GearUp Weekend Emails 2025
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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
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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
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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?
Email info@gearupweekend.com
Yours in kink,
The GearUp Weekend Committee
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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
No exchange of cash or favors
No insertable toys (butt toys), gags are ok.
Newbies to Gearup and the kink scene have first choice; then those who donated; then everyone else; and the newbies again.
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?
Email info@gearupweekend.com
Yours in kink,
The GearUp Weekend Committee