouraged to pitch their own tents and participate in the meal prep. Even experienced outdoorswomen are welcome to come.
Women are encouraged to learn how to set up and use camping gear.
Trips are located around the Bay Area, the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe and outings cost around $300 to $500 depending on the length. They include the gear, meals and any necessary permits.
The company even designs private and custom camping adventures for groups like birthday parties, bachelorette parties and company retreats. Trail Mavens also partners with various companies like Mountain Hardware.
The Trail Mavens trips include kayaking, backpacking and hiking.
Before you know it, these rockin’ women will be inspired to get their own RV and hit the road for more far-flung camping adventures.
If you’re interested in this experience, visit the Trail Mavens website.
Photos by Trail Mavens/Facebook
