Exploring the outdoors is both a wonderful and terrifying pursuit. Unless you’re a seasoned explorer or an enthusiastic outdoorsy person, it can be quite intimidating to go to see new places you’ve only ever seen in pictures or heard. All the more so when you try new things you’ve never done before, like trying new extreme sports or outdoor activities.
First things first. There are many outdoor activities out there: skiing, camping, backpacking, paddle boarding, mountain climbing, and more. While all these activities require their own set of specialized gear and equipment, set those aside first to stick to the basics and look at the most staple items.
When it comes exploring outdoors, it is great to have a durable and handy military or basic duffel bags. They are small enough to lug around conveniently. It’s large enough to hold a lot of things quite easily. Considering you already have the necessary outerwear, shoes, and other things equipped and ready to go, here are some items you should not miss when exploring outdoors.
Old-Fashioned Compass and Map
A compass is always a good thing to have with you when going outdoors. Some sophisticated gadgets out there uses GPS to make your life better. But they are not at all that reliable if they use some kind of battery. Older generations have relied on and survived using the stars and a basic old-fashioned compass, so there’s no reason you shouldn’t do the same.
However, there is no point in owning and having one if you don’t know how to use it. The needle of a compass is magnetized. It will always point to the magnetic north so you are able to determine the general direction of your location. The compass is even more useful with the use of a topographic map especially when exploring and hiking.
Insulated Drink Canister
Water is a basic survival need, and it is necessary to have it on hand when you traverse the great outdoors. While any ordinary bottle will do, it is recommended to use an insulated drink canister, especially during summer or winter. During summers, it keeps the drinking liquid cool and refreshing. In the winter, the insulation helps prevent the water from freezing and depriving the adventurer of their hydration.
First Aid Kit
It pays to prepare, and hopefully, you will never have to use this when you go on an adventure. Venturing outdoor always involves risks. Likelihood of injuries happening can double or triple when there are sports involved. To prepare for something potentially serious, arm yourself from injuries and illnesses by packing a comprehensive first aid kit.
Your destination depends on items you need to prepare. Also with the people you are with, and if your group has any preexisting conditions. Premade first kits are available that also serves as a survival kit, so definitely check those out. Remember to check the expiration date. The last thing you want to encounter is using a kit that’s way past its use-by date.
Multipurpose Survival Knife
Whether you use it for cutting food or for hacking away obstructions, an adventurer must have a handy knife with multitool functions. Ideally, the perfect utilitarian tool must have scissors, a cork, a bottle opener, a can opener, a small blade, a wire stripper, a hook, and even tweezers.
Multipurpose knives that are fixed blade are better because they are safer, strong, and have a lesser chance of folding, unlike folding knives with retractable hinges. They can be worn on the hip as well, which is much more convenient than an ax.
Conclusion
Mother Nature is undoubtedly bountiful and generous with its wonderful forests, impressive rivers, majestic waterfalls, beautiful mountains, and more. While the great outdoors can be the necessary balm for the weary, burned-out soul, it can be dangerous when a man is exposed to all the elements. This is why outdoor survival gear like the items mentioned above is necessary to endure any sort of situation.
Do you have tools and gear that you always take with you when you explore outdoors? List them down on the comments section.
