by Nick Parkes

There is nothing like it. The fresh air, the peace, the quiet and the freedom from all the distractions and stress of the city. There are many great reasons why millions of Americans seek to get outdoors every year to hike, to camp and to explore the wilderness. The allure is so great that every year so many people head out for the first time, sometimes unaware of the risk they are taking.

When heading out into the wild it is important to remember that it is wild. Mother Nature is a powerful force and sometimes situations can turn nasty in an instant. It’s not about being afraid, but rather having a respect for the forces which can rise against you. Being well prepared can help you enjoy many, many great hours and days outdoors. Preparation can also make sure that situations you encounter are easily dealt with and don’t become more serious than necessary.

To be prepared make sure you have these bases covered before you head out:

Footwear

When you are outdoors your feet are your primary mode of transportation. Even if you have an ATV or other small vehicle, you always need to be prepared to walk long distances. Having good footwear is critical. Boots with good ankle support, good durability as well as excellent grip will go a long way to making your life more comfortable and keep you safe in different conditions.

Backpacks

If you’re on foot and travelling any distance your gear and supplies are critical. Just as important is the pack that you carry it in. Not all packs are created equal. You want a pack that is designed to carry gear over long distances. So what’s the difference? Packs are designed to distribute the weight appropriately in order to spread the load across all your muscles. There is support built into appropriate places so that you don’t fatigue too quickly or stress and injure your back.

Water

This element is critical to life. Water is also extremely heavy. You want to carry enough of it for your outing and you always want to have some extra or a way to access more drinking water in a safe way. Water found naturally outdoors is generally not safe for human consumption. If you have access to water supplies where you are, make sure you know how to purify water. There are many techniques including water-purification tablets, boiling the water and many water filtering and purifying systems out there.

Nutrition

When you spend time outdoors you will be using more of your energy than normal and packing enough food to help replenish that supply is extremely important. Make sure that you pack food that is both nutritious and lightweight in order to make the most of your available space and weight. Backpackers Pantry has a lot of great and tasty options that are lightweight.

First Aid Kit

Cuts, bruises, scrapes and injuries will happen outdoors. A well-stocked first aid kit can ensure that a minor injury doesn’t turn into a major problem. Being able to treat an issue immediately can prevent infections and mean that you will be back on your way with confidence in no time. If you encounter a more serious injury, having some supplies to help treat it will go a long way in making sure that you are able to deal with it until you reach help.

Getting outside and exploring the wilderness is all about having fun, going on an adventure and taking advantage of all the natural resources available to us. Making sure you are well prepared for those adventures is critical to making sure you have a great time and get back safely every single time.

Get prepared now and go to https://www.outdoorsportsessentials.com to find all the supplies you need to have a great time in the wilderness.