Queer Fat Backpacking, New England
July 5-8, 2024
We're thrilled to once again partner with Jenny Bruso and Unlikely Hikers to bring you another round of Queer Fat Backpacking in New England! During this adventure, created for our queer community members who wear sizes 2XL and up, we’re making intentional space to come as who we are right now — not who we were in the past, or who we hope to be in the future. The body you are in in this moment is the right one for this adventure.
To maintain this vibe, we ask that you refrain from putting a moral value on bodies, food and movement – even your own. No weight loss talk, no ‘good’ bodies or ‘bad’ bodies, no "in shape" or "out of shape" - just fun in the sun (and shade!) on this wilderness trek.
We know this trip is needed by so many people. While we wish we had room for everyone interested, we realize that we simply do not. Please fill out the application below to be considered for this trip, and thank you for your understanding.
Heads up! We are going to use the word fat a lot, and in its most literal sense - with no moral context and also in a reclaimatory way. For completely understandable reasons, this isn't everyone's favorite word. Whatever words you use to refer to your body are your business and should be respected, but we want to be transparent around the language we’ll use on this stellar adventure.
This is an intentional space for queer, fat people size 2XL and up. If this is not your lived experience, please consider another one of TVOPs adventures - there are many to choose from! All genders are welcome and encouraged to apply.
Activity Level 1
Mileage: 2-4 miles/day, Elevation change: <1,000 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.
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.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Meet at Basecamp at Beaver Falls, Halifax, VT
(Wabanaki and Elnu Abenaki lands)
Start Date: July 5, 2024
End Date: July 8, 2024
Cost: $300 - $900 sliding scale
Estimated value: $600
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “How much should I pay?” dropdown below.
Includes: Minimal shuttling to trailhead, food & gear: backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, stoves, bowls, utensils
Doesn't Include: Carpool to Basecamp, personal items, clothing, boots, toiletries, flights
COVID SAFETY
Participants must be vaccinated against COVID-19
Negative COVID test required 24-48 hours before the start of the trip
Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group
Applications are closed, but you may still fill one out to be placed on the waitlist.
-
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.
-
Of course you can always 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.
-
Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.
