One of the greatest novelists of the 20th century once said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” At first glance, it seems that the novelist discourages you from enjoying the outdoors.
However, take a minute to let his words sink in, and you’ll understand what he was trying to say. It’s that our desire to cavort with nature and explore the vast wilderness is not primarily about what we’ll end up seeing, which usually takes our breath away.
Rather, it is what we will see in ourselves, the parts that we have not seen before. It’s about self-discovery.
Sadly, the unpleasant consequences of unpreparedness often hinder this journey through the wilderness and the self. Hence, as an outdoor enthusiast, it’s vital to remember the essentials and that these are requisites for a fulfilling journey.
Food & Water
Proper nutrition and hydration are paramount when it comes to camping, backpacking, hiking, exploring, what have you.
However, bringing adequate quantities of food and water is more than just about survival. These are also crucial to an enjoyable outdoor experience.
Hence, remember to feed yourself every so often and bring enough food on your trip such as snacks, meals, as well as emergency supplies. You can never go wrong with nutty trail mix and healthy energy bars.
Regarding water, veteran outdoorsmen always suggest you bring at least one type of hydration system that is clean and holds a sufficient amount of water.
So, whether you’re bringing your Nalgene or your hydration bladder, ensure that it’s clean, robust, and will keep you hydrated until you get to a water refilling point.
Shelter
Whether you’re a tent person, hammock-person or caveman, extended periods of outdoor travel will eventually require a protective and enclosed space.
Otherwise, you’ll see the pleasures of travel quickly disappear at the same time as your warm body temperature.
However, the market is currently flooded by myriads of tents, tarps, and hammock options. So much so that they can quickly frustrate you into getting one that you don’t necessarily need. So, it’s often good to remember that less is more.
A simple (and lightweight) form of portable shelter will go a long way. This shelter becomes especially valid when compared to one that requires people and a box of tools to set up.
Power
It’s also true that outdoor enthusiasts pride themselves on roughing it while leaving the luxury of power and electricity behind.
However, I’ve always maintained that to enjoy nature does not necessarily mean to relieve oneself (pun unintended) of creature comforts. Comforts, such as light, warmth, and battery power for indispensable gadgets are indeed essential.
Your power source might be a mini solar panel for your GPS, or a portable and quite generator for camping. Provided that these techs are unobtrusive, you’ll find that instead of dampening your outdoor experience, they will add to it.
Emergency kit
First-aid, thermal blankets, Leatherman, and fire starters for when you-know-what hits the fan. In the same way as a knight errant would never leave his sword and armor, so must you, as well, never travel without the right emergency gear.
Consider the tools and equipment you may need depending on your chosen journey and destination. Afterward, plan accordingly.
The novelist at the beginning of this article was Marcel Proust. When he talked about “having new eyes,” it also meant how you see things – your outlook.
In experiencing the outdoors, you will have soaring highs and dizzying lows. So, always bring a sense of humor, an adventurous spirit, and a positive outlook.
Then, when you equip yourself with these essentials, you’ll be ready to face anything that the wild may throw at you.
Author Bio:
Warren Kuhn is an outdoor and camping enthusiast, always out to seek for the thrill and adrenaline that only nature gives. He even took up survival training to prepare him for the worst-case scenarios while outdoors. With his background, you can learn a lot from him so you can get the most out of your camping trip at TheCampingTrips.
