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 and adjustments 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.
2026 private sessions are currently in pilot mode and are offered on a limited basis. Join the waitlist and we’ll be in touch to share availability, rates, and next steps.
Not sure if this is the right fit? Contact Celeste, she's happy to answer questions.
What’s included?
- Pre-session questionnaire & preparation
- 60-minute virtual or 3 hour in-person session
- Personalized resources, notes and recommendations tailored to your goals and priorities.
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.
Some questions are best answered with a conversation. Others are easier to solve with gear spread out on the ground in front of us. Choose the format that makes the most sense for you.
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
Yes. Many people book this session before they purchase anything. We can talk through your goals, what you actually need, and where it makes sense to borrow, rent, or buy.
No problem. Join the waitlist or reach out and we'll figure out which format makes the most sense for your goals.
Absolutely. Some people only need a single session, while others use multiple sessions to build skills, plan trips, or work through larger outdoor goals over time. Start by booking one and we’ll go from there.
You absolutely do not. Many people already own more useful gear than they realize. While fancy gear can be fun, the goal is to build a setup that works for you, not the most expensive setup possible.
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.
