So, you’ve committed to getting outside and are anxious to experience your own moments of wonder. In order to enjoy nature and gather new experiences, it’s important to be safe and comfortable so you can see and learn beyond yourself. If you aren’t used to being surrounded by nature, here are some tips to get the most of your outdoor experience:
//Tip 1//
Be prepared for the weather. It’s important to know what the weather is going to be like on your adventure. Nothing can detract from an amazing experience quite like a burning sunburn or frozen toes. Being unprepared for the weather can leave you miserable and in danger. You usually don’t need to fear the weather, but you need to be prepared for it.
//Tip 2//
Be prepared for the activity. Certain activities require specialized equipment. Hiking doesn’t take require too much equipment, but I wouldn’t recommend hiking in flip flops! It’s hard to notice beautiful flora and fauna when all you can think of is the blister forming on your foot.
Be prepared for the weather. It’s important to know what the weather is going to be like on your adventure. Nothing can detract from an amazing experience quite like a burning sunburn or frozen toes. Being unprepared for the weather can leave you miserable and in danger. You usually don’t need to fear the weather, but you need to be prepared for it.
//Tip 2//
Be prepared for the activity. Certain activities require specialized equipment. Hiking doesn’t take require too much equipment, but I wouldn’t recommend hiking in flip flops! It’s hard to notice beautiful flora and fauna when all you can think of is the blister forming on your foot.
//Tip 3//
Know your limits. Know the limitations your body may have. Overexertion can mean over exhaustion. Start out slowly and simply. Have a plan to follow and give yourself a short time limit. Know how much water and food you will need and bring it with you.
//Tip 4//
Be prepared for risks. Enjoying the outdoors can be risky, otherwise it wouldn’t be considered an adventure! While being outside isn’t usually dangerous, there are certain risks to be aware of when leaving the comfort of the indoors. Know what risks you’re up against and do your best to prevent them. Know what wildlife may be in the area, and be familiar with how to deal with encounters. Avoid places that look unsafe. Always enjoy the outdoors with a friend or let others know exactly where you are going and when to expect you back.
Know your limits. Know the limitations your body may have. Overexertion can mean over exhaustion. Start out slowly and simply. Have a plan to follow and give yourself a short time limit. Know how much water and food you will need and bring it with you.
//Tip 4//
Be prepared for risks. Enjoying the outdoors can be risky, otherwise it wouldn’t be considered an adventure! While being outside isn’t usually dangerous, there are certain risks to be aware of when leaving the comfort of the indoors. Know what risks you’re up against and do your best to prevent them. Know what wildlife may be in the area, and be familiar with how to deal with encounters. Avoid places that look unsafe. Always enjoy the outdoors with a friend or let others know exactly where you are going and when to expect you back.
//Tip 5//
Don’t over plan. In order to best enjoy the outdoors, you also need to be flexible. Allow plans to change, and don’t expect too much of yourself. If the adventure goes sour, don’t feel like you need to complete it. Sometimes it’s best to just return and regroup for the next adventure. Being outside is more about the discovering anyway, not the destinations.
//Tip 6//
Don’t over pack. Over packing means extra weight, and extra weight can slow you down and cause injury. Bring what you need, and avoid hauling around items that are nice-to-haves. An hour-long hike in the wilderness doesn’t require you to pack in an entire meal. You can usually leave snacks in your car and enjoy them when you get back.
Don’t over plan. In order to best enjoy the outdoors, you also need to be flexible. Allow plans to change, and don’t expect too much of yourself. If the adventure goes sour, don’t feel like you need to complete it. Sometimes it’s best to just return and regroup for the next adventure. Being outside is more about the discovering anyway, not the destinations.
//Tip 6//
Don’t over pack. Over packing means extra weight, and extra weight can slow you down and cause injury. Bring what you need, and avoid hauling around items that are nice-to-haves. An hour-long hike in the wilderness doesn’t require you to pack in an entire meal. You can usually leave snacks in your car and enjoy them when you get back.
These simple tips may seem like common sense, and they are! As long as you are smart about your experiences with nature, you are sure to have an enjoyable time! When you are safe, you aren’t distracted by your physical needs and discomfort and your mind can better enjoy nature’s beauty. When you are enjoying your surroundings, you are more open to noticing and appreciating those moments of wonder.
All photos were taken on outdoor adventures. These can be found on the Feather & Fir Photos Board, if you'd like to see more.
All photos were taken on outdoor adventures. These can be found on the Feather & Fir Photos Board, if you'd like to see more.