How to Plan Your Outdoor Adventures
A beginner’s guide to adventure in Spain, Europe and beyond
Table of Contents
A beginner’s guide to adventure in Spain, Europe and beyond
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So, you want to plan your outdoor adventures. First time? Keep reading.
There’s a reason so many people crave the thrill of the outdoors – the benefits of hitting the trails are undeniable. But before you lace up your boots and head out, you’ll have to make sure that everything is squared away and ready to go.
A little bit of planning goes a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience, but perhaps you’re not quite sure on how to go about it. If this sounds like you, don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Whether it’s a day hike or a multi-day trek, this guide will help get you equipped with the general knowledge you need to plan your first outdoor adventure, in 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Plan your route. It sounds obvious, we know. But there are a few things you need to be sure of prior to heading out. This way, you can avoid the embarrassment of having to call a search-and-rescue team to come bail you out in a helicopter for everyone to see in spectacular fashion.
Everest Base Camp this weekend? Maybe not for beginners! Choosing a trail that matches your experience level is key. But, “how do you find this information?” you might be wondering.
Perhaps the easiest way to start is on apps such as Wikiloc or AllTrails which can help you find the perfect match by giving you stats and trail reviews. Wikiloc users rate the difficulty of the trails that they upload themselves, while AllTrails uses a system and the staff assigns a difficulty to it. We like to use a tool called the IBP Index along with the ratings on the mentioned apps to get a good overall idea of what the trail is like. Identifying your goals will guide your trail selection. Check out the following links for more information:
Once you’ve chosen your path, dig into details like distance, elevation gain, terrain type and available facilities such as restrooms and water points. Understanding potential safety concerns will help you to prepare accordingly.
Also, do your due diligence to find out if there are any local restrictions. Some that are often overlooked are the following:
When it comes to being outdoors, getting lost is not part of the adventure! Don’t listen to the cliché captions on social media about how amazing it is to get lost. It isn’t.
Having offline maps on your phone as a backup is a smart move to make in case of signal issues. Along with it, a small or reasonably-sized battery pack will keep your phone and devices from running out of power. Better yet, get your hands on a physical map of the trail, familiarize yourself with the landmarks. If possible, learn how to operate a map and compass, which is a rare and invaluable skill to have these days.
And last but certainly not least, remember that daylight hours are precious and you should plan your departure and return accordingly.
Step 2: Now that you know where you’re going, you need to think about what to bring with you.
Do you need a 50L backpack for a 6-km day hike? Probably not.
Will you feel good after carrying 80 lbs on your back for 5 hours? I’ll bet money that you won’t want to do that again.
A well-stocked and properly packed backpack is your best friend on the trail. Or is it?
When packing your backpack, ask yourself if you really need what you’re about to put in there. Pack weight can be a real concern for some. So much so that there is even a niche for “ultralight” gear.
Create a checklist to ensure you have all the essentials: plenty of water and food, extra clothing such as a windbreaker or rain jacket, a first-aid kit, a headlamp for low-light conditions, and anything else that you deem necessary.
Once you’ve got everything ready, learn how to pack all your things logically and evenly inside your pack. Make sure that one side isn’t too much heavier than the other to avoid unnecessary stress on your back and shoulders.
Mother Nature is unpredictable, so better to be ready. Learn how to layer clothing depending on the season and location you’re in. Choose shirts or tops made with a moisture-wicking fabric that dries quickly and allows for layering. Merino wool is a great option but there are cheaper alternatives available as well.
Comfortable, well-fitting hiking boots are crucial for proper ankle support and preventing blisters. Socks are an often-overlooked item that also help to improve blood flow and prevent those nasty hotspots that can easily ruin your day. Start with the basic items and see what works for you and what doesn’t.
Below are some of our recommendations for great entry-level gear at unbeatable prices.
Once you know more about how compatible you are with certain items, you can move on to more specialized gear. Above we’ve shown you some entry-level basics, but luckily Decathlon carries a wide range of products for all types of outdoor sports and skill levels. Don’t be afraid to give them a try!
Got yourself some new boots or a fancy new backpack? Break them in before your adventure! There’s nothing worse than discovering uncomfortable footwear or a faulty zipper miles from civilization. We recommend putting your gear to the test on a few day hikes closer to home and see how compatible it is with you.
Step 3: Preparedness. Now you’re out on the trail and everything is going according to plan. Until it doesn’t.
This is where preparation and being ready for the unexpected comes into play.
Before setting off on your trip, make sure to leave your itinerary and other pertinent information with a trusted contact. Some apps such as Wikiloc and AllTrails have a feature that allows some form of this on their paid versions. Remember, even the most experienced hikers can encounter unexpected situations so be prepared to adjust your plans based on personal safety.
It’s no fun getting unwillingly caught out in the dark, so don’t forget to pack a headlamp or a better light source than the one on your phone, just in case. For more information regarding safety in the outdoors, refer to our article on safety in the following link. In that article we go over some of the principles we consider most important and give some tips and pointers on how to stay safe.
Part of the adventure is the unknown! Remain flexible and adapt to changing circumstances while prioritizing safety. In time, you will gain experience and skills to face any challenge that comes your way. Sometimes the most rewarding experiences come from unplanned detours or overcoming those unexpected challenges.
Also, don’t forget to check the latest weather forecast before setting off.
Getting outdoors should be an opportunity to connect with nature, not leave a mark. The Leave No Trace principles provide a clear framework for minimizing our impact on the environment. These guidelines include basic practices such as staying on designated trails, picking up trash, and respecting the local wildlife.
By following these principles and adopting a mindful approach, we can ensure that future adventurers can experience the same pristine landscapes we cherish today.
So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your boots, grab your backpack, and put what you’ve learned into action. The great outdoors await, and so does our comment section. Let us know if we’ve missed anything or give out pointers on how you do things!
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