Thinking About Joining an SOS Course?
Here are some questions we have received in the past. If you have a question that is not here, shoot sam@goswitchback.com an email and let him know how he can help!
Question: I have my own gear... can I use it?
Answer: Most likely! We will check that you have the proper gear at your courses shakedown. Each course price includes the use of cookware and stoves, water treatment, extra stuff sacks, and any food storage we use. If any of your gear is not quite right, or you need all of your gear, Switchback has you covered with discounted equipment rentals and can get you set up at the shakedown.
Question: What is a shakedown?
Question: What if a course does not meet its "minimum guest requirement"?
Question: What if I cannot attend a course I have registered for?
Answer: Each course has a registration deadline. Full refunds of deposits or full payments can be issued before this deadline, but cannot be refunded afterwords. If a course is canceled for any reason, full refunds will be issued.
Question: How do you determine your course prices?
Answer: Here's how we figure out our prices:
We total up all of the costs for running a course, divide that total by the number our participants we'd like to join, and add in around a 10% margin for profit.
One of the greatest costs on our end is transportation. So you'll notice that our courses that involve carpooling, or having participants meet us at a trailhead, are significantly less expensive.
If you're curious, our 7 day Appalachian Trail courses cost lists look something like this:
Fixed Costs: | |
Gas for the van | $250 |
15 person van rental (7 days) | $1,200.00 |
Consumable gear (fuel, water purification, broken gear, ect) | $75 |
Trip leader 1 | $550 |
Trip Leader 2 | 450 |
Trailhead shuttle | 100 |
Trip leader travel expense | 250 |
Insurance | 249 |
Permit | 150 |
Per person costs: | |
Trail Food | 45 |
Lodging | 75 |
Total cost for 8 people | $4,234 |
Don't forget! SOS has your back with all sorts of trip planning services and custom tailored experiences. See what adventures we can help you make happen!