This is a guest blog for Hotter Winds and is meant to be a guide to outdoor activities and travel.

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The ultimate guide to travelling and outdoor activities

People travel for different reasons. Some travel on purpose while some travel just for the fun and the pleasure of it. So far, travels, vacations, hikes, camping, and other outdoor activities have proven to be a part of life. A philosopher once said that life is like a notebook; only those who travel open new pages of the book.

In this article, we shall explore different directories and highlight what professionals are saying about outdoor activities and how to prepare for them. However, before we proceed, let us see some of the benefits of embarking on outdoor activities.

What are the benefits of outdoor activities?

Exploring new places

Travel offers you an opportunity to explore new places, learn a new culture, mix with other people, and have a new experience. Some people may choose to learn about the historical background of a place while some may choose to explore the attractions there.

De-stress and Rejuvenate

Travel and outdoor activities can make you forget about your tensions, thereby rejuvenating your body. the period you spend hiking, camping or mountaineering relieves you of the usual pressure and stress of your daily commitments.

New foods, new friends

Probably, there is nothing as pleasurable as tasting and enjoying new dishes and flavors of different foods. You can even learn and experiment with different types of recipes when you return. More so, travel also gives you an opportunity to meet new people. Tripsavvy gives you a comprehensive list of the benefits of travel and outdoor activities. Check it out!

Gear & Packing Lists

Long distance Bushwalking

Are you planning for a long distance bushwalk? Bushwalk is quite different from hiking. Remember you are trailing the bush and you need to be well prepared. Your preparation for a bushwalk will start from your gear. So, what and how should you pack for a bushwalk? Here is a complete list of all you need to get you started.

Camping

Camping is good and can be a lot of fun. The best practice is to plan early and pack rightly for this great outdoor activity. Camping is a fun recreational activity that gives you a chance to explore the outdoors, especially what nature has to offer. People go camping in different areas, such as national parks, forests, seas, and lakes. In fact, most people prefer to stay in these places for a couple of days in order to fully explore the attractions available.

Camping trips can generally be fun and exciting if planned properly. If you are currently planning a camp, you probably will be concerned about some major camping checklist. There are private camping facilities that may offer some major items. Nevertheless, you must prepare the major gears you will need. Here is an expert advice on camping checklist. More so, here is a complete climbing gear list for you.  

Hiking

When it comes to hiking, it does not necessarily mean you have to go travel far or extreme as the Appalachian or Himalayan Trail. Hiking can be something as simple as taking a walk through a forest or up a hill in your neighborhood’s vicinity. Mostly, hiking does not cost you anything that to relieve you of the stress and headache of your daily commitments. More so, hiking offers a great mental and physical benefit for an all-round development  

However, hiking is not just something random that you can just embark on. Literarily, there are some basic precautions and tips to bear in mind. Remember your safety is important and hiking should be for fun. Among these important tips is a complete and worthwhile gear list.

Packing right means that you are prepared to face any challenge that may arise in the course of your holiday. More so, it shows your readiness to enjoy the pleasure and excitement that comes with hiking. Find a complete hiking gear list here.

Climbing

Are you going for a climb? Just like other outdoor activities, climbing also requires specific travel gears for safety and protection. Climbing is a sporting and recreation activity that requires your mental commitment, strength, and fitness of your arms and legs. It also requires proper and adequate gears to support.

For instance, wear a helmet will prevent small stones, rocks or sand from hitting and flooding your head. You also need a climbing rope to use at a critical time. First aid box is another vital gear you should pack along. Get a list of the required gear list for climbing here.  

Long Haul Travel

You have booked a ticket and getting ready for a flight. Your permission to travel has been approved and you are already fantasizing the awesome experience of the far. Packing is one of the most annoying plans of a long haul travel. The question most people ask when it comes to packing is: “what and what do I need to pack?”

Remember you are traveling a long distance and will be far from home. Hence, you may need to pack as much as possible so that you won’t have to regret leaving home. Also, you need to be cautious of what you pack I order to avoid extra unnecessary loads and extra charges on luggage. So, what are the ideal gears to pack for a long haul travel? Here is a comprehensive gear list for a long haul travel.

