Are you planning for your next outdoor adventure?
So, you are excited to do backpacking, rafting, climbing, trekking, and other self-propelled modes of adventures. Adventures bring us closer to the mother nature that provides us with a euphoric feeling. It can be gratifying because of the stunning sceneries and enjoyable experience. However, it can also be extremely challenging.
So, to thoroughly enjoy your wonderful escapade, I created some tips for your next outdoor adventure. I assure you that you will be ready to deal with whatever nature will throw you.
Tip #1: Be physically prepared.
Being physically prepared is an important thing to be ready for before your exhilarating and unpredictable outdoor experience.
From the Health and Wellness section of the University of British Columbia, you can find a statement telling us that getting active does not require several hours of gym. In fact, a 10-minute workout break is beneficial. You can also advance your physical exercise to prepare yourself physically.
I used to think that my walking activity is enough. However, when I tried yoga, I found more. I started showing up on my mat many times in a week, and I began to notice that my body felt stronger than before. You can try other exercises such as cycling. If you do not have time to start your daily physical workout yet, do the daily walking activity. Start small and work way up to the level of fitness that you need to complete your next adventure.
Tip # 2. Know the necessary survival skills.
Venturing into the unknown may be dangerous, most especially if it is taking you out of your comfort zone. The point is things can go wrong no matter how well you prepare, how many precautions you take, and how experienced you are. According to the Wilderness Awareness School, there are just five basic survival skills necessary for you to make it home safely.
The five necessary survival skills include knowledge of the basic first aid, shelter, water and food, fire, and signal. First Aid survival technique does not only focus on the basic medical needs. It pertains more to the primary way you act to survive. Do not panic, remain calm, sit, think, observe, and plan. The shelter protects our body from too much exposure from the sun, wind, cold, rain, or snow while food and water are crucial towards survival. Among all these, the fire is the king of the survival techniques. A person who ventures on an outdoor adventure should know at least a minimum of two ways to start a fire. A fire can purify water, cook food, provide warmth, comfort, and light. It can also help signal rescuers or keeps predators at a distance. Lastly, signaling, it is a unique technique that gives you the ability to make potentials rescuers aware that you need help.
Tip # 3. Bring navigational tools.
If you are planning for your next adventure, carry a gear that you will need to have. Say, you intend to do a rock climbing, you will need carabiners and harnesses while for water rafting, you will need life jackets. For any outdoor activity, whether it is a walk in the local nature or a trek on a faraway mountain, bring your essentials to ensure your survival if an emergency occurs.
Navigational tools such as a map or a road map, a compass, and a Global Positioning System, commonly called as GPS are helpful. A map is a general reference that shows landforms, water bodies, political boundaries, and the position of the city. It acts as a guide in places that you haven’t visited before. A roadmap is also known as a route map that displays the roads as well as the transport links. With the use of a map, you do not have to depend on anyone for local direction because it acts as a direction finder.
Meanwhile, a compass is an instrument that shows the direction concerning geographic directions. It is easy to use and lightweight. Hang it in your backpack or around your neck. On the other hand, a GPS is also excellent navigation and precise positioning tool that will pinpoint your exact position in up to three dimensions of latitude, longitude, and altitude. Whichever of these three you can have will be helpful. If you can have all of them, the better.
Now, if you love the nature and you want to figure out objects in the distance, you will need another gear. Use a monocular to zoom and see close-up views. Monocular is a miniature and low powered telescope that will make it easy for you to survey things which are far away, a good monocular will allow you to see further a more detailed figure.
Tip # 4. Pick the right timing.
I recommend that you go for your next adventure during the shoulder season for your destination only if you have the flexibility of time. According to Tripsavvy, shoulder season is the period between the peak and low seasons. Usually, it is an excellent time to get cheap deals on flight and hotel rates. You’ll find the best value for your money. Hence, you can save money, at the same time, avoid crowds and long lines which are typical in the tourist-filled cities.
For adventure travelers, it is possible to have a restriction to the activity you’ll be engaging. Seasonal sports like ice-climbing or canyoning is only available during a specific time of the year. Do you plan on whitewater rafting in Iceland? Check when the rivers flow the highest. Do you want to go trekking? Read up some to know which time of the year is the best time to visit. Regardless of the place, getting the time right can hugely enhance your entire experience.
Tip # 5. Pack things light.
I am a minimalist travel adventure packer, and the reason behind this is that I don’t want to drag a suitcase that will look taller than me. I don’t want to have a massive pack on my back and another big one in front.
The minimalist packing begins with the choice of luggage. It is, in fact, a place where most people make their misstep. Here is the thing, if you buy a suitcase or a backpack that is bigger than the carry-on size of the bag, you will never travel light. So, if your travel pack is small, it is going to force you to pack sensibly light. Besides, science proved that your stuff would expand and fill all available spaces, regardless of how big or small is your suitcase. So, limit this expansion from the start to make packing a whole lot easier.
Tip #6. Be aware of the weather conditions.
Exploring the nature can be unpredictable, and when you come into play, the weather condition is often a critical consideration in the success and safety of your great outdoor activity. Mother nature changes its course and suddenly make your plans in jeopardy. As what I have experienced, weather conditions determine what I wear, where, and how far I can venture. Do not trust your outdoor adventure away from the meteorologist. Get the exact local weather conditions.
The good thing is we can get a weather forecast. In today’s digital age, whether by an hour or day, the weather forecast is available online. It only takes one click away on your mouse or your handheld device. Then, make an educated decision. Will you be heading out today or tomorrow? It will certainly depend. If there is lightning in the weather forecast, do not proceed with your mountain climbing adventure or water rafting. Use your common sense, and get the most out of your adventure experience.
Tip #: 7. Embrace “Leave no Trace” Policy.
You probably have heard or seen the phrase, “Leave No Trace.” It is a policy developed by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. The principal purpose of this policy is to implement practices that will protect the natural environments that travelers invade during their adventures.
There are 7 Core Principles of the Leave No Trace Policy which can be adopted for your outdoor adventure. Remember to be prepared ahead of time by careful planning; Do not camp on areas that are prone to erosion; Get rid properly of your leftovers, litters, and wastewater; Do not remove anything from its natural environment; Adhere to campfire practices safely; Respect the wildlife; and Remember that other people also want to enjoy their adventure.
Tip # 8. Remember the phrase, “Mind over matter.”
Mind over matter is a phrase that refers to one’s ability to use his/her willpower over physical limitations. It suggests that the mind can accomplish infinite limitations whether it be physical or mental. Hence, it is essential to believe that we are not less powerful than our determination.
Positive mental attitude creates a difference in your planned adventure. It will determine whether you will enjoy or you will hate your travel outdoor. If you don’t mind negative things, it doesn’t matter.
I am a lover of outdoor adventures, and over the years, I have used all these tips several times. In fact, I regretted a single time I ignored this. So, when nature calls, remember this 8 outdoor tips for your next adventure.
If you agree and enjoy this article, share this with anyone you think may be interested. Do you have some tips for your next adventure? Write your comment below.
About the Author:
Hi! I’m Demi – founder and editor in chief here at Outdoorsdoc and welcome to my blog. Here, I will share everything I know about enjoying and surviving the outdoors and sports. Whether you love to go outdoors, you will find interesting and informational articles on this blog.