Guide To Outdoor Adventure For Survivalist

Wilderness survival is a widespread and intense outdoor adventure. Imagine coming face to face with Mother Nature and all the elements: the forest, rivers, mountains, and more. It would be best to prepare for these types of adventures by understanding what you need in your pack, what weather conditions you will likely encounter, and some valuable skills for your excursion, such as fire-making techniques or building shelters.

Today's blog is going to be about outdoor adventures. We'll discuss gear, routines, fears, getting outdoors, and finding out what you enjoy! Many people are happy to stay inside, but the outdoors can provide so much for us. However, this happiness doesn't come easy, which is why I've put together these tips. Let's explore this exciting world of outdoor survival!

How To Prepare for your outdoor adventure

The start to your outdoor journey can be daunting, but it will more than likely be rewarding. The first step on your trip is to get the right gear and make some basic routines for getting outside.

What gear do you need?

You'll need some things that aren't too expensive: a backpack, rain jacket, trekking poles, and a day pack. A sturdy pair of shoes with a good grip is also essential for most hikes.  Be sure to buy clothes appropriate for hiking conditions and bring along an extra layer if cold or wet on the trail. You'll need some food too-energy bars or trail mix that will get you through the most challenging hike. And don't forget water!

It's also a good idea to bring along a first aid kit and some essential tools like pliers, screwdrivers, and a knife. A whistle is also very useful in emergencies- it can attract attention from long distances, and if you get lost, you'll be grateful for it.

How do I prepare?

It would help if you tried to get a good amount of sleep the night before you go. Avoid alcohol and coffee for a while beforehand, as they can dehydrate you, reducing your energy levels.  Don't forget to pack snacks like granola bars or trail mix for quick energy-fruits like oranges and bananas are ideal as they're easy on the stomach. When you get to the trailhead, everybody should do a few things: check for ticks, sunscreen, and other dangers such as rattlesnakes. 

Prepare yourself psychologically by thinking about how it will be when you finish and try to take in what you can see from the trail while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife.

Do I need to do anything special to my shoes? 

It is essential to wear sturdy footwear with good ankle support. It will help prevent serious injuries if you take a spill on the trail, so don't skimp when it comes to shoes-they are your feet' first line of defense. Make sure that they fit correctly and have laces to make sure they are secure. Make sure to wear them before you try hiking with them, as it will result in fewer blisters and give you a better idea of how your feet will feel on the trail. Don't forget to break shoes in first by wearing them around the house or walking short distances so your feet can get used to them.

How should I get there?

Unless you're living in the middle of nowhere-it's probably just best to drive, you want to get there relaxed and ready for whatever comes your way, so sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic isn't going to be ideal. Parking can also be an issue at trailheads, especially on the weekend when it's sunny and pleasant out. Get an early start, but don't wake up before the crack of dawn-it will leave you tired and cranky on your way to the trailhead, and nobody wants that. Unless your idea of relaxation is walking past a crowd of people during your hike, then be my guest.

What should I wear?

This varies depending on the conditions and your personal preference, but it's generally good to wear synthetic fibers that will wick sweat off your skin. You'll want to dress in layers so that you can add or remove clothing throughout the day when it gets hot or cold. A hat and sunglasses are also a good idea as they will protect you from the elements. Contrary to popular belief, it's also not a good idea to go hiking when it's raining. The trails are bound to get muddy, and if there's lightning in the area, that could be dangerous.

What should I bring?

You want this list of things to be minimal so that hiking isn't a stressful chore, but it's good to be prepared:

A map: If you're going on a hiking trail that isn't well-known or maintained, then this is essential. You'll also want to bring along the names and phone numbers of people who live nearby if you need help. A compass can also serve as an effective backup if you get lost, so it's good to bring one along.

A first aid kit: Your mother said it was a good idea, and that's good enough for me.

A whistle can be used as a distress call in the event of an emergency, but make sure you bring along somebody who can act as a spotter too. 

A light source has the potential to save your life if you get lost at night or if there's an electrical storm.

A waterproof jacket: This is essential for safety and comfort because rain can be unexpected, or you could get stuck out there.You can always take it off if it gets hot, but you don't want to be left unprepared, so make sure that it's packed too.

A compass can also serve as an effective backup if you get lost, so it's good to bring one along.

A first aid kit: Your mother said it was a good idea, and that's good enough for me.

A cell phone or two-way radio: You'll want to have quick access to modern technology just in case something goes wrong. 

What about food?

If you're planning on staying out for an extended period, then it's good to bring along some snacks because nobody wants to be hangry. Make sure they aren't messy or leave crumbs everywhere, so you don't attract unwanted wildlife. I would only recommend bringing food if you plan to stay overnight; otherwise, bring water and something to eat when you get home.

What do I need to bring for overnight hikes?

Shelter, food, water, and safety are what you need to consider when planning an overnight hike. It's not ideal to sleep outside because of the wildlife that exists in nature (and how unpredictable they can be), so it's a good idea to bring along a tent. Depending on the weather forecast, you'll want to take the appropriate layers of clothing, so you can even start your hike in the afternoon if it's supposed to rain overnight.

What about safety?

This is probably essential because being safe ensures that nothing wrong happens to you and the people you go with. In case of an emergency or if you get lost, make sure to bring along a whistle for use as a distress signal. This is the only way that anybody will know where you are, and it could be life-saving. Ultimately, though preparation prevents poor performance, ensure that your outdoor adventures are well-planned before embarking on your journey.

