Adventure Awareness - nomedic

Be Adventure Aware

When you enter the wild, the last thing that you want (or need) is to be ill prepared. The ‘Be Adventure Aware’ post is focused on how to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances that could occur on any hike. The goal at the end of the day is to return home safely, right? Prepare to be adventure aware!

Solo Hiking

Solo hiking is gaining popularity by the day. There’s just something about immersing yourself in nature and soaking in the solitude. It’s therapeutic and sometimes, it’s the best way to ground yourself to get back on track. However, you’ve got to be vigilant. Take the necessary steps and establish a reliable adventure awareness plan. For example:

-Leave an itinerary list with a loved one or friend.
-Provide details of the itinerary with family members or friends and establish check-in times.
-Make a checklist to ensure you pack all appropriate gear for your adventure (double check that list).
-Charge all electronics prior to venturing out (have a charging bank w/ you to recharge priority electronics).
-Situational awareness needs to be a top priority. Keep your head on a swivel and be aware of your surroundings.

While solo adventures can be life-altering and exhilarating, it is imperative to establish a sound gameplan. The list that I’ve provided is a solid baseline to follow (at a minimum). Always notify a reliable person (family member/friend) about your itinerary. Establish check-in times. Following this step could be this difference between life or death. Not to mention, it will reassure your loved ones that you’re safe. If there’s a change to your itinerary, notify your point of contact ASAP. Above all, maintain situational awareness at all times. Solo adventures make you especially vulnerable. Keep your head on a swivel and always trust your gut when it comes to intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that intuition and retreat. If you reach a tricky spot on the trail and are concerned about safety, turn around. Never be ashamed of turning around. Risking one’s life to reach a single destination is not what adventuring is about. Be prepared, know your limits, and get home safely.

Group Hiking

It is equally important to formulate an adventure awareness plan for group hikes. Similar to solo hiking, a good rule of thumb is to follow the guideline listed above for group hikes, as well. However, the plan formulated for a group hike will be slightly more expansive. In addition to the aforementioned list in the solo hike section, you will want to include:

-Pre-hike gear checks.
-Wellness checks of all group members (before, during, and after hike).
-Never stray too far from a group member on the trail.
-Ensure the group is adequately hydrating and replenishing spent calories with nutrient-rich snacks/meals.

As you can see, there is more responsibility involved while hiking in a group. I cannot stress enough about the importance of wellness checks before, during and after an adventure. It is crucial to ensure that everyone is in tip-top shape before you venture out. Establish checkpoints on the trail to see how everyone is feeling. If someone in the group needs to tend to a hot-spot or blister in the middle of the hike, take a moment for them to tend to it. Utilize this time to take a breather and soak in the beauty that surrounds you. Furthermore, never stray too far from another group member. This is a potential recipe for disaster. If you notice someone falling behind, allow them to catch up and assess the situation. Are they injured? Are they dehydrated or malnourished? Take a moment to check on the individual to ensure that all is well before proceeding. Never be ashamed to turn around before it’s too late. Afterall, the end-goal is to get home alive and well.

Recap

I hope this post helps you establish a solid guideline to follow on your next adventure. Whether you’re planning a solo trip or a group expedition, try to incorporate a few, if not all of the guidelines listed above. Never venture out alone (or with a group) without notifying a reliable point of contact about your planned itinerary. Double check your gear list before heading out (see My Gear List for more details). Prioritize situational awareness at all times. Check on your group members to ensure everyone makes it home alive and well. Feel free to add to the list in the comments section or on my social media accounts listed below. I’m never opposed to learning about new ideas!