There’s no other experience that’s comparable to exploring the great outdoors. The fresh air, plants and wildlife make a difference as you escape the urban sprawl behind you. However, taking a trip into the wilderness has its challenges. You want to be safe and healthy during the entire outing. Learn how to be comfortable and safe in both hot and cold weather by following these outdoor tips. You’ll feel refreshed as a result.
Know the Basics
Before you venture out into any outdoor area, practice a few basics. You should be able to build a fire without a lighter or match. Understand how flare guns work, and be aware of how you stay warm on an unexpected overnight trip. Although you may not use these skills right now, they can come in handy in the future. A survival situation may arise where these skills are the difference between a comfortable or frightening evening.
Hydrate Year-Round
Whether it’s summer or winter, you must hydrate yourself in the outdoors. You’re losing moisture during every moment of your adventure. Bring along water bottles or fill one of those specialty backpacks with water.
If the weather is hot, freeze a few water bottles and allow them to thaw as you hike out to your camping spot. The frozen bottles are great for cooling your snacks as you walk. The bottles should be still ice cold by the time they’re thawed enough for a drink.
Layer Your Clothes
The outdoors can be confusing when it comes to temperatures. It can be freezing in the morning, but downright hot in the afternoon. Combat these issues by layering your clothes. You have a chance to remove any layers that are too hot as the day goes by. If you tend to venture outdoors at night, heated long underwear for hunting or hiking is best. You’ll always be warm as the nighttime activities carry on.
Sleep in Style
There’s no reason why you should sleep on the ground in a sleeping bag anymore. Splurge on a few accessories before your trip. Purchase tents, air mattresses and sleeping bags for your overnight comfort. The air mattresses feel like real beds at home. You’ll wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day’s challenges.
For those truly cold nights, consider heat rocks or heated water bottles. Stay warm with extra layers as you sleep along with soft hats and socks. Choose a location away from prevailing winds too. Outside temperatures dip significantly with a wind chill.
Explore With Safety-Driven Tools
You’ve seen hikers with long sticks helping them up steep inclines. Bring or find a stick that improves your balance. Tipping over during a hike shouldn’t be part of the experience. Learn how to use a compass too. Your smartphone may have every gadget programmed into it, but it may not work in the great outdoors. Use landmarks and mark areas where you’ve passed to create a pathway back to camp. Regardless of the weather, getting lost is always an issue to avoid.
Always hike or camp with at least one other person. Let your loved ones know where you’ll be staying and how long the trip lasts. Being prepared for any situation gives you flexibility to stay safe. Your outdoor adventures can be a regular occurrence with these smart habits.