The City Slicker’s Guide To Adventuring The Outdoors More

If you’ve been following along this corner of the Internet for a bit then you know I’m not a fan of the outdoors. Put me in a fluorescent room where I can change the temperature as I please and not have bugs buzzing past my ears and I am good to go. That doesn’t mean I’m super opposed to changing out outdoors, you just probably won’t ever hear me suggest it, but I’m saying yes to outdoors in 2019.

The government shut down actually did some good for me believe it or not. It’s a shame what is happening but there seems to be a rainbow after this storm and it starts with the National Parks Service (NPS).

The NPS is a government-funded operation. These folks help maintain the park cleanliness and visitor centers. Typically there is an entrance fee but since the government is shut down, that fee has been waved, so now is the time to get your nature on in the United States!

Take day trips

The great thing about nature is that, regardless of where you live, you’re never too far from a beautiful outdoor space. People seem to think that everything is built up these days, but this couldn’t be further from the truth: in the United States, it’s only in the region of 6% of the land that has been built on. Rest assured you’ll have somewhere “natural” within easy driving distance of your home. Now is an especially good time to get some outdoors in because all of the national parks are free to enter with this whole government shutdown business.

Find your squad
Everything becomes much easier if you have a core gang to explore the great outdoors. People bring different skills and attributes to the equation; it’s better (and safer) in numbers! If you don’t know anyone who has an interest in going for hikes and the like, look at a website like Meetup.com. You’ll find many groups that are dedicated to exploring the outdoors and other interests you gravitate towards. With that being said, it’s not as if every trip you take needs to be with others; there’s a lot of value in adventuring just by yourself, too.

Longer Trips

Instead of visiting Disneyland or one of the country’s iconic cities for your vacation, why not look at spending the time on a longer nature trip. While a night or two in the outdoors is enjoyable and effective, you’ll really feel the power of Mother Nature if you spend a week or more in her company, far enough away that Postmates is unable to deliver your food. You’ll come back with plenty of ideas and energy, not to mention an even deeper appreciation of nature.

Being at one with nature

I know this sounds like some yoga guru type shenanigan but piggybacking off of the previous point, nature is the most natural way to meditate. Find a spot that speaks to you. Bring a guided meditation on your phone or just take some time to listen to your breath. This is a good monthly exercise to keep your indoor/outdoor balance intact while also allowing your creative juices to flow with some fresh air.

Overnight Adventures

It’s all good and well spending a few hours hiking through an area close to your home, but for the best adventures, I recommended that you spend the night. Yes, camping. There’s a lot of magic in falling asleep under starlight, and waking up to the sounds of the birds and the forest. Just be aware that this will require more equipment than what you’ll need for a day trek. With a tent, layers, cooking equipment, and the best survival tools in your backpack, you’ll be able to handle a night in the outdoors with ease. Once you’ve got your preferred way to set up camp (or glamp), you’ll find that you’re looking for excuses to sleep outdoors all the time.

Get the gear

You cant feel superior in nature if you don’t have the right equipment. Get yourself a refillable water bottle, some kick-ass comfy shoes that have multiple uses and update your wardrobe with the proper tees and sweaters. There are plenty of gadgets out there to help with your outdoor needs and stocking up on them will make you more excited to test out the environment. I got a Hydroflask and was convinced it wouldn’t keep my water cold and holy hell was I wrong. Now every time someone suggests and outdoors activity I feel more legit with my Hydroflask companion than when I just take it to work. Let your tools thrive where they’re meant to.

It’s likely that the majority of us are glad to see the back of 2018. It wasn’t the worst year by any stretch, but things did seem to get a little tense there for a while. To avoid similar headaches this year, it’ll be a good idea to strike a better balance between staying indoors and venturing the wider world outside.  Instead of spending your morning on the rocks, spend it with the rocks. That’s was a drinking pun if you didn’t get it.. It’s okay not a lot of people do.

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