Thrill-seeking travel encompasses all those activities which include the exploration of rugged trails by hiking; zipping through an environment by zip-lining; navigating by rafting; traversing snow-covered terrain by skiing; exploring underwater environments by scuba diving; and traveling into remote locations. While these types of travel experiences are often exciting, they are inherently more dangerous than typical sightseeing.
To ensure that you have a fun yet safe adventure travel experience, it is essential to prepare with the appropriate gear. Your gear will enable you to navigate your surroundings safely; remain comfortable; and provide additional flexibility and options when your plans need to be changed. In addition, using quality gear will minimize your reliance on luck, local availability, or last minute purchases. A smart gear set up will focus on providing safety, navigation, and weather related gear, along with basic emergency supplies. With a thoughtfully planned out gear set-up, you can increase your confidence in navigating the many potential challenges of adventure travel while decreasing the number of unnecessary problems you may encounter.
1. Safety and Protective Gear Must Be the First Priority
Adventure travel is not the time to “get by with.” Quality safety gear greatly minimizes your risk of suffering injury during your travels, and also aids in protecting your body from impact, cold, water, or other abrasive surfaces.
There is no safer way to proceed than to utilize equipment specifically designed for your type of adventure that properly fits you. Wearing poorly fitting equipment is just as unsafe as wearing none at all.
Common safety essentials to bring:
- A helmet for cycling, climbing, skiing, or similar sports
- A good headlamp with extra batteries for hands-free lighting
- Sunglasses with UV protection to protect against glare caused by snow, water, and altitude
- Gloves suitable for the specific type of adventure you plan on participating in (e.g., grip, warm, waterproof)
- Blisters are another very common issue during outdoor travel. Basic blister care products (such as moleskin or blister pads) will be invaluable in helping to mitigate this problem.
Once you have taken care of your safety needs, managing the remainder of your trip will be much easier.
2. Tools That Will Help You Navigate and Communicate Will Reduce the Number of Problems Caused by Small Issues
Getting lost is probably one of the most common preventable problems experienced by outdoor travelers. Additionally, poor communication can hinder the ability to receive assistance, or communicate with members of your group.
Your reliable tools should continue to function even when your power supply is low, or when your signal is weak. This is why back-ups are important. Phones can lose power or stop working.
Smart navigation and communications tool kit:
- Downloaded offline maps prior to departure
- High-capacity Power Bank, and a rugged charging cable
- A GPS device or watch (particularly useful in remote areas)
- A whistle or small signaling device (easy to use)
- A waterproof phone pouch, or protective case
Using these tools will improve decision making, and decrease panic associated with delays or detours.
3. Weather-Related Layers and Shoes Will Determine Whether Your Trip Succeeds or Fails
Weather-related issues such as extreme temperature changes, rain, wind, etc. can lead to the majority of “adventure problems.” This is particularly true in mountainous regions, desert climates, and coastal areas where the weather can rapidly change.
You want to dress in layers for your adventure travel. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to changing environmental conditions. Your shoes/boots should be designed for the terrain you plan to traverse, and provide adequate support for your joints.
Common weather-related clothing and shoe options:
Base layer clothing that wicks moisture away from your skin to keep you dry (reduces sweat buildup)
- Mid-layer insulating clothing (fleece or lightweight down)
- Outer shell that provides waterproof and/or windproof protection
- Lightweight, breathable pants or shorts (avoid cotton, as it takes too long to dry)
- Shoes or boots that are specifically designed for your planned activity, and provide traction
- Extra pairs of socks (keeping your feet dry is key to preventing blisters and discomfort)
Comfort is not a luxury item. Comfort is a fundamental component to your safety and endurance.
4. Adding Emergency and Recovery Gear Adds to Your Resiliency
Even the best-planned adventure travel experiences can sometimes result in some form of injury, delay, or unanticipated condition. An emergency kit will allow you to respond in a calm manner, and protect your time, money, and health.
Your emergency kit should be compact, organized, and easily accessible. Your emergency kit should also be tailored to the location and season you plan to visit.
Some practical emergency kit essentials:
- First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relief medication)
- Electrolyte tablets or packets (to replenish fluids in the event of dehydration)
- Emergency blanket (small, lightweight, retains heat)
- Multi-tool or small repair kit (for quick repairs)
- Portable water bottle, along with a simple method for treating water (if necessary)
Having a well-prepared emergency kit will greatly reduce your stress level, and help prevent small issues from turning into major problems.
Conclusion
While it is not always necessary to look “professional,” the essential gear for thrill-seeking travelers is primarily concerned with ensuring your safety, capability, and adaptability. Protective gear will significantly lower your risk during high energy adventure activities. Navigation and communication tools will eliminate avoidable errors. Weather-ready layers and footwear will protect your body in a variety of different weather conditions. Emergency and recovery gear will enhance your resiliency when the unexpected occurs. A well-thought-out kit will provide the foundation for better decisions, increased confidence, and ultimately, improved results – thus, the excitement of the adventure remains for the right reasons.