The Must-Have Items for the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure

Packing for an outdoor adventure can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. You don’t always have a clear picture of what to bring as you don’t know what awaits you in your chosen destination, especially if there’s a small store that you can buy from in case you forgot to bring something.

Let’s face it; some people tend to overpack. Overpacking isn’t always ideal because of its inconvenience, especially if you need to hike to get to your destination. To help you pack smart, here are some essentials you need to add to your list.

 

First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen anytime, especially when you’re in the great outdoors. Unfortunately, any injury may not be immediately given the medical attention you need from professionals, depending on your location. That said, one of the crucial things you should bring is a first aid kit.

You don’t need to bring all the medicine you have or everything you see in a hospital setting. Instead, make sure that your kit is lightweight, compact yet has everything you could need for any injury you might encounter. If you have maintenance medicine, don’t forget to bring them too.

Some kits also come with waterproof features. You might not think you need it, but this will be helpful, especially when it unexpectedly rains while you’re outdoors.

 

Hunting Gear

If you plan on hunting, needless to say, bringing hunting gear is a must. The great outdoors offers a lot of opportunities whether you’re a beginner or a pro hunter.

However, you might need to allot some budget to get the right gear. Even so, the right equipment will make any hunting experience a lot better. They also make good bowhunting gifts for your outdoorsy friend. If you’re new to this, here are some pieces of basic hunting gear you’ll need:

 

  • Treestand
  • Ground blind
  • Camo clothing
  • Hunting boots
  • Knife
  • Backpack
  • Hunting license and tags
  • Hunting regulations guide

 

Some items, though, are sold separately, such as a ladder, climbing sticks, safety harness, bow, hanger, and pull-up rope. But you’ll need them to assemble your treestand. The chair that you need to use for the ground blind is also often sold separately.

 

Headlamp

The great outdoors is all fun and games until it gets dark and you don’t have any lighting device with you. Remember, such places have no electricity to make your adventure as convenient as when you’re at the comfort of your home. That said, be sure to bring a headlamp, too, even if you don’t think you’ll need it.

Now, you might say that there are lots of other options out there, such as a flashlight or other hand-held lighting devices. But, a headlamp allows you to use both of your hands still while carrying out your tasks. It’s more useful and convenient, especially when you’re cooking after the sun has set.

Just like first aid kits, headlamps also come with waterproof features. They may cost more, but they are great for outdoor use, especially when you don’t know when will it rain.

 

Map and Compass

Exploring the great outdoors means you can connect with nature more, get to know yourself better, and put some of your survival skills to test. However, it’s also easy to get lost. Or if you want to play it safe, you won’t get very far, making you miss many possible opportunities along the way. That said, don’t forget to bring a map and a compass too.

Having a map and a compass gives you more confidence to explore your location more. If you get lost, you won’t need to worry about getting back to your base as the map and the compass with guide you. With that, you will enjoy your vacation more, and you’ll have more memories to cherish.

 

Phone or a Radio

Whether or not you’re exploring the outdoors because you want to take a break from the world, never forget to bring your phone no matter where you go. Because, again, accidents choose no time and place. So, if something goes wrong while you’re out, you will still have the means to get some help through your phone.

It would also be better to keep it in a waterproof bag or a waterproof case. This way, it’s safe even if it falls in the water.

A satellite phone can also help if you got lost in the middle of nowhere near weak network signals. While it doesn’t come with a cheap price tag, the amount of help it can do for you if something happens makes it worth investing in.

If you’re going to very remote areas where there’s no network coverage, carrying hand-held two-way radios will also help you, especially if you’re travelling with another party. This will help you keep in contact with them.

 

Pocket Knife

A pocket knife may be small, but it can do so many wonders for your outdoor activities. It has so several valuable tools and features that can help you a lot to get by while you’re outdoors. But, you don’t need a Rambo-style survival knife. All you need is an essential Swiss Army-style pocket knife, and you’re good to go. Some even come with these features:

 

  • Can opener
  • Screwdriver heads (small and large)
  • Reamer and punch
  • Wood saw
  • Tweezers

 

Because of its size, it’s so easy to bring anywhere. They’re light, and they don’t take too much space in your bag.

 

Weatherproof Lighter

Trying to light a match outdoors is challenging. It’s either the wind blows hard, or the rain is pouring hard. The worst is sometimes the matches get soaking wet accidentally. Fortunately, weatherproof lighters exist, and you should consider having one of them too. It will help you make a fire easier.

 

Exploring the great outdoors sure is fun, but only if you bring the right items with you. Because when you do, you can enjoy the activities you’ve planned, and the location even more as you won’t have to worry about anything.

So pack up, be prepared and make sure to have yourself, an amazing adventure.

 

Image by Pexels

 

 

markmunroe

markmunroe

Founder, CEO at ADDICTED Media Inc
Mark Munroe is the Creator and EIC of ADDICTED. He's ADDICTED to great travel, amazing food, better grooming & probably a whole lot more!
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