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Enjoying & Preparing for Great Outdoors

How to Enjoy the Great Outdoors
with the Right Preparations

by John Ricci
Founder & Chief Adventurer, Wandrian Adventures

Now that it’s summer time in North America and people have time off and children are out of school, it’s time to hit the great outdoors. The great outdoors can give you most of the comforts of home (Usually not a microwave or a DVR, but everything else is possible) and with some proper planning and a can do attitude; you will be at home in the wilderness and sharing stories around the fire. Here are a few tips everyone should consider as they plan their own Great Outdoors experience.

I live by the Mantra of Know before you go….Know that you can be comfortable in the outdoors with the right preparations…. … Know the rules, know the weather, Know what you have access to (water, provisions, firewood, bathrooms etc.) All of the above are crucial to your comfort as well as safety and will allow you greater enjoyment.

Whenever possible, carry out whatever you carry in and leave only footprints and take only pictures. We are lucky to have National Parks like The Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Baxter State Park and others to enjoy. The more we take care of them and tread lightly, the better chance others will have that same experience in the future.

Lastly, be prepared for the unexpected – weather, accidents etc. know that accidents can occur and know that you are prepared to handle them if you came with a plan.  There are several other things you should account for depending on where you are going and for how long, but the above covers all adventures, everywhere.

The other things that are important all depend on where and when you are going and can be easily boiled down to the following:

  • Be prepared for the elements whether it’s sun, rain or snow. Be protected from all of these and you will remain safe and comfortable. Wear layers when it’s cold, cover yourself when it’s sunny or raining and be cognizant of the ever changing weather on your excursion. Stay Hydrated in all conditions!

  • Wear clothing and footwear that you have used before and broken in or tested. You do not want to escape civilization with brand new shiny boots that you walked around only in the store or up and down the play ramps they have.  Along with clothing you should also consider the other gear you are taking; tents, backpacks, stoves etc.  Make sure you know how to put your tent up, that your backpack fits and all other gear is usable. Nothing is worse than taking time in the rain or dark to figure out how tent pole A fits with Tent part B. It also goes without saying, take care of that gear as well, keep it clean and check after every outing for rips, tears etc. and it will last many, many years.

These tips are great for the beginner or the advanced outdoors person and rest assured we should follow all of them no matter where we are in the outdoors. These are universal and are the minimal things everyone should consider.

John Ricci is the founder and CEO of Wandrian Adventures.  As an adventure guide, he has lead professional whitewater expeditions, offshore sailing, mountaineering and backcountry excursions, as well as extensive river and ocean trips. This vast experience, combined with his passion and drive, make Wandrian Adventures a successful leader in the adventure travel industry.

John is an avid traveler who has personally experienced over 40 countries and six continents. In addition to being a four-time Ironman finisher, he is a true adventurer who uses his vast knowledge and experience to create the most unique travel experiences for his guests. John is also a notorious “gear head” with in-depth knowledge of the latest and greatest adventure travel gear from top manufacturers and retailers in the industry.

Wandrian Adventures provides unique small-group travel experiences. They combine adventures, education, and culture into a one-of-a-kind adventure travel package that inflicts minimal impact on the environment and on the cultures your visiting. They take great pride in their attention to detail and their customer service and they are constantly monitoring their progress to improve your experience. Wandrian Adventures provides adventures around the Globe, from the majestic Himalayas, to the exotic Galapagos Islands, and everything in between.

For more information or to plan your next adventure go to: www.wandrianadventures.com or call: 1-800-970-1219.