There's nothing as exciting and fun as exploring the outdoors with friends and family. However, you shouldn't be too convinced that you can do it without an outdoor adventure checklist. There's a lot that you can explore around nature in your lifetime. Many people like utilizing weekend trips to explore the great unknowns the world has to offer. Going for such vacations and weekend getaways can help you realize how big the world is.
Additionally, this gives you the chance to connect with nature and leave all your worries behind. If you want to experience the best outdoor adventure, this starts with picking the right essential survival gear, as this makes all the difference. This is not about how much you pack. Instead, it's about packing smart and being confident you've taken the right steps. Our guide will help you load appropriately, so you go for your adventure like a pro.
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Plan for Your Drinks and Foods
If you're planning to get lost in nature, you should plan for your provisions wisely. It will help if you understand that being outside is a bit tiring compared to spending your day at home. You will need extra energy to keep warm, walk, and stay in a comfortable place for the duration of your vacation. This is why it is recommended to create your own ultimate survival food list. Additionally, it would be best to pack plenty of water and water purifying tools such as iodine. This is because there are times when you will have to drink water from natural sources.
Secondly, consider carrying fruits like oranges and bananas since they contain natural sugars to increase your energy. Finally, remember to include the spices. This includes ingredients like pepper, salt, and some herbs to make your meals tasty.
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Have the Right Backpack and Pack Lightly
We recommend packing lightly as this will make your trip easier. Additionally, this will also save you some money. Nowadays, many airlines are changing their policies about baggage size. This is why getting the right backpack can make a big difference. It also helps you avoid any last-minute surprises at the airport. It would be best to consider investing in a quality backpack that can handle all the rigorous outdoor travel. This is because the last thing you want is having a tear in your bag or having a broken zip. Many backpacks available in the market come in liter sizes. This means you can choose the best size for the duration of your trip. If you're going to be out for a few days, we recommend going for a 55-liter size.
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What about Footwear?
Going for an outdoor hike means you'll be doing plenty of walking. From forest trails to steep and rocky mountains to soft beach sand, good boots are a must. If you're on an outdoor hike, your feet are the most vital part of your body. This is because they'll be doing most of the work, so it's worth looking after them properly in the right shoes. We recommend going for a shoe that's waterproof yet breathable. Some modern types are great for this; if your feet get wet, they'll dry out easily and quickly. For the days you'll be navigating over delicate terrain, you can go for a sneaker or a running shoe. However, if you'll be doing long hikes, consider going for a boot with comfortable ankle support. This protects you from any ankle injury you may have.
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Remember the Headlamp
Never leave behind a compact and lightweight headlamp, even if you won't need one. Sometimes, outdoor enthusiasts can be caught out in the dark unexpectedly. In many cases, this happens when they're cycling, walking, or hiking, as these trips may take longer than planned. The significant advantage of headlamps is that they come in all sizes and shapes.
Additionally, they're also suitable for many activities such as caving or camping. Also, using a headlamp means that both hands are left free to do other tasks. This is different from a torch where you have to hold it with one hand. Finally, ensure you choose a headlamp that is waterproof and is suited for outdoor activities.
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The Right Clothing
You should bring in extra clothing for any emergency. This will come in handy if the climatic conditions change abruptly. The type of clothing you pack depends on the season and location. We recommend packing lightweight and wicking by design. You should avoid packing cotton-based clothing as the material gets heavy when it gets wet.
Additionally, it dries slowly and will extract plenty of warmth from your body. For the underlayer clothing, go for wool, specialized synthetic, or a hybrid of the two. Also, ensure the outer-layer material of your clothing is water-resistant.
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Carry Your Phone
Many seasoned travelers would not recommend this. However, some love it. Regardless of your opinion, you cannot argue against the usefulness of a smartphone while traveling. Your phone doesn't have to be about posting pictures on social media platforms. A phone can act as a camera, alarm, notepad, and even an offline map all in one. While it doesn't serve as the best back up when you have an emergency, it will save you plenty of space – you can imagine if you had to pack an alarm, maps, and a lamp. Globally, many national parks and some destinations offer their applications as well. This means you can turn your smartphone into the best travel guide when traveling.
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First Aid Kit
Many people don't have the necessary skills to fix up minor scrapes while in the outdoors. Having the necessities to fix such minor injuries can prevent an exciting trip from turning into an unpleasant one. While small cuts are minor inconveniences at home, they can become inconvenient and even critical in the jungle. This is why it's vital to bring a first aid kit along. It will come in handy when dressing and cleaning wounds to keep them from getting infections. Finally, ensure your gear is up-to-date and well-stocked.
If you want to capture the memories, remember to carry along a camera. After all, you need to prove to others and to remind yourself that you traveled. Going outdoors is an opportunity to awaken something new and push your daily boundaries. Finally, remember also to carry an insect repellent to keep the bugs contained. We wish you a good time as you head out on a new adventure!
