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Adventure travel isn't just for hardcore thrill-seekers.
Millions of everyday people are flocking to the outdoors, many with very little preparation. Here's the problem with that…
While getting out and exploring backcountry trails, mountain passes, and hiking through forests can be one of the most rewarding activities anyone will ever experience, it also poses serious danger when you don't know what you're doing.
Here's what's covered:
Why Adventure Travel Safety Should Be Your Number 1 Priority
Actual Outdoor Navigation Skills You Need To Know
Building Your Safety Toolkit for Adventure Travel
Emergency Preparedness You Can't Afford To Ignore
Training Properly For Adventure Travel
Why Adventure Travel Safety Should Be Your Number 1 Priority
Adventure travel and tourism is one of the fastest-growing travel categories.
Projected to reach $1.76 trillion globally by 2033, adventure travel continues to see increasing interest each and every year.
All that curiosity can cause issues, though.
Accidents happen when more people travel to adventurous destinations. Nearly half of all adventure travelers have been injured on vacation or know someone who has.
49%!
Again, that's not a small number. Having the proper skills and preparedness can mean the difference between a trip turning from memorable to miserable.
That starts with learning how to navigate the outdoors like a pro.
Actual Outdoor Navigation Skills You Need To Know
Packing Google Maps on your phone is not navigationally preparing for your next adventure.
Smartphones can lose service. Apps crash. Batteries die. None of that matters when you truly know how to navigate using foundational outdoor skills.
Outdoor navigation skills should include:
Reading topographic maps
Using a compass
Identifying landmarks
Tracking your route
These skills allow you to understand the terrain you're hiking through at a glance. They also help you find your way without technology, which is critical if something goes wrong.
According to recent data, falls and slips account for nearly 50% of all hiking incidents — most of which happen when hikers lose their bearings or misjudge terrain. Good navigation prevents that.
These skills can be learned by taking a survival class. This will give the foundation needed to practice map reading, orienteering with a compass, and other critical navigation skills.
For anyone planning adventure travel in the future, survival training is highly recommended.
Not only does it teach these skills, but it allows practice with certified instructors who can provide real-time feedback and tips.
Oh, and one more navigation tip:
Since map and compass are already on the learning list, take it one step further and leave breadcrumbs along the way.
Waymarking helps ensure that if you get lost, there's a trail back to civilization. Throw down small sticks, rocks, or anything else that stands out when moving through the wilderness. That way, if things get turned around, those breadcrumbs will lead the way back.
Most hikers and backpackers lack basic outdoor navigation skills. Don't be one of them.
Building Your Safety Toolkit for Adventure Travel
Knowing how to get where you're going is just one piece of adventure travel safety.
Being prepared for everything you might encounter along the way is another.
Adventure travelers should have a basic safety toolkit that includes:
Map and Compass
Personal Locator Beacon
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Shelter
Extra Food/Water
Everyone packs their camera, phone, and headlamp. But what about the essentials above?
Prepare for an adventure going exactly as planned. But also prepare for it to go sideways.
The only thing that will separate someone from a dangerous situation is what they pack.
Packing the correct gear is great. Knowing how to use it is even better.
Take the example of packing a personal locator beacon. These are absolutely lifesavers when in a bind outdoors, but they'll do no good if you don't know how to use them.
Practice with the safety toolkit before leaving on the next adventure. All that extra gear won't help in the moment if it can't be operated correctly when it counts.
Emergency Preparedness You Can't Afford To Ignore
Emergency preparedness should start before leaving the house for the trailhead.
Let someone know the plans. If you get lost or injured, that person can alert search and rescue with specific details.
Include your route, planned destination, and expected return time. The more details provided, the better.
Winter weather safety is also important. Weather changes in the backcountry can occur rapidly. Knowing what kind of weather may be encountered during travel is crucial.
It's always possible to turn around if the weather takes a turn for the worse — but getting stuck in a dangerous situation with no way out is far worse.
Consider taking a wilderness first aid course. Knowing how to properly treat injuries until help arrives can mean life or death.
And while on the subject — practice new skills often. Don't try anything new for the first time on a multi-day backpacking trip.
Outdoor navigation, survival skills, and safety toolkit use can all be practiced locally. Get outside and build that knowledge before taking it to the mountains.
Training Properly For Adventure Travel
Most people research a trip before taking it. Hours go into picking the destination, activities, and accommodation.
Here's something that should be researched just as thoroughly:
Actual training.
Adventure travel requires some level of skill and competency in the outdoors. Taking the time to learn how to properly navigate and prepare before the next outdoor excursion is well worth it.
Prepare for adventure travel by:
Taking a course
Learning how to use a map and compass
Practicing with more experienced partners
Gradually building your skill set
Search for survival training courses in your area and sign up for one. Or enroll in a wilderness survival course at a campus near you.
If a map and compass will be used for wayfinding during travel, practice on local hikes first. Once confidence builds, take that knowledge on the next adventure.
Lastly, hike with people who have more experience. Many hikers and backpackers got hooked on the outdoors by tagging along with friends far more knowledgeable than themselves. The same approach works for anyone.
Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither were the skills of seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Give yourself time to learn and prepare.
Wrapping Things Up: Stay Safe Out There
Adventure travel is a blast. Some of the best memories imaginable come from time spent in the great outdoors.
But as more and more people jump on the outdoor travel train, there will be more accidents if proper preparation isn't taken seriously.
Remember to:
Practice outdoor navigation
Bring the right gear (and know how to use it)
Leave someone a detailed itinerary
Train for the next outdoor adventure
Learn about the terrain you're visiting
Prepare for the next adventure today so every moment of it can be enjoyed tomorrow.
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