Being outdoors in the wilderness is a great way to rejuvenate the body and mind. The actual view of the wilderness has a calming effect on the mind as reported in the journal of Current Directions in Psychological Studies.

However, the reality is that being out in the wilderness is not an easy walk in the park. You should be mentally prepared for totally unexpected situations that could occur anytime. In order to help you prepare yourself for an outing in the wilderness, we have prepared a list of three things to do before heading out for an adventure.

1. Bring the Right Gear

You should find out the weather forecast before going on a wilderness adventure and then plan accordingly. If you fancy hiking in the mountains, you must remember that the weather can turn nasty anytime. One moment you will be enjoying the blooming beauty of the mountains, and the next moment you can be facing a life-and-death situation.

You can prepare for the weather by bringing the right supplies. Consider packing appropriate clothing that will help you to remain dry during a storm, warm during a cold blizzard, and cool in the heat. Some of the essential items that you should take with you include the following:

  • Full brim hat for hot weather
  • Stocking cap for cold weather
  • Sunglasses to prevent eye strain
  • Long sleeved polyester shirt is best both for hot and cold weather
  • Wool shirt and jacket for cold weather
  • Umbrella and other rain gear
  • Shoes that can protect feet from different hazardous conditions
  • Extra pair of wool socks

Remember that you should avoid wearing cotton pants in case there is a risk for rain. Cotton does not insulate the body when wet. It can quickly lower the body and increase the risk of hyperthermia. Taking the moment to pack the right gear can make a big difference when facing an emergency out in the wilderness.

2. Learn About First Aid Skills

Before heading on an adventure in the outdoors, it’s essential that you learn about basic first aid skills. You must find out how to perform first aid to help an injured person. In case anyone in the party suffers from a heart condition, it’s also important to learn about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills. You can learn about these skills by taking a CPR and first aid certification online class.

3. Travel with a Buddy

According to Robert Koester, author of Lost Person Behavior, solo hikers amount to more than 58 percent of lost hikers. So, statistically speaking, you will have a higher chance surviving an adventure in the wilderness when you travel in a group.

The above three tips will prove invaluable when it comes to surviving the outdoors. Any effort that you take to prepare yourself will prove vital when facing an emergency situation.

Thank you for taking the time to read our content. Be sure to let us know if you’re interested in getting certified with an online CPR certification.