How to Plan, Prep & Gear Up for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
So, you want to make some great memories in the great outdoors…
Right on! The great outdoors are a wonderful place to rest, recharge, explore and experience mother nature’s infinite beauty. It’s exciting to see more and more people getting out to adventure and make new memories. That said, there’s a lot that goes into getting outside and doing so safely and respectfully.
Whether it’s your first time or 50th time adventuring outdoors, having the right guidance, support and resources can make all the difference in your experience. Read on to learn more about planning, preparing and gearing up for your next adventure!
THE PLANNING
Choosing Where to Go:
The world is a BIG place and there are so many incredible areas to see and explore! It might feel a bit overwhelming trying to decide where to go first… and there is the whole weather thing to consider too. So, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Start Locally - Get to know where you live! It’s closer, more convenient, and will give you a greater appreciation for your home. Check out Google Maps or AllTrails to find a hiking, biking or walking trail nearby.
2. Keep it Free - Keep adventuring low cost by finding free places to check out and explore! Whether around your neighborhood, nearby community parks, free campsites on a road trip or simply free trails wherever you are.
3. Group Trips - Most areas will have a local Facebook group you can join to find friends to get out with! They will typically provide a lot of great info too, like trail conditions, parking and fees, what to expect, and more.
Not sure where to find the best trails, campsites, or places to get outside? Here are a few useful resources:
American Hiking Society - Find hikes near you and get useful tips and tricks for getting outside.
Best Free Campsites - Find free campsites in all 50 states!
National Parks - Find and plan your trip to one of America’s beautiful parks!
Women in the Wild Adventures Facebook Group - Find in-person events and guided adventures throughout North America.
Reservations and/or Permits:
Depending on where (and when) you decide to go explore a particular area, keep in mind that some popular places require reservations and/or permits. This is meant to keep crowds limited and the trails (and you!) safe.
2024 National Parks Requiring Timed-Entry Reservations
Explore Recreation Permits
THE PREPARING
Nutrition:
Often overlooked, nutrition plays an incredibly important role in the success of your outdoor adventures. From how you prepare for your trip to how you fuel during and recover after, good nutrition can either keep you feeling good and energized, or poor and sluggish.
Pre-Trip Nutrition - Ensure you have the energy you can tap into on your journey already stored in your body by eating a good, hearty + healthy pre-adventure meal with plenty of carbs, a good amount of fat and some protein too. (Like oatmeal with fruit + nuts.)
Trip Nutrition - As you move, sweat, and use up that stored energy, it is incredibly important to replenish with water (and electrolytes), snacks and meals along the way. Prioritize carbs, then fats and protein.
Post-Trip Nutrition - Repair your depleted muscles quickly by consuming a high amount of protein following a taxing outdoor adventure. And feel free to replace those burned calories with your favorite post-adventure meal! (Mine is pizza and beer.)
Check out the Nutrition Guide for Hikers & Backpackers to get more info and trail snack ideas for your next trek!
Fitness:
Having a fun and successful outdoor adventure is much more possible when your body is physically prepared for it. Depending on what your planned outdoor activity is - hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking, even walking - you will definitely feel much better if you prepare your body ahead of time with exercises that support the muscles you’ll use.
While this will be individual to each person, and based on their body, their activity, and their goals, even the most basic exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, pull-ups and planks (which can all be done even without weights) are a great place to start.
If you’re a hiker looking to get fit for your next trek, consider downloading the Built for the Trails nutrition + fitness plan, providing you with 12-weeks of workouts and nutrition recommendations to build strength, stamina + confidence for the trails.
GEARING UP
Gear & Apparel:
While you definitely do not need any special gear or apparel to get outside and have a blast, being mindful about what you wear and what you pack can make the difference between a happy and safe hike; and slipping, chafing, or sweating like crazy.
Shoes: You can definitely get out in sneakers (or Crocs, or flip-flops), but if you’re looking to some specific like hiking, biking or climbing, this is one area you might want to buy something more specific for your needs. The most important point is that your shoes/boots/etc. fit your foot well, are comfortable, and support your activity.
Socks: Probably the one thing I always pack extra of, no matter what I am doing. Opt for comfortable, lightweight and supportive socks, that fit well inside your shoe of choice. Try to avoid 100% cotton, or your feet will sweat and you may get blisters.
Clothing: For the most part, gym clothes are going to be totally cool. Definitely avoid jeans or 100% cotton here too, but as long as the weather is decent (above 50, not raining) just about anything else here goes. You do want layers (like a light windbreaker, a long-sleeved layer, or a rain jacket) in case it’s colder by the lake, you need sun or bug protection, or the weather shifts.
Pack: To carry your extra layers, your water, snacks and safety gear, you are definitely going to want some kind of pack. You may want a small backpack (15L) for something like a day hike, you also might be able to take a small fanny pack or trail vest for shorter excursions, or maybe you need something bigger for a multi-day trip. Whatever the case, make sure whatever you bring is comfortable and can hold everything you need.
Looking for gear and apparel suggestions? Safety gear? Winter gear? Check out all of my personal favorites here!
GETTING OUT
Apps to Have Handy:
AllTrails - Great for finding trails nearby, navigating them, tracking your progress and connecting with other hikers.
Far Out - A great navigational map for long-distance trails.
Recreation.gov - Great for planning trips, reserving campgrounds, accessing maps and more.
National Park Service - For National Park maps and up-to-date park information.
Campendium - For finding campground no matter where you are.
Safety:
NOTHING is more important than being safe out there and prepared for anything that could happen. Between Mother Nature’s unpredictability, wildlife romping around and the inevitable human error, having the right gear + supplies could prevent a disaster and maybe even save a life. To make it easy, I put together a list of safety gear + supplies for your pack - Outdoor Adventure Safety Gear. You can also find a lot of wilderness first aid webinars and courses through Survival Med.
Leave No Trace:
As you spend time outdoors, in the natural world and in wilderness, it’s important to be conscious of the effects your actions may have on plants, animals, other people, and even entire ecosystems. Following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles can help minimize those impacts. They can be applied anywhere, at any time, while taking part in recreational activities. They are:
1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Others
Remember to respect nature, respect yourself and respect others out there. Always trust your instincts and have some fun!
Looking for more personalized guidance and support in planning, prepping and gearing up for your next adventure? Booking a 50-min. coaching call with me here!
