Private Session with Celeste Olds
Getting gear fatigue? Pull up a seat and let’s figure it out together.
You don’t need an expensive or elaborate setup to get outside. Many people already own more useful gear than they realize and just need a few additions, adjustments, or systems to get outside safely and comfortably.
This session is designed to help you make sense of the outdoor gear world without overspending, overpacking, or buying things you don’t need. We’ll go through the gear you already have (even if that’s just a sleeping bag and a backpack), identify gaps, simplify your setup, and talk through what’s worth upgrading, renting, borrowing, or skipping entirely.
What is a private session?
There’s no shortage of outdoor information out there, but figuring out what actually makes sense for you can be the harder part.
These sessions are designed to help turn all that information into something practical, realistic, and approachable, whether that means choosing gear without overspending, planning your first trip, or learning outdoor systems step by step with support nearby.
Private sessions work best for people who want personalized guidance building outdoor skills and experiences that fit their goals and comfort level.
How many sessions can I book?
Most sessions focus on 1–2 priorities of your choosing so we can go deep enough to create a clear, actionable next step. If you’re working through a bigger set of goals, we can map out future steps or additional sessions as needed.
Who is your outdoor instructor?
Celeste Olds is a PNW outdoor instructor dedicated to building wilderness skills, confidence, and meaningful connections in nature. Her work is shaped by decades of project management, thousands of miles trekked through alpine terrain locally and abroad, and a lifetime of camping in the Pacific Northwest.
Virtual Gear Support
Format:
- 60 minutes session
- Virtual consultation
Best for:
- Gear questions
- Planning purchases
- Reviewing packing lists
- Simplifying your setup
- Building a beginner-friendly gear system
- Figuring out what you need before spending money
In-Person Gear audit + Setup Support
Format:
- Up to 3 hours for a single session
- In-Person consultation (Seattle, WA)
Best for:
- Physically reviewing gear together
- Troubleshooting setup issues
- Learning how gear works in practice
- Tent, stove, sleep system, and backpack setup
- Pack organization and fit adjustments
- Building systems that make getting outside feel easier and less overwhelming
In Your Session
Sessions are tailored to the gear, questions, and priorities you bring in.
Who's its for
This is for you if:
- You’re starting from scratch and don’t know where to begin
- You’ve accumulated gear but aren’t sure what’s useful, what’s missing, or how it all works together
- You’re drowning in REI tabs, YouTube reviews, or conflicting online advice
- You want to know what’s actually worth buying before spending money
- You want a setup that feels practical and supportive of the kind of outdoor experiences you want to have
- You want help learning how to use, organize, pack, or set up your gear
Common starting points
People usually come in with things like:
- “I have gear from an old camping trip and no idea if it still works or if it’s what I need.”
- “What do I actually need for a simple overnight trip?”
- “I have a bunch of gear but don’t really know how to use it.”
- “I’ve spent hours researching gear and somehow feel even more confused now.”
- “I can pack for a trip, but it always feels chaotic and time consuming.”
What you’ll leave with
Common takeaways include:
- A clearer understanding of what you already have, what’s missing, and what you can stop carrying or worrying about
- A simplified gear setup tailored to your goals, comfort level, and experience
- Help organizing, packing, fitting, or setting up gear more efficiently
- A practical breakdown of what’s essential, what’s optional, and what can be borrowed or rented
- Specific buying guidance including recommended price ranges, brands, and where it makes sense to save money
- Tips for making your outdoor setup more comfortable and functional without turning it into a huge expensive project
Private Sessions FAQ
Nope. This is designed for beginners and outdoor-hesitant folks. We’ll choose a trail that matches your comfort level, goals, and experience.
Yes, you’ll need to bring your own hiking clothing, footwear, water, snacks, and basic gear. Don’t worry if you’re unsure what that means yet. I’ll help you figure out what you actually need beforehand.
That’s completely fine. Many beginners start with things they already own. Before the hike, I’ll help you determine what’s essential, what can be improvised, and what’s worth borrowing or renting before buying.
That’s normal. People book these sessions because they want support easing into outdoor spaces. That’s what I’m here for. Let me know how you’re feeling and we’ll build a trip that feels accessible to you.
Yes, up to 4 people can join. Reach out for pricing for groups of 5 or more.
Most people book these as solo sessions so we can tailor the experience closely to them, but friends, couples, or small groups wanting to learn together are absolutely welcome.
Absolutely. Most sessions naturally include conversations about future trails, gear, pacing, and next steps. If you want more in-depth planning support, you may also want to book an Outdoor Planning Session.
Celeste Olds
Celeste Olds is a PNW outdoor instructor dedicated to building wilderness skills, confidence, and meaningful connections in nature. Her work is shaped by thousands of miles trekked through alpine terrain locally & abroad, a lifetime of camping in the Pacific Northwest and decades of project management.
Years of problem-solving gear failures, unpredictable weather, and backcountry panic attacks have spawned the systems that make being outside safer, more comfortable, and more accessible. Celeste’s approach recognizes that while safety and stewardship are an essential baseline, confidence and comfort outdoors look different for everyone.
She creates supportive environments where people build skills at their own pace and leave with the tools and a grounded sense of capability to get outside.
About SSC
Sequoia Social Club organizes casual, educational gatherings for adults who want to enjoy the outdoors, but don’t know where to start. Like Girl Scouts, but for grown-ups.
Through beginner-friendly hikes, camping trips, and in-city classes, we teach practical outdoor skills in a low-pressure, supportive environment. You’ll learn how to plan trips, use gear, stay safe, and build outdoor confidence through real experience.
Hiking and camping isn’t just for the outdoor extremists. We’re here to help you find a version of the outdoors that fits you.
