GearUp Weekend Emails 2025

  • Kinksters,

    GearUp Weekend is back, and registration opens on March 11 at 7pm Pacific! Mark your calendars and spread the word—let’s make this year’s event even more unforgettable.

    Event Details:

    • Dates: July 10-13 2025

    • Location: Saratoga Springs Retreat Center

    • Pricing: All-inclusive weekend starts at $500

    • What is it: GearUp Weekend is an annual retreat designed to help gay, bi, trans, and queer men (21+) learn about and explore kink in a friendly, inclusive, and low-pressure environment. With workshops, play spaces, social events, and hands-on opportunities, it’s a chance to connect, discover new interests, and celebrate your kinks—whether you’re experienced or brand new. 

    • Who is it for: GearUp Weekend is for gay male kinksters and fetish enthusiasts of all backgrounds and experience levels—whether you’re brand new or a seasoned player. We welcome all men, including male-identified trans men, and offer a friendly community, beginner-friendly resources, and dedicated spaces to ask questions, learn, and play.

    For more details including new accommodation options, visit our revamped website GearUpWeekend.com.

    Share Your Story!

    We’re collecting stories from past attendees to help new folks get a glimpse of what to expect. If you have a fun, meaningful, or spicy memory from past GearUp Weekends, we’d love to hear from you! Share it anonymously or let us tag you when we share it. Share Your Story!

    Got questions? Email us at registration@gearupweekend.com

    Yours in kink,

    The GearUp Weekend Committee

  • Hey GearUp Camper,

    Welcome to GearUp Weekend 2025! We’re so excited to have you join us for an unforgettable weekend.

    First things first—join our GearUp Weekend 2025 Telegram group—only for registered attendees

    It’s the best way to:

    • Meet your fellow campers before the event. If your Telegram username is different from your registered name, please introduce yourself with your registered name when you join.

    • Get important updates and announcements from the committee.

    • Ask questions, arrange rides, and share your excitement.

    Important: The Telegram group is for 2025 attendees only. Please do not share this link with anyone who is not registered, or your registration may be subject to cancellation. 

    Make sure you are subscribed to our email list on the GearUp (https://www.gearupweekend.com/) website to receive news and updates

    We can’t wait to see you in July!

    If you have any questions, check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or reach out to us at info@gearupweekend.com.

    Yours in kink,

    The GearUp Weekend Committee

  • Hey GearUp Camper,

    We’re almost there! As you get ready for an amazing weekend, we want to remind you to take care of yourself—and your fellow campers—before the big event. Meet someone who is interested in the GUW experience? We are nearly sold out and would be glad to have their company.

    REMINDER: We need to have your legal name that matches your photo ID on our records at check-in registration. If you did not provide your legal name when purchasing a ticket, please send a follow up message to registration@gearupweekend.com.

    If you have not already done so, we hope you will join our Telegram group. We have a variety of channels dedicated to initiate conversations, introductions, tips, and rideshare. @ https://t.me/+JuHTOXaZaMc5YTI5

    Health & Safety Recommendations

    • Test for COVID before heading up to camp (honor system—no proof required).

    • Plan your STI Testing beforehand to play with confidence. 

    • Take it easy before the event to stay healthy and avoid bringing any unwanted “visitors.”

    • Hydrate & Rest Up – While at camp you’ll want to be at your best to enjoy the weekend. Remember, if drinking alcohol, to alternate with water and take cooling breaks as needed during the hot day.

    Travel & Ride Planning

    Still figuring out your ride? Post in the Telegram group channel Rideshare for carpool options.

    Need help transporting gear?

    We will have a gear drop off on Tue, July 8th, from 6-8 PM at 4444 17th Street, San Francisco.

    Miss An Email?

    Subscribe for the latest updates by adding your ticketed email to our email list on the GearUp website. View previous emails to campers here!

    Need help?

    Yours in kink,

    The GearUp Weekend Committee

    Sponsor or Donate Now

  • Hey GearUp Camper,

    We are just 3 weeks away from an incredible getaway and we only have 10 spaces left! 

    Gear Grab

    We invite you to bring gently used leather gear and related items that are no longer in use—whether they've been in the back of your closet or simply outgrown your style—for our Gear Grab event during the Weekend. Hang on to your gear grab donations until Friday 8pm, then bring it to Tim at the picnic tables after dinner. Your donation could make a big difference for someone in our community who’s just getting started or needs a little help gearing up.We’re looking for:

    • Leather jackets, vests, pants, chaps

    • Harnesses, cuffs, collars, belts

    • Boots and footwear

    • Accessories like caps, gloves, and toys

    Rules for Gear Grab

    1. No exchange of cash or favors

    2. No insertable toys (butt toys), gags are ok.

    3. Newbies to Gearup and the kink scene have first choice; then those who donated; then everyone else; and the newbies again.

