For 30 years, we’ve been chasing fresh air, quiet trails, and nights under the stars. Along the way, we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a trip smoother, safer, and a whole lot more enjoyable.
Whether you’re heading out for your first overnight camp or your hundredth weekend escape, a little preparation (and a few good habits) can make all the difference. To celebrate three decades of adventure, here are 30 outdoor tips we’ve picked up along the way.
- Check conditions, not just the forecast. Wind, terrain and altitude matter just as much as the rain.
- Let your friends and family know where you’re going, when you’ll be back, etc.
- Test your gear before it’s too late to test it. Your stove, your tents- and make sure you have all the bits and bobs.
- Make sure you tent doors face away from the wind.
- Start small, then build up. Confidence comes from experience, not ambition alone. Furthermore, move at your own pace. The outdoors isn’t a race, and that hike will always be there tomorrow.
- Buy once, buy well. Quality gear lasts longer and performs when it counts.
- Weight matters, and a lighter packs mean longer, happier days.
- Small comforts can make tough trips enjoyable. A comfy chair, the right mattress, etc. Whatever helps you slow down and stress less is worth bringing. And on that,
- Good sleep is non-negotiable.
- Stay dry first, warm second. Wet gear is the fastest way to get cold. Keep one set of clothes dry, always. A dedicated “sleep layer” stays in a dry bag and never gets worn during the day.
- Leave nothing but footsteps, take nothing but photos. If it came with you, it leaves with you.
- Don’t rely on phone reception; download maps offline. Reception has a habit of vanishing right when you need it most.
- Always use a groundsheet with your tent. The last thing you need is a way for bugs, water or dirt to make its way in your tent.
- Wear. Your. Sunscreen. Even on those overcast days.
- Learn basic first aid, and pack a first aid kit.
- Take photos, but don’t forget to look up and around.
- In the winter, keep your water bottle from freezing by storing it upside down.
- The best trips aren’t always the furthest or hardest. Sometimes, somewhere local is all you need to get away. Read more about why you should travel local here.
- Getting outside regularly matters more than getting it perfect.
- Early starts aren’t always glamorous, but they buy you daylight and quieter trails.
- Blisters don’t announce themselves. Treat hot spots early or they’ll decide the pace for you.
- Pack a headlamp (and spare batteries). If something runs late, you want light you can trust.
- Eat and drink before you feel “low.” Small, regular snacks and sips prevent the energy crash.
- Water is plan A, not a guess. Know your next reliable water source before you leave it.
- Prepare a “car kit” for the way home. Water, snacks, a clean shirt, and slides make the post-trip reset much nicer.
- Cook and store food away from your tent.
- Rushing can lead to mistakes; slowing down leads to memories.
- Pack a small repair kit (duct tape, patch kit, spare guyline) for quick fixes.
- No two people are gonna enjoy the exact same trip, so make it yours. Your favourite food, your favourite game, whatever you’re going to enjoy the most.
- You’re there to have fun. Don’t get caught up in what you can’t control, and make the most of your time away.
After 30 years, the lesson stays the same: Just get outside.