Have you ever considered packing your outdoor backpack and going all the way up for a hike? Maybe you’ve thought about a nice campfire with marshmallows or a cup of hot cocoa. Well, we have you covered with the following tips to make your upcoming outdoor experience a hassle-free one because we’re going to fill you in on the six essentials you need to have for your next outdoor experience.
6 Amazing Essential Items you Need for an Ideal Outdoor Experience
1- Sun Protection
Always bring sunglasses and sunscreen with you. Those beaming rays can lead to premature aging, skin cancer, and cataracts. When you’re outside, good sunglasses are a must to shield your eyes from potentially harmful radiation.
In addition, always bring your sunscreen. Extended periods of time spent outside will expose you to ultraviolet radiation, which can cause sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. It is advised that you use sunscreen to help minimize your UV radiation.
When it comes to sunscreen, health authorities recommend a sunscreen with at least a 15-sun protection factor (SPF), though SPF 30 is recommended for prolonged outdoor exercise.
The strongest UV radiation is between 11 am and 3 pm. The outdoor gurus behind nativecompass.com advise you to always apply sunscreen generously and to reapply often and always use it on your ears, neck, and face, even with a hat. It’s important to note that even if it’s a cloudy day, the sun’s rays can still do damage to your skin, so never skimp out on the sunscreen, no matter what the weather is like.
2- First Aid Kit
When adventuring outside, scratches, grazes, and minor injuries are quite possible.
If you have a decent first aid kit and done defibrilator training, you will be able to deal with small injuries easily. Any First Aid Training will also be beneficial in recognizing more serious situations and determining how to better handle them. First-aid kits come in a variety of sizes and forms.
If you have a decent first aid kit and done defibrilator training, you will be able to deal with small injuries easily. Any First Aid Training will also be beneficial in recognizing more serious situations and determining how to better handle them. First-aid kits come in a variety of sizes and forms. For example, a True Rescue bleeding control kit comes with everything you need to stop heavy bleeding, whilst a burns kit has everything you need to treat burn injuries.
To build your own first aid kit, the following First-Aid Kit Basics shall come in handy:
Medication and ointments/lotions:
- Ibuprofen
- Antidiarrheal pills
- Rehydration salts
- Antibiotic ointments
- Antacid tablets
- Prescription medicines
Bandages:
- Gauze
- Athletic tape
- Assorted adhesive bandages
- Blister treatments (such as moleskin)
Basic tools:
- Tweezers
- Blunt tip scissors
- Small mirror
- Razorblade or knife
Miscellaneous items:
- Bee-sting kit
- Burn dressing
- Tick remover
- Splints and elastic wrap
- Antiseptic towelettes
3- Be Conscious of the Temperature
Keep an eye on the actual and forecasted weather. Always try to catch the early signals of hurricanes or any sudden weather changes before going outdoors. If there are lightning strikes or heavy rain, stay away from barren mountain tops, open areas, lone trees, lakes, and cliffs. At a lower elevation, seek refuge in a heavily forested area.
4- Insulation Clothes
Most experts believe that you should pack or wear enough clothing so that if you have to sleep outside suddenly, you can be warm all night. Remember that layering insulates much more than big outerwear and is easier to remove individually as the weather changes. Long sleeve tops protect you from the sun in humid and sunny conditions, while still providing comfort when the weather cools off.
In colder weather, wearing a merino wool base layer (such as an Icebreaker) is ideal as the weight of which varies depending on the temperature. A hat is an essential for keeping the heat in and a grateful dead dancing bear hat is one of the warmest you can find. When it comes to the lower body, shorts or yoga pants feel more liberating, particularly when walking uphill in bright or sunny weather.
For an outer layer, it is definitely recommended to wear a waterproof jacket or shirt as it is durable and it dries quickly.
5- Carry a Survival Bag
A survival bag is simply a bag made of heavy-duty polythene. It can be used for a variety of non-emergency purposes. It’s perfect for sitting on when the ground is muddy, keeping your gear dry when it rains, storing wet gear at the end of a wet day, and even as a makeshift shelter in certain situations. Additionally, a survival bag can serve as an essential part of your emergency preparedness gear, helping you stay safe and respond effectively in unexpected situations.
6- Always Have Company
When an emergency hits, you don’t want to be alone. Give a responsible person a copy of your itinerary. Include things like your car’s details, the equipment you’ll be carrying, the weather you expect, and when you plan to return. If you’re heading into a remote area, you should have at least four people in your group; this way, if one gets injured, another can stay with the injured person while the other two go for help. If you’re going into an unknown area, bring someone with you who knows the area or at least talk with those who do before you go. Do not enter an area that is closed or off-limits.
It is guaranteed if you bear in mind all the points above mentioned, that you’ll be more than ready to hit the nearest adventure spot. Last but not least, always pay attention to your surroundings and landmarks and make sure to save your location.