    4. Please label your gear with size

    Join Telegram

    If you have not already done so, we hope you will join our Telegram group. We have a variety of channels dedicated to initiate conversations, introductions, tips, and rideshare.

    ID Reminder

    We need to have your legal name that matches your photo ID on our records at check-in registration. If you gave us a badge name, we will only use that, and keep your legal name private. If you did not provide your legal name when purchasing a ticket, please send a follow up message to registration@gearupweekend.com.

    Merch Available

    This year we have sweatshirts and tee-shirts available for purchase! Sizes are available XS-3XL. Orders must be placed by June 27, 2025 to be ready for pickup at camp at registration. Order Here

    Miss An Email?

    Subscribe for the latest updates by adding your ticketed email to our email list on the GearUp website. View previous emails to campers here!

    Need help?

    Yours in kink,

    The GearUp Weekend Committee

    Help Sponsor or Donate Now

  • Hey GearUp Camper,

    We’re getting closer to an amazing weekend! Now’s the time to start thinking about what to pack and a few key details to make your experience smooth and stress-free.

    Packing Essentials

    Here’s a quick checklist to help you get started:

    • ID: A valid government-issued ID (you must be 21+ by July 10, 2025).

    • Towels & Toiletries: Bring your own towels, soap, and shampoo—and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

    • Prescriptions and OTCs: Don’t forget your PrEP, DoxyP(r)EP, your antihistamines, etc. etc.

    • Sun & Bug Protection: Sunscreen and mosquito spray/wristbands.

    • Reusable Water Bottle: Bring your own, or use the souvenir mug we’ll give you at registration. Stay hydrated with our on-site water stations. 

    • Ear Plugs: A must if you’re a light sleeper.

    • Bedding: Provided for bunk, cabin, and glamping guests, but tent campers must bring their own.

    • Shoes: Sturdy shoes for hiking and getting around the property.

    • Flashlight/Headlamp: It gets dark at night—stay safe.

    • Something to Cover Up: No bare butts in the dining area!

    • Don’t forget your Runway Look: On Saturday Night, prepare your hottest or silliest look (Solo, or organize a group) and prepare to stomp it out on The GearUp Runway. If you aren’t sure what this means, ask around on telegram

    • Check out this even more comprehensive packing list on the website

    Gear Drop-Off

    If you need extra cargo space, take advantage of our Gear Drop-Off on Tuesday, July 8th, from 6-8 PM at 4444 17th Street, San Francisco. Your packed gear and luggage will be safely transported on our setup truck—just be sure to pack it well to avoid unnecessary jostling.

    Arrival Reminder

    • Check-in starts at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 10th. Please do not arrive early.

    • Dinner is served at 7:00 PM, so plan your travel accordingly (lunch is not provided on arrival day).

    Merch Available

    This year we have sweatshirts and tee-shirts available for purchase! Sizes are available XS-3XL. Orders must be placed by June 27, 2025 to be ready for pickup at camp at registration. Order Here

    Miss An Email?

    Subscribe for the latest updates by adding your ticketed email to our email list on the GearUp website. View previous emails to campers here!

    Need help?

    Yours in kink,

    The GearUp Weekend Committee

    Help Sponsor or Donate Now

  • Hey GearUp Camper,

    We are two weeks out, and excited to share the GearUp Weekend program line-up! The Program Committee and Leathermen’s Discussion Group took note of everyone’s ideas and chose a selection of fun options.

     2025 Schedule of Events

    THURSDAY

    • MEET THE MEAT AND PICK THEM UP — with Daddy Robert and Raj

    • INTRO TO GEARUP WEEKEND DUNGEON & CONSENT — with The GearUp Organizing Committee

    FRIDAY

    • LDG: PLAYING WITH TRANS/NON-BINARY FOLKS — with Dre Irizzary 

    • LDG: IMPACT PLAY – with Daddy Robert

    • LDG: CBT: HANDS-AROUND DEMO OF CBT TECHNIQUES — with Bob Goldfarb & Pupp Ballz

    • LDG: PAWS-ON PUP HANDLING AND TRAINING — with Daddy Dawg Mutt and Rock D. Pup

    SATURDAY

    • LDG: YOU CAN BE HYPNOTIZED: ZERO TO ZONKED IN 75 MINS — with Elder Beast

    • KINKY PHOTO SESSION — with the GearUp Committee

    Throughout the weekend are the traditional events including Naked Yoga, Naked Hiking, the Cock&tail Party + RUNWAY, Gear Grab, and daily sobriety checkins. Descriptions and detailed schedule are on the GearUp Weekend website.

