Question 1

What is RightOnTrek?

Accepted Answer

RightOnTrek is a tech-based outdoor retailer/ manufacturer. Our company headquarters are located just outside of Glacier National Park in Kalispell, MT, where many of our staff immerse themselves in their passion for the outdoors.  Montana is also where we design, manufacture and test our backcountry meal products.  While our roots are in Montana, we are a global, virtual company with employees located throughout the US and beyond.

We strongly believe in protecting our natural spaces and are members of 1% for the Planet, a program where 1% of all sales are donated to nonprofit partners who help protect public lands in the US.

Question 2

What does RightOnTrek do?

Accepted Answer

We offer game-changing next-generation backcountry meals that not only taste great but keep freshness, flavor and sustainability at the forefront of our design.
We provide a FREE suite of online software tools for collaborative trip planning and route finding with an interactive map that extensively covers trails, campgrounds/sites, and wilderness points of interest.
We are trialing our first-to-market, revolutionary “Wilderness Edge” concept this summer near Glacier National Park. The Edge provides onsite self-service gear rental, food and wilderness essentials vending, wifi, and charging stations for backcountry travelers and front country hikers. Our vision for the Edge is to build one in every trail town, recreation destination, and national park in the West, then beyond.

Question 3

What is the RightOnTrek mission?

Accepted Answer

RightOnTrek, founded in 2018, is driven by the desire to remove the barriers that prevent the general population from spending time outdoors recreating and to help people integrate active adventures into their busy lives. RightOnTrek is striving to find more efficient ways to equip people to venture into the wilderness, safely, and to do so sustainably, without leaving a trace.

Question 4

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Our meals production facility is in Kalispell, MT while our Wilderness Edge gear and meals rental lockers are located in Columbia, Falls, MT.

Question 5

Where did the idea for RightOnTrek come from?

Accepted Answer

RightOnTrek.com was founded by a group of friends and backpacking buddies from Silicon Valley. In 2017, we completed the 211-mile John Muir Trail in the High Sierra. During that epic adventure, we developed a shared dream: to open up similar adventures to millions of people who don’t have the knowledge, experience, or equipment for a multi-day backpacking vacation.

Within the group, we had all the capital and skills to turn that dream into this company. Six months later, in October 2018, the first version of RightOnTrek.com went live. Since then, thousands of people have discovered our site and used the tools to plan their backpacking trips.

Question 6

What is the "Wilderness Edge"?

Accepted Answer

The Edge is awesome! The Edge is a unique concept in backpacking, camping and day hiking gear rentals, as well as food and essentials purchasing. It is an automated locker system that allows outdoor adventurers to reserve gear online or to simply walk up to the "Edge"and rent on the spot. We are trialing this concept at the "Edge" of

Glacier National Park

in Columbia Falls this summer. You can find more details on the Edge by visiting our Glacier page.

Question 7

Are you hiring?

Accepted Answer

We are always looking for new talented people to join our team! If you are interested in working with us, feel free to reach out to careers@rightontrek.com.

Question 8

Is there a mobile app I can use?

Accepted Answer

We plan to offer a mobile app in the future. Meanwhile, you can use your mobile browser  - there are no limitations on the mobile site.

Question 9

Are RightOnTrek Meals freeze-dried or Dehydrated? What makes them shelf-stable?

Accepted Answer

Our ready-to-cook meals are made up of a combination of  the very best air dried and freeze dried ingredients. Then we create unique blends of the dry ingredients into meals that taste great and cook in ten minutes or less - faster than rehydrating freeze-dried meals in pouches. We use high-barrier packaging that has an oxygen absorber ( or is nitrogen purged ) and heat sealed for 18-month shelf life. Our products are made to fuel your next adventure - not to just sit on the shelf.

Question 10

How do I cook RIghtOnTrek Meals?

Accepted Answer

Our meals aren't meant to be rehydrated with hot water in the bag, so you cook them in the pot just like you would on your stove at home.     Out in the field, you will need a pot and a lightweight portable stove that boils water and simmers on lower heat. Easy-to-follow cooking instructions are printed on every package.

Question 11

What size pot should I use?

Accepted Answer

Pot size depends on how many people you are cooking for.  Our meals come in various sizes, such as 1 person, 2 person, and 4 person, so cooking pot size should match the meal size.  We recommend 1 liter for solo cooking, 1.5 liters for groups of two, and 3.2 liters for groups of four.