Backpacking

So, what is the size of the backpack should you choose? Well, there are certain factors that determine the size of your backpack. Generally, the size of your backpack is determined by 3 major factors which are;

1. What activities are you going for?
2. How long are you spending?
3. What is the weather in the location?

The answers to the above questions will determine what and how to pack effectively. Here is a tip on the size of the backpack you should choose for different kinds of outdoor activities. More so, you can get further information on the necessities of a backpack here  

Day walking

Day walking or long distance bushwalk is another exciting outdoor activity. If you are planning for a walk, you must be worried about the gears to pack for the journey. Since you are walking, you wouldn’t want a load that would be a burden on you. Therefore, you need a gear list like this in preparation for a day walk.

More so, your dressing matters a lot when it comes to bushwalking. You need to be well-equipped from head to toes with the right clothing materials that will support your movement. The clothes you will wear should be light, packable, and warm. More so, your pair of shoes should be tested for effectiveness. Here is a complete guide on how to dress for a long distance bushwalk.  

Travelling

Traveling is another fun and exciting aspect of outdoor activities. Traveling exposes you to a lot of new things you may have never seen before. Travel introduces you to new lifestyle, places, environment, food, language, dialect, and culture. In fact, there is nothing as sweet as a voyage to somewhere you’ve probably not been before.

If you are planning for travel, there are some things you have to prepare ahead. One of these is your travel gear. Since you are not living there, you may find it difficult to understand the type of weather over there. Here is a general guide on how to pack for a travel.

Alpine holiday

Are you preparing for a skiing holiday? A snow holiday is another way to enjoy the nature. A snow holiday is quite different from the usual, common vacations. You need an accurate and precise snow holiday gear so that you will not be caught offside. This list contains a comprehensive drop-down of the gears you need for a successful snow holiday.

Winter Hike

A winter hike is quite different from the hustle and bustle of the summer hikes. Winter is the coldest season of the year. Therefore, if you are planning a winter, you must be concerned about the gears to pack and those to leave at home. Kathmandu gives a comprehensive list of essentials and nice-to-haves gears for a winter hike.

Bucket List trips

A trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro is characterized by a freezing temperature and rough terrain. It is necessary to keep yourself light, dry, and comfortable while climbing this mountain. Kathmandu provides a hint on what to park for a Kilimanjaro trip, which includes the outer layer, middle layer, base layer, and footwear. Check it out!

Southeast Asian Adventure

If you are planning a Southeast Asian Adventure, you must be worried about the right gear to pack for your trip. Southeast of Asia is characterized by beautiful and culturally diverse nations on the planet. Countries in Southeast Asia include Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, India, Singapore, Taiwan, and a host of others. Here are some tips on how to park for a trip to the Southeast of Asia.  

Himalayan Trek

Himalaya is a mountain in Asia separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. If you plan to tour this mountain, you should do so in a good condition. Generally, Himalaya is characterized by a long season of winter (November to March) and a period of heavy rainfall in July and August. If you are thinking of the right gear to pack, here is a useful tip for you. Likewise, you should check out these hiking shoes for comfort during your Himalayan Trek or any other hike tour.

Do you plan to Trek Himalayan with kids? You’ll definitely want to protect your kids even more than yourself. Generally, an adult can still withstand an unfavorable condition up to an extent. However, the case may not be the same with young ones. Here is a guide on how to trek Himalayan with kids.  

Are you planning for a trek in places other than Himalayan? In such a case, you may need some trekking gears that are slightly different from those of Himalayan. Here is a complete trekking packing checklist for any trekking outdoor activity.  

Overnight Hiking with Kids

Do you have kids and young ones who would follow you for an overnight hike? Kids and young ones may not be able to withstand the environmental conditions as you. This is one of the reasons why you have to prepare adequately for them.

Having your kids with you for an overnight hike is not a bad idea. However, there are certain things you should put in place prior to the trip. For instance, you should pack some games and toys along with you. More so, you should know when to pause, stop, and quit. Paddy Pallin has all the tips you need for a successful overnight hike with kids.

Travel accessories

Fleece – for feeling good in bad weather

Fleece was developed in 1979 when there was an urgent need for a wool substitute. A fleece acts as a middle layer between your outer and inner wear. It is an essential clothing piece that will keep you warm and comfortable in the outdoors. Check out the advantages of wearing Fleece. Meanwhile, here is a list of 5 travel accessories that won’t weigh you down.  