    We highly encourage everyone to add to the weekend with your own group scenes, MTG meetups, fetish gatherings, and anything else your heart desires. Just write a time and place on the whiteboards on the main porch and let the fun begin.

    Merch Available

    This year we have sweatshirts and tee-shirts available for purchase! Sizes are available XS-3XL. Orders must be placed by June 27, 2025 to be ready for pickup at camp at registration. Order Here

    Miss an Email?

    View previous emails to campers here!

    Need Help?

    Yours in kink,

    The GearUp Weekend Committee

     Help Sponsor or Donate Now

  • We are really excited to see you Thursday.

    Anyone—not just moto riders—are welcome to use Gear Drop this Tuesday evening. You drop well packed stuff with us, label it with your name, and we will transport it for you to camp. 

    Details are in the schedule: https://www.gearupweekend.com/this-years-program

    Use our handy packing list to remind yourself of stuff you may need to bring: https://www.gearupweekend.com/packing-list

    Registration Opens at 2pm, No Earlier. Enjoy a coffee in Ukiah if you are early. We promise there is room for everyone!

    As soon as you arrive please head to the front porch to register (have your government issued ID with you—we will only use your badge name but need ID for age verification), then drop your bags at your cabin or tent, then park your vehicle with the parking slip registration gives you. We know you’re excited, but dibs and setting stuff up while everyone else waits in line isn’t sexy. Neither is blowing dust around, so please keep it < 5mph. 

    Thursday lunch isn’t provided. Open bar starts at 4pm, Meat and greet at 6pm, dinner is at 7pm, and mandatory orientation at 8pm.

    Listen for announcements during meals in case any changes or important info is shared. 

    Everyone including the committee and setup/teardown team have chore assignments (on the back of your badge) which ensures camp is smooth for everyone. Please be an excellent human and show up for them on time. 

    You won’t need a phone. Cameras are strictly prohibited on site (except Kinky Photos session on Saturday, refer to the schedule) and we will require a tape strip to cover yours if you insist on carrying your phone. There is no WiFi on site. Cell reception is extremely limited. We have a land line for medical emergencies only. If you must take a work or important call, we suggest you drive to Ukiah to find a coffee shop.  But we encourage you to take this time to disconnect and enjoy the experience.

    No fires or open flames, no exceptions. Smoking and vaping in 2 areas only, explained at registration. 

    If you witness or experience play, behavior, language, or something else that concerns you, speak to the officer in charge. 

    Finally: Have an amazing time. Ask absolutely any questions of the committee folks or the officer in charge on the front porch. Discuss consent and negotiate play with intention. Sit with someone different at each meal. Say yes to new experiences. Take your meds. Switch. Ask to watch someone else play. Wear sunscreen. Hydrate. 

    We can’t wait to see you!

    P.S.: We will send a feedback request email a few days after you return and we really want you to use the opportunity to tell us about your experience.

  • Hey GearUp Camper,

    What an incredible weekend! We hope you had an unforgettable time, made amazing connections, and took home some great memories.

    We’d love to hear from you—your feedback helps us make future GearUp events even better! Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts:

    Give Us Your Feedback Here

    Camp Aftercare

    • We have had a handful of reports of Covid, and folks are chatting about it on telegram. Symptoms vary from mild to mid, so test even if you feel fine, just to be sure. If you have a positive covid result, please let Camp Nurse Tom or any committee member know on telegram, text if you have it, or just reply to this email so we can track how everyone is doing.

    • Similarly, don’t forget to do your post-camp STI tests.

    • Event drop is real. Some folks are fine, others may feel a little colorless or tired for several days. Rest and Hydrate. It also helps to connect with others, and you can do that on the telegram chat.

    Where’s My Stuff?

    If you missed Sunday’s Gear Pickup or need to check our Lost and Found inventory, please reply to this email to make arrangements.

    The Telegram Group Stays Open!

    Stay connected on telegram for the next year to:

    • Process post-event drop.

    • Stay in touch with new friends.

    • Share resources and continue conversations.

    Miss An Email?

    Subscribe for the latest updates by adding your ticketed email to our email list on the GearUp website. View previous emails to campers here! 

    Thanks for being a part of GearUp Weekend 2025—we can’t wait to see you next year!

    Yours in kink,

    The GearUp Weekend Committee