Question 12

How much fuel do I need to cook RightOnTrek meals?

Accepted Answer

How much fuel you will need for your trip will depend on three key factors:

How many people in your group?
How many hot meals per day?
Cold winter, cool season, or summer conditions? You can follow this guide for how much ISOBUTANE fuel to bring for a typical backcountry canister stove: * 1 person, summer: 1.25 OZ per day / winter: 2 OZ per day * 3 people, summer: 2.25 OZ per day / winter: 3 OZ per day For example, on a 3-day summer trip with two people eating two hot meals per day, you'd need about 5 OZ of isobutane fuel; equivalent to one tiny fuel canister, or a little less than one medium-size (8oz) fuel. In cold conditions, keep your isobutane canisters warm prior to use to maximize burn time. Here is another helpful link: How much fuel should I carry?"

Question 13

What is the shelf life of your meals?

Accepted Answer

Our meal products have a shelf life of 18 months post manufacturing date. To ensure optimum shelf life over a long period, we recommend storing the meals in dry indoor environment with relatively stable temperatures.

Question 14

Can I burn the bag?

Accepted Answer

Burning our bio-based pouches, if necessary for ease of transport, is just fine. If your meal came with front/back labels, be sure to remove those first. Please do so while taking into account the Leave No Trace principles for low-impact campfires:

follow local and seasonal regulations for permission to have campfires
avoid campfires that will leave burn scars on hard surfaces or large trees
make sure the smoke from your fire does not affect other campers' experience
make sure the fire is 100% out when you leave
pack out any trash that did not burn completely to ash
Our bio-based meal pouches will not off-gas any dioxins or heavy metals in the process, but we encourage you to distance yourself from the smoke.

Question 15

Can I soak or cook your meals in the pouch?

Accepted Answer

We do not recommend soaking our meals in the pouches because they are not rated for heat. It is possible to soak our meals in a heat-rated vessel, but it increases the cook time by 200% (or even more at altitude!). While most pouch-soaked, freeze-dried meals are designed to be able to sit on a shelf for decades and then take up  landfill space for millennia, RightOnTrek meal pouches are made of 100% bio-based materials and can be burned in your campfire after use. All RightOnTrek meals also cook in 10 minutes or less, compared to 15 to 35 minutes for soaking freeze-dried meals in pouches. Did you realize that when you rehydrate freeze dried meals in the pouch, the food is being cooked for a second time? Who wants to eat leftovers?  Instead of packing out heavy packaging with leftover goop inside, we recommend trying the active cooking method for a tastier, healthier, and more sustainable backcountry meal experience!

Question 16

What do I need to do differently to cook meals at high altitudes?

Accepted Answer

Our meal products are tested between 3000' and 6000' feet in the wild places of Northwest Montana. For elevations greater than 6000', you may need to add slightly more water and increase cooking times to compensate for the lower boiling temperature. In general, a good rule of thumb is to add 3% more water and cook 30 sec longer for every 1000' elevation above 6000'. That means, for example, if you find yourself ready for a delicious hot meal to enjoy atop the summit of a Colorado 14er, you would add 25% more water and cook 4 minutes longer. Bring more fuel for these trips!

Question 17

Portion sizes: does the 2P really feed two people?  Does the 4P really feed four people?

Accepted Answer

The generous portion sizes of all our meals stand head and shoulders above most competitors. Single-serving dinners range from 500 to 600 kCal each. Our "2P" meals are double the size of single serving, and have 1,000 to 1,200 kCal, with 40 to 60g protein per unit. Likewise, our 4P meals are FOUR TIMES the size of our standard individual serving... you'll definitely want to share!

Question 18

What is the Wilderness Map?

Accepted Answer

Our interactive map highlights outdoor areas, recreation opportunities, and points of interest across the United States. Each of these Wilderness Objects has its own page where you can learn about descriptions, directions, regulations, and more.

After researching where you want to go, use the map to find or customize a hiking or backpacking route and then create a collaborative Adventure Plan with your whole group.

Question 19

How do I use the Map?

Accepted Answer

Click and drag to navigate around the map.

To zoom in and out - pinch on mobile, use your mouse wheel, or tap the + / - buttons.

