I Want To Do More Outside…Where Do I Start?

Growing up, my parents had my sister and I hiking, skiing, camping, and whitewater rafting from (almost) day 1. It was a part of life, ingrained into us whether we wanted it or not. I thank them for it, because getting into the outdoors has been a natural part of life for me for as long as I can remember.

I realize that this is not everyone’s experience. In talking to people, and particularly women, a lot of times they aren’t sure where to start. Where to go. What to prepare. If you fall into this category, here are a few ideas to get you thinking, and maybe even get you out there.

What interests you?

Does hiking a trail sound adventurous to you? How about paddling on a smooth-as-glass lake, listening to the peaceful sound of gliding through the water? Maybe sliding down a slope on skis or a snowboard sounds interesting, or perhaps using skis or snowshoes to power yourself up a hill is intriguing.

Decide what outdoor activity is most appealing to you, and then figure out if logistically and financially you can pursue it. Perhaps finances are an issue and will play into what you choose. For example, you can take a hike basically (minus good shoes or boots and appropriate clothing) for free, but skiing will cost you in both accessing the ski area (nationally, tickets average $85/day) and in the gear (think skis/snowboard, boots, poles, socks, base layer, mid-layer, waterproof pants, jacket, hat, gloves, goggles, helmet…). Either way, if getting into the outdoors is your goal, pick something that interests you and then research what you’ll need for that particular activity to get you going.

In some places, you can access a water source, such as a lake, for free, but in others this is more difficult. Heads up for those park access fees. A little preparation and research before you go will help avoid any surprises. Recreation.gov is a great starting point for this.

Renting gear is a great way to start out without making a huge financial investment and commitment before you know you’ll enjoy it. Outdoor stores, ski areas, and lakes often provide rentals to get you going.

Are you going solo or with a partner/group?

Maybe you have a friend or family member who you know does the activity you’ve chosen. If so, ask them to take you with them next time! Or perhaps there is a lesson or a group you could join to get you started if solo-ing is too intimidating. Local Facebook groups and a quick Google search can generally put you in touch with others in your area looking for outdoor buddies. Your local outdoor retail store might have events they host or promote, so look for a bulletin board in the store or an online calendar. REI hosts events and classes monthly- these are a great opportunity to plug into your local outdoor community.

If your outdoor experience is limited, going with someone else can be very helpful. You can learn a lot from others, and, it’s just enjoyable to experience things with another person or group of people! My post, 3 Lessons I’ve Learned Adventuring with Others, talks about what I’ve learned personally from spending time outdoors with people.

If you have the means to travel, choosing a destination via a guided tour can be a great way to get outdoors with some oversight and guidance. Below are a resources I use to dream up and go on my own adventures:

• REI Adventures: Did you know REI does guided trips? You can choose either by destination, location, or even specific categories such as “Family Adventures”, “Under 35”, or “Volunteer Vacations”. This trips are also categorized by Activity Level so there is something available for everyone.
• TravelingJackie: Yeah, she happens to be my best friend, but she also knows how to put travel adventures together in an amazing way (see photo above). She works with local guide companies for each trip to ensure you get the best, most authentic experience she can provide. #jumpwithjackie won’t be something you’ll regret.
• National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): This is a unique opportunity to pair an outdoor adventure with an education component. I attended a Wilderness First Responder course with them years ago and found it to be an invaluable experience. Their expedition courses range from 1 week long to 1 year long, spanning from wilderness-based medicine to improving leadership skills.

Prepare for your adventure!

A little research before you go isn’t just smart, it ensures your personal safety is being considered as well. Location, gear, and weather are 3 essentials you’ll want to know the basics of before you go.

Location/accountability: Whenever you venture outdoors, it’s wise to let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to be back- check in with them when you’ve returned. Accountability is important! At the very least, leave a visible note in your car with your name, trail taken, and time you expect to return on it.

Research the area you’re going to before you go. If you choose a trail, don’t assume you’ll have cell service the whole time. You can download a map app before you go; this will allow you to use it even if you don’t have service. One of my favorites for hiking is All Trails. The free version allows you to search local trails and download maps you can use even when you have no service. You can track your route, and keep a record of where you’ve been and what’s ahead of you, as well as read comments from others who have used the trail.

Gear: Finding the appropriate gear for your activity can be more crucial with certain activities, but is something to consider, nonetheless. You don’t have to spend a small fortune (because trust me, you CAN!) to get outdoors, but having a few key items can make your experience more enjoyable. Secondhand stores (especially those in outdoor-centric communities) are a great place to start if you’re looking for a deal.

REI has an amazing Expert Advice page for multiple activities, gear lists, advice from experts, etc. When I first got into backpacking, I used their gear list as a starting point and it still lives in our backpacking bin.

Weather: Doing a quick check on the weather before you go is a crucial part of your safety in the outdoors. Just because you wake up to blue skies doesn’t mean it’s going to stay that way all day (#Nevadaweather anyone?), so pinpointing the area you’ll be in and reviewing the weather for the time you’ll be out there is just smart. It will also determine your packing list for the activity at hand and expected weather. You can use your phone’s weather app, or, to get more specific, look at the general forecast on the National Weather Service site.

Practice Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles

No matter where you go and what you do, leaving the outdoors better than you found it will ensure a better experience for the next person. Practicing the 7 LNT Principles from day 1 is essential. These are:

• Plan Ahead & Prepare
• Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

To read more about each of these, check out lnt.org. Spread the word!

GO!

You can plan and prepare and think it to death but at the end of the day, action speaks. Experiencing the outdoors is much different than reading and researching it. Taking the leap into it is something I can almost guarantee that you won’t regret. Just GO. 

Don’t let the outdoors intimidate you- a healthy respect for it will go a long way to ensure your personal safety, and, ultimately, your enjoyment. If you have any questions that Google can’t answer, ask me! I’m by no means an expert in every outdoor activity, but I can at least point you in the right direction if I don’t know the answer. Also, if you need an adventure buddy, let me know…I just might be available to join you on your maiden voyage into my favorite place.