Your first outdoor experience can be overwhelming, but it shouldn’t be a reason to let the excitement ebb. The best hunting and hiking experiences at the start enable you to follow it as a passion for a lifetime. The best thing you can do is to be ready for the wild, and you will have a good time despite the risks and threats out there. It may sound daunting for people who have just embraced outdoor love, but gearing up is easier than you think.
Fortunately, there isn’t much you need to do except for taking the right approach and perspective. You have to know the basics and get your stuff in place to be on the right track. Additionally, following some simple rules and guidelines will keep you in a safe place. Here is the ultimate outdoor readiness rulebook you can trust to stay safe and have a great experience every time.
Start with a threat evaluation
The most vital part of prepping for the wild is risk evaluation, as knowing the threats is half the work done. Even as you may have a completely uneventful trip in the forest, there are chances of encountering dangers like wild animals, poisonous reptiles, and stray bullets. You may also face the perils of a dangerous terrain where slips and falls are more common than you can imagine.
The threat of losing your way or getting separated from your group also looms large. Risk evaluation helps you prepare better for unforeseen circumstances as you have clarity and foresight. You also feel more confident when you know the threats and invisible enemies in the forest. It becomes easier to be vigilant and avoid the dangers to some extent.
Have the basic supplies at hand
Whether you are in the wild, you will need the basics like food and water. Their availability becomes all the more crucial when you get into a survival situation. It makes sense to have the basic supplies at hand so that you can get through the tight spot till you find help. Stock up for at least a couple of days so that you can survive even when you have nothing.
Have a checklist of gear so that you pack everything you may need when you are in the middle of nowhere. When it comes to essentials, do not forget things like medicines, batteries, and toiletries. Ample warm clothing is equally important because it can protect you from the risk of hypothermia if you are lost and lonely without shelter.
Prioritize physical safety
Situations like losing your way in a forest are challenging to handle, but you can expect to encounter them more than once during your hunting years. Physical safety becomes a major concern, more so if you do not have much experience. Carrying a firearm and knowing how to use it will give you all the confidence you want. It is wise to have them even when you are going only for a camping trip.
Stock up on rifle ammo because you never know when things may get dangerous, and you could need a weapon to safeguard yourself from animals. The last thing you will want when stuck alone outdoors is running out of your ammo. You may also wear body armor when going for a hunting trip because it keeps you safe from shooting mishaps,
Gear up for communication
Good communication is equally essential when you are in a dangerous situation outdoors. If you are only starting, you must always plan excursions with a group. It is best to have some seasoned people who know the area well enough. Find a way to stay connected with your group even if you get lost. You may decide on special calls for emergencies so that it is easy to alert everyone else when you are in danger.
The right kind of communication equipment also keeps you in a safe place as you can be in touch with your fellow-hunters when you need to. Packing along an old-fashioned radio is a good idea as it will work even when you don’t have a phone or the internet in a remote location.
Have an exit plan
Even the most experienced hunters and campers may fail to handle critical situations. When you are trapped and lost, it is natural to feel scared and apprehensive. It makes you vulnerable to making mistakes as well. Having a well-thought exit plan helps you face the crisis with confidence and find your way out. Start with the research of the destination even before embarking on the trip.
Carrying the area maps helps as they can show you the way. A compass is another piece of equipment you must have in your backpack. Just having maps and compasses isn’t enough; you must also know how to use them. Seek guidance from an expert and practice a bit, and you can handle them well enough.
Keep calm and use your common sense
It is easy to panic when things do not go your way, but it is the last thing that beginners should do when out in the wild. As a rule of thumb, you must stay calm and use your common sense at all times. Keep the big picture in mind and decide your action accordingly. For example, climbing a tree or finding a shelter at a height may be your best bet when lose your way in the wild.
Try finding your way out during the daylight because there are more threats once darkness sets. You must not let your apprehensions govern common sense if you are stuck in such a situation. A calm brain can think better and find a solution that works.
The right mindset can make all the difference and keep you safe even during the most critical times. It is the most important thing that you can carry along when going outdoors for an adventure trip. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, following these basics will keep you safe every time you are camping, hiking, or hunting.