Search by clicking the magnifying glass, and type in a route, city, or area.

Select a tab above the map to see specific kinds of Wilderness Objects.

Click objects on the map for more information.

Question 20

What are Wilderness Objects?

Accepted Answer

A Wilderness Object is an area, trek, or point of interest that is cataloged on the map.  Each of these objects has its own page that contains relevant information like descriptions, regulations, schedules and seasonality.

Question 21

How do I select a Wilderness Object on the map?

Accepted Answer

When using the list view, simply click any Wilderness Object to navigate to its page.

On the map, hover over an object or objects and a list of them will appear. Click the object you’re interested in and you’ll go to its page.

Question 22

What is a Trek/Route vs. an Itinerary?

Accepted Answer

A trek/route is the path you’ll follow to get from your starting point to your ending point. (sometimes those will be the same!)
An itinerary splits the route into a specific number of days and adds details like campsites and other points of interest.

Question 23

How do I filter Treks/Routes + Itineraries on the map?

Accepted Answer

When the Trek Filter is turned on, Treks/Routes + Itineraries will be visible on the map in the form of orange lines.

To turn them off, or to filter them by total length, number of days, or distance per day click the Trek Icon  in the top right corner of the map.  Any selections you make will update the map and list view automatically.

Question 24

What is an Area?

Accepted Answer

An area is a general term for a private or public tract of land that is used for outdoor recreation, wilderness and wildlife protection, and/or historic and cultural preservation.  Areas are often designated and protected by the U.S. government (e.g. National Park, National Forest, State Park, etc.).

On the map, areas are generally light green.  Hovering your cursor over an area will change it to a darker forest green.

Question 25

How do I filter Areas on the map?

Accepted Answer

When enabled, areas appear on the map as light green territories that turn dark green upon cursor hover.  To turn areas off, click on the Tree Icon towards the map’s top-right corner and use the toggle that appears.

Question 26

What is a Point-of-Interest (POI)?

Accepted Answer

A Point of Interest (POI) indicates a specific type of place.  Some POIs (e.g. Trailheads and Campsites) will help with route logistics, others (Trail Obstacles and Water Sources) help with safely navigating the trail.  Most of the remaining types will point out natural and historic attractions like Cabins, Lookouts, and Mountain Peaks.

On the map POIs will be shown using Pin Drop Icons.  The image on the icon will vary depending on the POI type.

Question 27

How do I filter POIs on the map?

Accepted Answer

For more POIs, click on the Pin Drop Icon towards the map’s top-right corner. 
Click ‘Show / Hide all’ to turn all POIs on or off.  
Or, select a category (e.g. Infrastructure) or individual POI type (e.g. Trailheads) for more specific filtering.

Question 28

What if I ﻿want to add something to the map?

Accepted Answer

Adding information to the map is coming in a future update! We’re happy to help in the meantime, please send us a message using the in-app Messenger on the bottom right of the screen, or email us at info@rightontrek.com

Question 29

What if I see something that's incorrect on the map?

Accepted Answer

We’ll be happy to take a look and get things sorted - send us a message using the in-app Messenger on the bottom right of the screen, or email us at info@rightontrek.com

Question 30

What is the Custom Trek Builder?

Accepted Answer

The Custom Trek Builder enables you to build your own trek and adjust its duration; you can choose the start and end trailhead as well as add waypoints (e.g. campsite, lake, mountain peak, etc).

Question 31

What is a trek/route vs. an itinerary?

Accepted Answer

A route is the path you’ll follow to get from your starting point to your ending point (sometimes those will be the same!)
An itinerary splits the route into a specific number of days and adds details like campsites and other waypoints.

Question 32

How do I create a new route from scratch?

Accepted Answer

Select the type of trek (Thru-hike / Outback / Loop)
Choose starting and ending trailheads. Hover over the trailhead icon to see the box with the START and/or END buttons. If you don’t see the trailheads on the map, click the Pin Drop Icon towards the map’s top-right corner and make sure that this POI type is selected.
Now you need to add waypoints to the trek (a POI or any point along the trail network) to build the route. Before selecting a waypoint, click the icon on the toolbar to choose POI types/categories you would like to see on the map. You will see the total mileage and the elevation gain/loss below the map’s lower-left corner (Visual).

