The year is almost up and you’ve probably had your fair share of parties and feasts. It’s about time to think about the many outdoor adventures and activities you can do to shed some of those holiday fat. Going on a hike, backpacking, camping and biking are just a few of the many outdoor activities you can do with friends or family. Aside from the obvious gains of dong such physical activities, they’re also a great way to keep everyone together during the holiday break.
Camping
If you’re looking for an extraordinary way to welcome the new year, why don’t you grab your tent and find the best camping spot still available. You’d be surprised how many people go camping on New Year’s Eve. In fact, one of the reasons why people go camping on New Year’s Eve is to have a great view of all those pretty fireworks.
If you’ve been doing these outdoor adventures for years, you know how important it is to reserve a spot early. If you haven’t booked one yet, do some research and make some calls to see if there are still available spots in any of the popular camping sites all over the country.
Once you’re booked, it’s time to prepare your stuff. Make sure you have a big enough tent to fit everyone yet still have some legroom. You definitely don’t want to start the New Year all crammed up. Don’t forget your sleeping bags, beddings, thermal blankets, and other items to keep you warm at night. Even with all the fireworks, it can still get cold at night.
Fire is also useful against cold weather. Pack some fire starters and tinder to make it easier to start a fire. Just remember to brush up on fire safety tips so you don’t end up with a raging wildfire. Since you have fire, you can now cook meals and boil water with the help of your portable pots, pans and utensils. You can even bring a portable stove if you can’t depend on your fire-starting skills. That means hot soup and coffee to keep your insides warm.
Aside from these basic camping gear, you will also need extra clothes, a multi-tool, pocket knife, probably a hatchet or bolo, paracord, tarps, portable lantern, and a flashlight, to name a few. In case you get into trouble, a first aid kit will come in handy. The same goes with an emergency whistle, signal mirror, flares, personal water filter, a bear spray, and your smartphone.
Hiking
If you don’t have the time to go camping for a few days, do some hiking instead. A day hike will let you enjoy the outdoors while burning some calories. Again, such outdoor adventures are perfect for spending some quality time with the family, especially the kids.
You still need the right gear even if you’re not spending a considerable time outdoors. Some hiking essentials you should bring include navigation tools such as maps, a compass, altimeter, and the GPS in your smartphone. You should have an extra battery, powerbank or a solar charger in case your phone runs out of juice. A pencil and paper will also go a long way.
Even if you’ll be out for just a while, you still have to bring food. Pack some energy bars, granola bars, nuts, trail mix, dried fruits, beef jerky, or any ready-to-eat food pouches. You’ll also need lots of water since you’ll be sweating a lot. Use the ratio of 1 liter of water for every hour in calculating how much you should bring to such outdoor adventures. After getting a figure, add some more just in case you get really thirsty or the hike takes a little longer than expected. Bring a personal water filter and water purification tablets just to be sure.
Protect your body from the glaring sun. Bring sunscreen and wear the appropriate clothes. This should include a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a facemask, and non-cotton long-sleeved shirt and pants.
Always check the weather forecast. Even if it says there’s no rain coming, you should still pack some rain gear. Wear or bring waterproof gear including a jacket, rain cap, waterproof boots, gaiters, tarp, dry sacks, Ziploc bags, trash bags, and raincover for your pack. Don’t forget your extra pair of socks. A trekking pole will also help you when the trail gets a little too muddy or slippery.
Backpacking
Backpacking is the longer more strenuous version of hiking. Aside from the essential gear you bring to a hike, you also need some stuff you bring to camp. Basically, you just combine the stuff listed in the two categories above.
Other outdoor gear we have yet to mention but should be in your pack whether you’re camping, hiking or backpacking includes insect repellent, medicines, toiletries, microfiber towel, collapsible pail or water container, folding shovel, a book, and, among other things, a pair of sandals for when you’re resting your tired feet. You will also need a durable and spacious backpack to keep all your gear.
Cycling or Bikepacking
Like the other outdoor adventures listed hear, cycling can be done in just a day or in a number of days depending on you, of course. If you just want to spend the day on your bike, no one’s stopping you. The exercise will be good for you, after all. But if you want to reach a faraway destination on your bike, then bikepacking or overnight biking is the thing for you.
Some essential gear you should pack are tools necessary for any kind of repair work on your bike. Flat tires are some of the common issues with biking. Bring a spare tube, tire levers, hand pump, and a patch kit.
You also need a lock to keep your bike safe. Also, make sure your bicycle is equipped with the proper safety gear such as tail light and reflectors.
You need additional protection aside from the proper clothes, eyewear and sunscreen. Invest on a durable helmet, padded shorts or tights, and gloves. Knee and elbow pads are also recommended. Pack two sets of biking clothes and another two sets of clothes to wear when not on the move.
The outdoor adventures listed here are just a small sampling of the many activities you can do to celebrate the holiday, particularly the coming New Year. Skiing, hunting, fishing, free diving, and swimming can be added to this list. If you have other suggestions, tell us all about them in the comment section below.
You can also check out The Gentleman Pirate for more tips on how to have fun and stay safe while out on different outdoor adventures.
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