Hiking footwear

Convenience and comfort is a key when it comes to outdoor activities. Hiking can last for hours and you’d definitely not want a footwear that will inconvenient you along the way. Making your feet stable and happy is very important for hiking. This makes the choosing the right footwear for hiking a crucial decision.

Hiking shoes can be divided into few categories as explained by Paddy Pallin. Each of the categories has its unique features. Your choice will depend on your personal preference and what you perceive to be cool for you. Read more about the various hiking footwear categories here.

Rechargeable headlamps

Headlamps are one of the few most useful outdoor gears for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. A headlamp helps you see beyond confusion and allow you to observe things clearer. More so, the role of headlamps in the night cannot be overemphasized. We all use lamps at home and there is no need of excessively addressing the benefits of headlamps.

Given the relative importance of headlamps, you will definitely want a good one. Of course, there are many options out there and choosing one may be a little bit complicated. However, here is a guide on how to choose headlamps. Particularly, the review is focused on rechargeable lamps. This guide explains the reason to choose a rechargeable lamp, the models, and options available.

Comfortable sleeping in the outdoors

Keeping warm is one of the biggest concerns of anyone embarking on an outdoor vacation. Especially in the winter season, keeping warm is very important. Apart from the outdoor gears you packed, there are also some healthy practices you should know.

First, you should sleep with some clothes on. An outdoor is not your home where you can sleep without any cloth. Having some clothes left on your body will make you feel warm a little. Another healthy practice is to sleep off the floor when you are sleeping outdoors. The best practice is to use an insulating mat. Learn more healthy practices on how to sleep comfortably in outdoors.

Foot care

Injuries and blisters can affect your outdoor experience. Blistered feet, pains, and aches are not the best way to remember your adventure. It is normal for you to have a blister or bruise on your leg during an adventure but the way you manage it properly. Nobody wants to return with wounds or injuries!

To prevent blisters, experts recommend that you don’t go for a hike in your new boots straight away. Instead, you should take a short work in order to make the pair adapt to your feet. Likewise, quality socks are as important as quality boots. Take your time to choose the best pair of socks for yourself. See the full prevention tips here.  

On the other hand, in case you sustain a blister on your feet, do not panic! There are some early control methods you can implement in order to suppress the pains. The first thing is to clean around the blister with warm water and soap. You can add some anti-bacterial ointments to prevent infections. The next thing is to do is to drain the blister. Get the full gist on how to treat blisters here.  

Skin care

We all love to enjoy staying outdoors when the sun is out. For the most part, our body requires sunlight to prevent depression in the winter and to induce the production of vitamin D. However, the extreme sun can have an adverse effect on outdoor enthusiasts who spend most of their time hiking, walking, trekking, cycling or climbing.

Outdoor enthusiasts must take adequate precautions to avoid major skin diseases, including skin cancer. The outbreak of insects and disease pathogens are what you should watch out for. Even if you are not under the sun, these organisms can still execute their plague. Insects like Mosquitoes are popular in some countries. Continuous exposure to such harmful pathogens can cause a number of infections, such as malaria.

Thus, there is a need for proper and adequate skincare for outdoor enthusiasts. Adequate precautions must be taken against sun rays, bites and stings, and blisters. Get more information on proper skin care protocols during an outdoor activity.  

Water

Clean and pure water is essential to life. Water is not something you can completely neglect. You are going to an entirely new place that possibly does not have the same level of hygiene and sanitation as your current location. Therefore, you need to arm yourself with safe drinking procedures for outdoor activities.

There are basically three types of contaminants. The first type comprises the suspended particles, the second comprises of mineral/chemical ions while the third type comprises of the micro organisms. Suspended particles are easily seen with the eyes and can easily be sieved. Mineral/chemical ions can partly be felt by the taste buds while micro-organisms are completely unnoticeable. So far, the healthiest source of water in an outdoor tour is a flowing river.

Final thought

Outdoor activities are ways of exploring new places and gaining new experiences. There are different kinds of outdoor activities. Some of them include travel, hiking, mountaineering, trekking, climbing, and walking. For each of these events, there are certain gears you need to prepare.

This article has comprehensively addressed every aspect of outdoor activities including travel gears, hints and tips, and safety precautions to outdoor activities. Each section is linked to reputable sources of further reading.