Question 33

How do I customize one of RightOnTrek’s routes?

Accepted Answer

To customize a curated route click the “Create a trip” button. After you’ve named your trip and indicated the trip period, you will be taken to the page dedicated to your trip.

You can start editing the itinerary by clicking the “Edit” button located above the map’s top-right corner.

Question 34

What if I don’t want to start at a trailhead?

Accepted Answer

Currently our trek planner requires that you start at a trailhead.  This may change in the future...

Question 35

What are waypoints?

Accepted Answer

A waypoint is a point along the trail network that you select to build your route. A POI or any other point can serve as a waypoint.

Question 36

How do I add and reorder waypoints?

Accepted Answer

After you’ve selected the starting and ending points, you can add waypoints anywhere along the trail network as long as it is connected. Hover over the POI icon or simply over the trail network to see the “add a waypoint” button.
Click the button to add the selected point to the route. The route will be adjusted automatically. Waypoints receive numbers and are displayed in the trek builder in the respective order. You can reorder waypoints by moving them up or down while holding the hamburger icon.

Question 37

How do I filter POIs on the map?

Accepted Answer

To filter Points of Interest (POI) you would like to see on the map, click one of the POI quick filter buttons to turn Lodging, Water Sources, and Trailheads on or off.
For more POIs, click on the Pin Drop Icon towards the map’s top-right corner. Click ‘Show / Hide all’ to turn all POIs on or off. Or, select a category (e.g. Infrastructure) or individual POI type (e.g. Trailheads) for more specific filtering.

Question 38

How do I create an itinerary from my route?

Accepted Answer

After you’ve created the route, click the “Proceed to itinerary” button to adjust the duration of the trip and select the start and finish times.
Click the “Proceed to itinerary” button again to view the itinerary.
Click this icon at the upper-left corner to open the page dedicated to your itinerary. In addition to the map and the itinerary, this page provides useful information on logistics and the features of the respective Area (e.g. geology and history, rules and regulations, permits and fees etc.)
To change the route and add/delete waypoints after creating the itinerary, you'll have to switch back to the 'Route Editor' using the toggle switch (Visual).

Question 39

How do I split my route into multiple days?

Accepted Answer

After you’ve created the route, click the “Proceed to itinerary” button to set the duration of the trip. You can adjust the number of days and see the corresponding daily mileage.
Click the “Proceed to itinerary” button once again to view the itinerary. The system splits the route perfectly even based on the total mileage so e.g. for a 2-day trip you will see just one day splitter though there are actually two of them, one hiding beneath the other.
You can update the day splitter by simply moving it along the itinerary. The mileage split is instantly adjusted and reflected in the trek builder where you can confirm or cancel the update.
You can also add a day splitter once the itinerary is created. Hover over the route and click “add one more day splitter” button.

Question 40

How do I add Points of Interest to my hike?

Accepted Answer

After you’ve created the itinerary, you can add Points of Interest anywhere along the trail network as long as it is connected. Hover over the POI icon to see the “ADD AS A WAYPOINT” button. Click the button to add the POI to the route. The route will be adjusted automatically.
Before selecting a POI, click the Pin Drop icon on the toolbar towards the map’s top-right corner to choose POI types you would like to see on the map.

Question 41

What if the trailhead or other POI I want isn’t listed?

Accepted Answer

Send us a message! Our personal POI feature will be available soon and you'll be able to add them yourself.

Question 42

What if the trail or road I want to use isn’t mapped out?

Accepted Answer

Send us a message and we will see what we can do!

Question 43

How do you clean your gear?

Accepted Answer

Our gear is checked, cleaned, and laundered after every use. We closely follow CDC guidelines, use products that are on the EPA’s List N (products proven to be effective in disinfecting against most common pathogens including COVID variants).

Question 44

Do I need to clean gear before returning it?

Accepted Answer

We ask that you do a basic cleaning of cooking equipment, eating utensils, and a quick shakeout of sleeping bags, backpacks and tents.  Please also remind your clients to check for any personal belongings!  Our professional guide partners are not however expected to deep clean their rental equipment, just be respectful and care for it as your own.

Question 45

What kind of gear do you rent?

Accepted Answer

We rent premium, ultralight backpacking equipment, high quality comfortable camping and day hiking equipment and latest model snowshoe equipment.  Our gear comes from brands like MSR, Big Agnes, Patagonia, Garmin, and Granite Gear.

