Outdoor adventure trips allow you to experience nature and its surroundings and explore your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. However, injuries, extreme temperatures, navigation mistakes, and wildlife encounters could get in the way of your outdoor adventure and fun, so you should prepare beforehand. Read on for six tips to keep your outdoor adventure trip safe and enjoyable.
Check the weather
Before you start your outdoor adventure trip, ensure you check the weather. The last thing you want is to be caught in a snow avalanche when you are miles away from home and unprepared. Remember that the weather patterns often change rapidly, especially in mountain regions or near large water bodies, so you should check different sources for the latest weather updates in your target destination. This enables you to familiarize yourself with possible risks to prepare accordingly.
Dress appropriately
Checking the weather in your preferred trip destination is not enough. You should also ensure that you are dressed for the season and condition. If you anticipate weather changes or are unsure what to expect, consider layering your clothing. This enables you to add and remove pieces of clothing to remain comfortable throughout your outdoor adventure trip. Shop all your outdoor adventure clothing and gear, such as vests, jackets, hats, gloves, fleece pants, and shoes at Kryptek.
Travel with a friend
Be sure to travel with a friend or a group, especially when the outdoor adventure is in an unfrequented or remote area. This ensures that you are not alone in the event of an emergency. When entering a site off the trail, consider going with a group of at least four people so that when one of you is injured, the others can carry the hurt team member or seek help.
Be sure also to bring someone who knows the area when visiting an unfamiliar destination to avoid wandering off or getting lost. You should also share your itinerary with a trusted friend and include details such as your destination, the return date, license plate, year and make of your car, the anticipated weather, and the equipment you intend to carry. This helps you get the necessary help in case of emergencies during the trip.
Ensure you are in excellent physical condition
If you plan a strenuous trip, engage in regular physical activity to improve your stamina. You should also speak to your doctor, especially when you have a pre-existing medical condition, for approval to prevent emergencies in the middle of your trip. Perform extensive research if you intend to climb or hike to high altitudes to ensure correct acclimatization of your body to your target destination.
Pack emergency supplies
Prepare for emergencies, especially when you plan your outdoor adventure in a remote area where help could take hours or days to arrive by packing an emergency kit. Some emergency supplies you should pack include first aid kits, medicine, a folding knife, headlamps, and sun and rain protection such as sunglasses and sunscreen.
Stay hydrated
An outdoor adventure trip can make you vulnerable to heat exhaustion and dehydration, so you should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. However, avoid drinking water from the streams as it could contain micro-organisms and water-borne parasites that may cause severe illnesses and discomfort. Bring your water or pack chemical treatment to purify stream water.
Endnote
Proper preparation is critical for a successful outdoor adventure trip. Check the weather patterns, dress appropriately, travel with a companion, ensure you are in excellent physical condition, and pack emergency supplies to prepare for the worst scenarios and get the most out of your outdoor adventure trip.