Being amongst nature and being able to explore them is the most fun and exciting thing you can do in life. It is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Being outdoors can even improve our overall health if we do it on the regular.
Hiking and camping are fun outdoor activities. Most people spend their weekends hiking and camping to escape from their mundane, humdrum life. It is also a great way to escape from the chaotic modern world and connect with nature.
However, this outdoor adventure can also bring a lot of trouble—and can be dangerous too—if you are not prepared for it.
That is why we want to share with you in this article how to make your outdoor adventure as exhilarating, exciting, and hassle-free as possible. We have some interesting tips you can use on your next (or first!) adventure so keep reading! Oh, and if you want to know the best outdoor adventure equipment, you can check them out at TourTheOutdoors.
Tip #1: Plan Ahead
Heading off into the wilderness unprepared, without a plan, can bring a series of mishaps. Planning ahead can actually save you from dangerous situations, especially for inexperienced hikers. You can start planning your outdoor adventure by obtaining a map detailing the trails you plan to hike.
Make sure to locate the campsites on the map and, of course, water sources nearby. Estimate the expected miles you can cover a day, depending on the terrain.
Also, make sure to download GPS and compass apps to your mobile phone; but bring a pocket compass, just in case your phone fails during the trail. Even if you bring a battery-operated phone charger, a lot of things can still happen–you could lose your phone on the trail.
Tip #2: Pack Your Hiking Essentials
You should go light when you are hiking. So, bring only the things you need and leave the things you don’t need. The trick to lightweight packing is to pack the heaviest items in the middle for balance, then add the lighter items around them.
Make sure to pack the items you often need last, so you can put them where you can access them easily. These items can be food, water, and maps!
Food
It is important to never run out of energy during a long adventure. When you go hiking, you will be burning a lot of calories. Pack meals that are simple and easy to carry, like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, jerky, carrot sticks, fruit and nuts, and maybe some energy bars. If you opt to go for a jerky snack, there are a lot of varieties. There are beef, fish, turkey, and buffalo. Check out the buffalo jerky for sale if you want one.
Anything that is well-balanced—protein, fat, carb, and fiber—will help you not lose consciousness for a longer period. Make sure to keep fueling your body with energy-giving food at least every 2 hours during an outdoor adventure. This is why we suggest bringing ‘extra food’.
Clothing and Shelter
Weather can be unpredictable, especially when you are in the mountains. So, it’s important to bring along some extra layers to protect yourself. Pack your pants and shirts made of synthetic materials rather than clothes made of cotton material. Cotton keeps the moisture close to your skin. Your jacket should be lightweight and preferably a waterproof one.
Bring a cold weather hat, a beanie, light gloves, a few socks, and of course your sleeping bag and camping tent. Don’t forget to wear a good and durable pair of hiking boots!
First-aid Kit
One of the most important things you need to have when you are going for a hike is a first-aid kit. However, many hikers underestimate its importance. First-aid kits help you minimize or avoid the risk of infection or severity of an injury because you can treat wounds and ailments on the trail.
You should be able to find items that treat injuries such as scrapes, burns, and cuts on a well-supplied kit. Hiking in the wilderness can pose more risks of these injuries, along with blisters and reptile bites. Having a well-supplied first aid kit away from civilization could actually save your life.
Emergency Gear
Most people don’t realize the importance of carrying emergency items that could be crucial to their survival in the wilderness until something goes awry. Always carry emergency gear such as a headlamp and pocket knife.
Headlamps are mostly preferred by hikers because they are hands-free, keeping your hands always available for other tasks. They are not necessarily heavy; you can get bright headlamps that weigh less than an ounce. Also, don’t forget to bring extra batteries!
Tip #3: Stay Hydrated
Going on outdoor adventures is a good way to get ample amounts of fresh air, sunshine, and exercise, therefore, helping you stay healthy. However, you need to stay hydrated as the exertion required for such activity makes you susceptible to dehydration. But there is more to hydration than just simply drinking water.
Your body also needs electrolytes in order to hydrate your cells fully, especially if you go for a longer hike. Pack some electrolyte tablets or sports drinks, and remember to drink them as often as possible to help you stay on top of your game.
Tip #4: Practice
Before you go hiking and camping, it’s important that you are in good shape and condition. Start practicing your ‘hiking skills’ and here’s how:
- Prepare your body for your upcoming outdoor adventure and hike on local trails first
- Use your new hiking shoes (if you have one) and go on preparatory hikes; this helps break in your new hiking shoes!
- Practice setting up your tent
- Practice using the water pump
- Learn how to light your stove
Tip #5: Know How to Use Navigation Maps
Using navigation maps can be confusing. Practice locating your position in safe settings, such as the park. Then you can go on practicing in more challenging situations and in weather conditions like snow or rain. So when weather conditions change during your outdoor adventure, you will be more prepared.
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