Question 46

How much does your backpacking kit weigh, without food and personal belongings?

Accepted Answer

With bear spray included, our all-inclusive backpacking kit weighs less than 14lbs! For a comprehensive list of each rental item and their weight, please click here.

Question 47

How do I place an order for gear + delivery?

Accepted Answer

While our Gear Rental for Guide webpage is under construction, we ask that new and returning guide customers reach out directly to our gear director. You can reach David Diehl on his cell phone at (406) 310-9476 or at ddiehl@rightontrek.com

Question 48

Can I reserve it online?

Accepted Answer

Not quite yet! At this time, please email David, our Director of Gear Operations, at ddiehl@rightontrek.com for gear reservations.

Question 49

What are your minimum order quantities for guide and group gear orders?

Accepted Answer

There is no minimum for local gear orders within the Flathead Valley area of Montana. There is no minimum for local gear orders within the Flathead Valley area of Montana. For nonlocal deliveries, minimum order quantity depends on the driving distance - our maximum range is an approximately 500 mile radius from The Wilderness Edge in Columbia Falls, MT. This includes south to Salt Lake City, west to Seattle, and east to the Montana-North Dakota border. Please email David, our Director of Gear Operations, at ddiehl@rightontrek.com for more information.

Question 50

What areas do you deliver to?

Accepted Answer

We deliver up to an approximately 500 mile radius from The Wilderness Edge in Columbia Falls, MT. This includes south to Salt Lake City, west to Seattle, and east to the Montana-North Dakota border.

Question 51

How do I pick up the gear?

Accepted Answer

Local guide and group orders can be picked up directly from The Wilderness Edge at 5626 Hwy 2 W, Columbia Falls, MT 59912. If you’re located outside of the local area, free gear delivery is an option and will be coordinated with our gear team. Minimum order quantities apply. Please email David, our Director of Gear Operations, at ddiehl@rightontrek.com for more information.

Question 52

How do I drop off the gear?

Accepted Answer

Local orders can be returned to our Wilderness Edge facility in Columbia Falls. Gear delivery orders will be picked up by us!

Question 53

What if the gear doesn’t fit a member of the group?

Accepted Answer

If picking up locally from the Wilderness Edge, we can easily swap equipment for a different size.

For gear delivery orders, we travel with extra sizes, so under most circumstances we can accommodate any changes your clients may need.

Question 54

What happens if someone’s gear is damaged or lost?

Accepted Answer

All guide and group orders are required to purchase a Gear Damage Waiver, which will cover any normal wear and tear the gear experiences in the normal course of use.

The waiver doesn’t cover lost gear, or damage caused by neglect or misuse.  In those cases, the renter will be responsible for covering the retail value of the item’s repair or replacement cost.

Question 55

What is your Gear Damage Waiver?

Accepted Answer

A Gear Damage Waiver is required for all group and guide gear rental orders.  It covers any damage to the gear that happens during normal use.

The waiver doesn’t cover lost gear, or damage caused by neglect or misuse.  In those cases, the renter will be responsible for covering the retail value of the item’s repair or replacement cost.

The Gear Damage Waiver for guides and groups is priced per outing, no matter the length.  Adults are $25/trip and children are $15/trip.

Question 56

What payment options do I have?

Accepted Answer

We will email you an invoice and you have multiple payment options, including credit card and ACH payment.

Question 57

How do I update or alter my order?

Accepted Answer

Please contact David at (406)310-9476 or ddiehl@rightontrek.com to make any adjustments to your order.

Question 58

Can I extend my order?

Accepted Answer

Under most circumstances, you can extend your return (or pickup) date. Please contact David at (406)310-9476 or ddiehl@rightontrek.com as soon as possible to coordinate a new return date.

Question 59

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you cancel more than two days in advance of your pick-up date, you will be refunded the full amount of your rental fee.  Cancellations within two days of your pickup date will result in a charge for the full rental period.

Question 60

What if I return the gear late?

Accepted Answer

For any gear returned after the original return date, you will be charged the full daily rate for each additional day the equipment is out.  For delivery orders, an additional penalty may be assessed if we have to delay our pickup driver to accommodate your late return.

Question 61