We recently traveled to Grand Teton for the week to camp and hike. It was really beautiful and probably my favorite trip we've taken so far. It rained most of the week which made it feel peaceful, and it didn't stop us from going on trails since we brought along rain jackets and a canopy. I had a few bad moments while we were there but for the most part I took the trails slow and we had a good time. Heres what I do to prepare for a big outdoor trip.
1. Create a camping plan - We look for the best weather possible and choose the time of year that isn't too hot or too cold, so it doesn't cause a flare up. I would also suggest choosing locations that are good for your level of activity, such as making sure there are plenty of easy trails and quick access to the restrooms. Knowing ahead of time what you plan to do each day can help you mentally prepare for the trip, if it's water sports, boating, fishing or hiking. I avoid making any last minute plans. Comfort is energy and energy is a good day.
If you need more comfort, choose a cabin. There is no award for making yourself suffer but if you're comfortable with tent camping, I recommend making your bed as comfy as possible. I love our inflatable mattress and I put extra blankets on top of it for added cushion. Getting quality sleep is important for the success of the trip.
1. Create a camping plan - We look for the best weather possible and choose the time of year that isn't too hot or too cold, so it doesn't cause a flare up. I would also suggest choosing locations that are good for your level of activity, such as making sure there are plenty of easy trails and quick access to the restrooms. Knowing ahead of time what you plan to do each day can help you mentally prepare for the trip, if it's water sports, boating, fishing or hiking. I avoid making any last minute plans. Comfort is energy and energy is a good day.
If you need more comfort, choose a cabin. There is no award for making yourself suffer but if you're comfortable with tent camping, I recommend making your bed as comfy as possible. I love our inflatable mattress and I put extra blankets on top of it for added cushion. Getting quality sleep is important for the success of the trip.
2. Make lists - Making lists in general is just a just a tip for life. It's important to have it before packing starts because it helps lessen the mental load. If you can trust your list, it means you won't have to keep stopping to remember if you got everything.
Take extra comfort items, electrolytes, snacks and anything you feel you need to keep yourself well.
3. Stick to your routine - When we are out camping, I find it easy to miss times that I normally eat or accidentally stay up too late. I know my body needs adequate rest, or it won't function correctly so I try to pay attention to the time. If you always eat breakfast, don't suddenly skip it while you're outdoors. If you go to bed at 9pm every night, don't stay up too much later than you normally would. I noticed the difference the days that I adhere to my routine and the days that I don't.
3. Stick to your routine - When we are out camping, I find it easy to miss times that I normally eat or accidentally stay up too late. I know my body needs adequate rest, or it won't function correctly so I try to pay attention to the time. If you always eat breakfast, don't suddenly skip it while you're outdoors. If you go to bed at 9pm every night, don't stay up too much later than you normally would. I noticed the difference the days that I adhere to my routine and the days that I don't.
4. Know when to call it a day - Take lots of breaks when you're traveling. The reason I had a few bad moments during our trip was because I kept pushing myself from driving, to setting up, to hiking, to driving more and didn't pace myself. I felt it the moment we came back to camp that my legs weren't cooperating with me any longer. I had to nap for a while and was better afterwards, but that isn't always the outcome for me. After that little "warning", I paced myself the rest of the trip.
Stay safe, please keep enjoying the outdoors and let me know what you do to better your experiences outside.
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