30 Outdoor Tips for 30 Years of Adventure

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.

1. Check conditions, not just the forecast. Wind, terrain and altitude matter just as much as the rain.
2. Let your friends and family know where you’re going, when you’ll be back, etc.
3. 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.
4. Make sure you tent doors face away from the wind.
5. 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.
6. Buy once, buy well. Quality gear lasts longer and performs when it counts.
7. Weight matters, and a lighter packs mean longer, happier days.
8. 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,
9. Good sleep is non-negotiable.
10. 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.
11. Leave nothing but footsteps, take nothing but photos. If it came with you, it leaves with you.
12. Don’t rely on phone reception; download maps offline. Reception has a habit of vanishing right when you need it most.
13. 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.
14. Wear. Your. Sunscreen. Even on those overcast days.
15. Learn basic first aid, and pack a first aid kit.
16. Take photos, but don’t forget to look up and around.
17. In the winter, keep your water bottle from freezing by storing it upside down.
18. 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.
19. Getting outside regularly matters more than getting it perfect.
20. Early starts aren’t always glamorous, but they buy you daylight and quieter trails.
21. Blisters don’t announce themselves. Treat hot spots early or they’ll decide the pace for you.
22. Pack a headlamp (and spare batteries). If something runs late, you want light you can trust.
23. Eat and drink before you feel “low.” Small, regular snacks and sips prevent the energy crash.
24. Water is plan A, not a guess. Know your next reliable water source before you leave it.
25. Prepare a “car kit” for the way home. Water, snacks, a clean shirt, and slides make the post-trip reset much nicer.
26. Cook and store food away from your tent.
27. Rushing can lead to mistakes; slowing down leads to memories.
28. Pack a small repair kit (duct tape, patch kit, spare guyline) for quick fixes.
29. 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.
30. 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.