How to fight the fear of outdoor adventure

If you want to do some outdoor activity, but are afraid of lightning or snakes, try facing your fear by gradually getting closer to what you're scared of. For example, if you are afraid of lightning, start by looking at pictures or books of storms. If you are so scared of snakes, start with seeing them on TV or in movies. If none of these work for you, there is still hope! Just watch out for the bears!

How To get back to nature

There are many different ways to reconnect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. The first step is to identify what you want to do and the type of experience you're interested in. Once you have an idea, you can then research more about that activity or interest. For some people, the idea of reconnecting with nature might include backpacking through a national park for a week. Other people may want to experience a different side of nature and go on a canoe trip on the Canadian Shield. There are plenty of options available depending on what you're looking for and how quickly you want it!

What to take on your outdoor adventure expedition

It is essential to plan when exploring the wilderness. It's necessary to pack for any eventuality, from a wet day to a prolonged stay in a tent. Food and water are an obvious necessity, but it's also good to take a few items that you might not think of - for example, a lighter or waterproof match can also come in handy if you find yourself in a situation where your phone doesn't work. A headlamp is one of the most valuable items to have when exploring your surroundings at night. It can be used as a torch when needed and running late or to explore the area in which you've pitched your tent without disturbing others who may be nearby. 

Other small items that can come in handy for longer excursions include a pocket knife, brimmed hat, and bandages.

How to plan your outdoor adventure routes

The first step is to find a map. If you have a GPS, the electronic map might also show good routes for you.  If you don't have a GPS or an electronic map, there are plenty of resources to help you plan your adventure route. You can always ask someone where they recommend going for a hike, bike ride, or kayak excursion if they have any experience with the area. Some books and resources can help point out exciting areas to explore.These can be found at outdoor stores or bookstores that specialize in regional guides. On these websites, a store like REI will list all of their "favorite places" with recommendations on what's interesting about them (trailhead location, fitness level, etc.).It will depend a lot on what you're going to be doing and where you're going. 

If your route will take you through a rainforest, it's no surprise that a raincoat might be in order. 

1. Plan your routes
2. Choose the best gear for your adventure
3. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for the trip
4. Pack light, but be prepared to carry heavy loads if needed
5. Consider the weather forecast before you go out on an adventure, as it can change quickly at any time of year
6. Leave a detailed plan with someone if something happens while you're gone, so they know what to do or who to call if there's an emergency.

What to Bring

1. Clothing and Footwear
2. The Essentials for Navigation and Signaling
3. Getting Familiar with Your Map
4. Planning your Route Ahead of Time
5. Safely Navigating the Terrain, including Hazards like Poisonous Plants or Animals, Water Hazards, Snow Hazards, Weather Hazards or Other Environmental Factors That Might Impact Your Adventure
6. Staying Found - How to Find Yourself When You're Lost in the Woods
7. Planning for Emergencies - Survival Kit
8. First Aid supplies
9. Weather Instruments
10. Food and Water Supplies
11. Personal Items (extra clothing, sunglasses/sunscreen)

What to include in your essential survival kit

No matter what you do when it comes to outdoor adventures, there are always risks. While the risk of disaster may be small, depending on your activities, they can be catastrophic. Safety should always be your priority.

These tips should help you keep yourself safe and ready for anything. The first thing you'll want to do is build an emergency survival kit with these things:

Water-Water is essential for life and needs to be at least one gallon per person per day. Store at least two gallons of water per person in clean containers elevated off the ground for easy access in case of emergencies or during disasters.

Food- You never know how long you might need to go without food, so it's best to stockpile at least three days worth of emergency rations in your survival pack. A can of tuna, sardines, or even beef jerky will help you survive in an emergency until rescue arrives.

Clothing and shelter- You can never have enough clothing, especially in the winter when it's cold outside. When disaster strikes, stay warm by layering up with hats, scarves, gloves, and boots. An emergency shelter will protect you from wind, rain, or snow while waiting for rescuers.

First aid supplies- You never know when you may be injured on any outdoor adventure, so it's best always to have a fully stocked first aid kit available. Also, make sure to have a list of emergency contacts in case help is needed.

Flashlight and batteries- To prepare for the dark, you'll need a flashlight to see what's in front of you. Make sure your batteries are fully charged and placed inside the equipment along with the flashlight itself.

Extra cash- When disaster strikes and cellphones stop working because of no service, be sure to have some extra money with you.

Backup equipment- In case your main outdoor gear malfunctions, make sure to have a backup at the ready as well as supplies such as extra batteries and multi-tool blades.

These tips should help you prepare for an emergency or disaster while you're on outdoor adventures. Since disasters can strike anywhere at any time, it's best to be ready. We've provided some of our favorite tips to help you prepare yourself physically and mentally before heading out into nature. Remember to always be safe when outside by packing plenty of food, water, shelter (e.g., tent), emergency kits (including the first-aid kit), and other essential supplies like matches/lighters, sunscreen, etc. It's also worth noting that it can take up to 6 hours without any fluids, so make sure not only do you pack enough but drink plenty!

Lastly, we want to remind everyone reading this piece about how dangerous wild animals can be, and you must know what to do when you encounter them (e.g., bears, wolves, etc.).