Planning an Outdoor Adventure: 5 Safety Essentials to Follow in 2021
As the pandemic continues to die down around the world, we are finally able to plan our 2021 travels. If you have been fully vaccinated by now, then all the more reason to start prepping for an unforgettable trip this summer season. However, there’s no denying that traveling into the great outdoors is what many of us need right now, instead of mingling with the crowds in the busy city streets.
This is one of the reasons why camping and those lengthy road trips have become so popular, because escaping into the great outdoors is a rewarding and restorative experience, and it’s one of the best ways to travel safely and responsibly. But of course, in order to have an unforgettable outdoor adventure, you have to come prepared.
Here are some of the essential safety tips you should keep in mind and follow in order to stay safe in the great outdoors and have the time of your life.
Source: unsplash.com
Research the region thoroughly
When you’re planning an excursion in nature, you need to know exactly where you’re headed. Every location you plan to visit requires thorough research and you need to know what you can expect to encounter while there. If you’re looking for a wild camping adventure, the first thing is to check if and where wild camping is allowed in your country or abroad.
Be mindful of the local weather conditions and follow the forecasts, and be sure to get to know the lay of the land before you reach your destination. You always want to know what kind of terrain you’re up against, and you should know what kind of animals reside in the area. Needless to say, avoid any areas where you might encounter unfriendly and potentially dangerous wildlife.
Safeguard your valuables wherever you are
Whether you’re going wild camping or if you’re planning to go to a designated campsite, it’s important to keep your valuables safe. You should be focusing on enjoying your outdoor adventure, and not on the possibility that someone might steal your valuables, or that you might lose them somewhere in the great outdoors.
That’s why one of the best road trip safety tips should be to bring a portable safe with you where you can easily store your valuables and keep them safe at all times. A portable safe is an ideal solution to prevent theft and safeguard your documents, wallet, phone, jewelry, and other valuable possessions while on the road.
Bring your survival essentials
When you’re going on an outdoor adventure, it’s important to know how to survive in nature and to stay safe when you’re spending your nights under the stars. Make sure to bring your outdoor survival gear and those essential tools such as compact OTF knives that you can use to mold your surroundings, cut and prep your food, and even get yourself out of a jam if need be.
Along with a durable knife, you also need a big first-aid kit just in case you need to bandage or sterilize a wound. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight, as well as a physical map and compass in case your smartphone dies out. You always want to know where you are and navigate your surroundings with ease.
Stay connected at all times
Even though there’s a chance that one of your smartphones runs out of battery, you should still rely on your devices to keep you connected to the outside world. While it might seem tempting to just switch off your phone and go off the grid for the duration of your trip, that’s the last thing you want to do.
The best way to stay safe on your outdoor adventure is to be able to get in touch with the authorities or call emergency services should the need arise. To that end, a rugged smartphone with a signal amplifier is a vacation must have, and add a portable hotspot to your car to stay connected to the rest of the world at all times.
Prepare for extended hikes and camping
When you reach your destination, you’re probably going to go exploring, and that means that you need to come prepared for wilderness and backcountry hiking. Make sure to bring proper hiking shoes and dress in layers that you can easily put on and take off as the weather shifts during your extended hikes. Pack just enough provisions to last you through the entire hike, and if you plan to pitch a tent somewhere deep in nature, make sure to ration your food and water to last you until you get back to civilization.
Over to you
Going on an adventure in the great outdoors is one of the most rewarding trips you can take this year, because we all need some restorative alone time in nature. Use these tips to stay safe on your trip and make lasting memories along the way.
