Sure Foot Adventures

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Sure Foot Adventures unique?

Sure Foot trips introduce you to the backcountry wilderness in a way transforms a foreign environment into a home. We provide everything you need to be safe, have fun, and gain confidence in the outdoors.

Will I have fun?

We plan on it! That said, we can’t guarantee that you’ll love camping and backpacking, but we do believe you’ll find the meaning you are looking for on your Sure Foot trip.

Um, who are you people?

Sure Foot Adventures was founded in 2008 by husband & wife Jonah McDonald & Dana Goldman who have now been leading trips together for seven years. Jonah and Dana have since been joined by several other guides and administrative staff who help make our trips fun and meaningful. Please read our staff bios on our Meet Us page.

Who goes on these trips?

We’ve had participants as young as 18-months and as old as mid-70s. Our trips have included Jews, Christians, Muslims and atheists, and folks whose hail around from the world. Our adventures are GBLTQ-friendly, and we’ve gotten to camp with people of African-American, Indian, European, Korean, Pakistani, Caribbean, and South American origins. Though we don’t tend to talk about work or politics in the woods, we’ve had Republicans and Democrats, environmentalists and business people (often the same person!) on our trips. Some of our participants have spent many nights in the woods, but on almost every trip we introduce someone to camping for the first time. We enthusiastically welcome your unique self on a Sure Foot trip!

What should I expect on my next Sure Foot overnight trip?

Our campsite: When backpacking or camping, we camp at sites that are at least 1/4 mile away from our vehicles. Our campsites are located close to clear streams or springs that are good for collecting water (which we then purify) and for sticking our feet in. All campsites are within a day hike’s distance from a natural wonder such as a mountain top or waterfall. There are no bathroom facilities at our campsites, so we teach you how to relieve yourself comfortably in the scenic outdoors.

Simplicity: We know that simplicity helps us relax, escape the stresses of city life, and enjoy nature more fully. As a result we only bring to our campsite what we can carry on our backs. On a Sure Foot trip, you will see a bottle of wine for the adults (but no cooler of beers), an ultralight wire grill for roasting garlic bread over the fire (but no barbeque grill and charcoal), foam pads for lounging around camp (but no lawn chairs). We use comfortable backpacking-style tents that are waterproof (but no multi-room tents that leak in a downpour). We may not have a faucet, but wait ’til you see our “kitchen sink.” You’ll be amazed at the ingenious ways we lighten our load without giving up comfort.

Gear Quality: The story we hear most often about terrible camping experiences almost always stems from poor gear. As a result, Sure Foot provides all essential group gear. Our tents keep us dry in a downpour. We provide high-quality backpacks, sleeping bags, pads, stoves and cookware so you don’t have to spend a fortune at REI. Our gear list ensures you have enough clothes for warmth, comfort, and staying dry, but not so many that your pack is too heavy.

Food: We pride ourselves in cooking gourmet backcountry meals on all of our trips. You’ll have the opportunity to choose meals such as farm-fresh eggs, bacon & toast, backcountry Shepherd’s Pie, tortellini with garlic-tomato sauce, Indian curried lentils, and African groundnut stew. For the snackers among us, we provide plenty of granola bars, trail mix, and dried fruit. And just wait til dessert! For participants with allergies or dietary concerns (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, lactose-intolerant, etc.), our meals are designed to be flexible and we’ll work with you to make sure you can happily eat our culinary delights.

Precipitation: Even if the weather report calls for sunny weather, we always pack in preparation for rain. You’ll have a rain jacket and your guides carry a large waterproof tarp on every Sure Foot trip that can become an impromptu shelter for waiting out rain. (Some of our best cardvgames and conversations have happened under the tarp!) And don’t forget — drizzly weather is perfect to keep us cool on day hikes and creek walks. This all means you will have the opportunity to enjoy the weather, not suffer in it.

Temperature: In the spring and fall, we sometimes encounter chilly temperatures in the mornings. In cold weather we ask that you wear non-cotton clothes (such as fleece and nylon) that dry quickly and provide warmth even when wet. By following the Sure Foot gear list, you’ll have enough warm layers (plus gloves and a warm hat) to keep you cozy and safe. Beyond that, we always build a fire whenever possible. And we provide sleeping bags built to keep you warm when it’s 20 degrees outside or warmer. Bottom line? When we enter the woods prepared, the weather may be cold but we don’t have to be.

Can I physically do this?

We hope our trip will challenge you a bit in some way, but we’re not interested in providing an experience that’s physically grueling. We won’t do forced marches (or any marches for that matter!) and we decide together as a group what our goals are for our hikes.

What if I get injured?

Though we cannot always avoid injuries, we know how to respond to them. Though most injuries on Sure Foot trips are minor, guides carry an extensive First Aid Kit and many years of First Responder experience. At least one guide on every Sure Foot trip is trained as a Wilderness First Responder. We also have Professional CPR and Wilderness First Aid certifications. Our guides study your Medical Information Form and plan ahead of time how to respond to emergencies. Our goal is prevention.

I have a disability, accessibility, or other health issue. Can I participate in a Sure Foot adventure?

Because our trips are physical endeavors, we do screen participants for medical conditions and physical ability and retain the right to reject participants on the basis of their medical history. However, we will do our best to accommodate you within the framework of our trips. Since safety is our utmost concern, we ask that you provide a full medical history on our Medical Information Form. If we have concerns about having a safe, pleasurable adventure with you, we’ll give you a call and chat. We will not reject your participation without first having a conversation with you.

Can you lead a custom trip just for my company, family, school group, etc?

Absolutely! We love leading custom trips for companies, families, groups of friends, schools and religious communities. These trips are fun for us because your group already knows each other and we can design the adventure specifically to your interests. Please contact us and we’ll start the process of designing and pricing your custom trip.