So, the holidays are around the corner and you are stumped with gift ideas for outdoor lovers. It is a wonderful time of year but can be super stressful when left with no idea what to get the adventurer in your life. Buying the right gift can be a difficult task. But not anymore. Check out these gift ideas to get the perfect one for the outdoorsy person in your life.
27 Great Gift Ideas for Outdoor Enthusiasts
1. Climbing Rope
Rock climbing, glacier travel, canyoning, or putting up a crazy rope swing. Rope can be an extremely useful piece of equipment that many explorers need in their duffel bag. Ropes come in all different lengths and thicknesses, so check out the ideal rope for the specific activity.
2. Headlamp
A headlamp is the perfect gift for the backpacker, camper, or endurance athlete taking long treks into the dark. No more digging through your bag in the dark trying to find something. Having your hands free is useful whether it is climbing in the dark or trying to prepare a meal right before bed at camp.
3. Avalanche Beacon and Probe
A vital piece of equipment for anyone who enters the backcountry. Safety is key when heading out. A beacon and probe will save lives when out in avalanche prone areas. A beacon is used to locate victims when buried in an avalanche, whereas the probe is a long pole that extends allowing victims to be located prior to shoveling the snow out of the way.
4. Travel Towel
The perfect gift for the beach lover or the hiker that takes a break on the trail. A compact travel towel is easy to fit in a day pack and super handy.
5. Percolator or French Press
A machine used for making coffee either directly on a camp stove or from boiling the water. Wake up at a camp spot or in the van to a fresh pot of coffee.
6. Coffee Mug
Early mornings and late nights on the road to get to adventure spots call for a durable coffee mug. Even if your adventurer does not drink coffee, this mug is great for tea or keeping their favorite cold drinks chilled in the car.
7. Sleeping Pad
Change the way you sleep out on the trail, especially when camping in colder temperatures. Sleeping pads are not only great for keeping you comfortable but also provide critical insulation from the temperature of the ground. The R value provides the level of insulation in each pad.
8. Compact Snow Shovel
A compact shovel is useful for anyone who likes to camp in the winter, backcountry ski, or just in the back of the car to get themselves out of being stuck after a storm. Lightweight and travel size, this shovel can easily fit in your pack.
9. Lightweight Water Bottle (Insulated)
Avoid buying tons of plastic water bottles. A reusable water bottle will solve your hydration problems. Additionally, add in a filtration system to prevent getting any parasites from contaminated drinking water in foreign countries or out on the trail. Get a bottle that is insulated to prevent water from getting too hot in the summer and freezing when high in the mountains in the winter.
10. Crevasse Rescue Kit
A lightweight kit that provides everything needed for setting up a hauling system for crevasse rescue for any travel on glaciated terrain, whether by foot or ski. The kit (Petzl) contains a micro traxion pulley, two locking carabiners, a tibloc, a partner pulley, and a 120cm sling. Hope to never have to use this piece of equipment, but be prepared if needed for a fall into a crevasse.
11. Packing Cubes
These will change your life. Staying organized while on the road is difficult. Packing cubes can keep your clothing and gear neat, plus you will be able to know exactly where all your items are without unpacking your entire pack.
12. Ski/Snowboard Tuning Kit
For any serious skier or snowboarder who spends countless days out on the slopes every season, a tuning kit is a necessity. The kit contains everything needed to wax and do a basic tune up. Keep your skis or board performing at top level.
13. Lightweight Sleeping Bag
Lightweight and small for mountaineering, trekking, or backpacking. These sleeping bags provide warmth and comfort, while keeping weight and size down to be able to easily fit into backpacks. Just like the sleeping pads, there are different temperature ratings for the desired season.
14. Crampons
A crampon is a traction device attached to the bottom of footwear to safely travel or climb on snow and ice. Crampons are used for ice climbing, crossing glaciers, or ascending snow slopes. Crampons come is different points depending on the desired activity. Most crampons are 10 or 12 points for more basic snow travel, with higher points designed for steep ice climbing.
15. Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are sticks with a handle used while hiking or trekking for additional support. There are many advantages of using poles including the main one of reducing strain and force of gravity on lower extremities when hiking on steep downhill sections of a trail. Save the knee of your avid hiker and let them enjoy the trail for years to come.
16. Lightweight Merino Wool Socks
Merino wool is a top pick for durability, comfort, warmth, quality, and weight. A good pair of merino wool socks may be expensive but will be worth every penny. Merino wool performs well in tough weather, especially in wet conditions. Lightweight to extra thick, there are a range of different options to cater to the need of any person who spends time in the outdoors.
17. Action Camera
A compact, small, easy to use travel camera that is durable and waterproof. Action cameras are lightweight and easy to attach to helmets, boards, or handlebars. There are many options on the market aside from the GoPro, so take some time to find the right one. However, an action camera is one of the many great gift ideas for outdoor enthusiasts to create life-long memories.
18. Camping Pillow
A camping pillow is used to improve sleep when out in difficult environments to get quality sleep. Camp pillows can be compressible, stuff-able, or inflatable. Either way these pillows are designed to be compact to make packing it a breeze.
19. Carabiners
May seem like a small gift, but these come in handy for so many reasons. Whether they are an avid climber, or just need some clips to hang belongings from their backpack, every adventurer can find a use for these things.
20. Chargers and Travel Adapters
A converter set with several plug-ins provides all one needs to charge anywhere in the world. Find a converter set with different watt settings to avoid blowing up any appliances while on the road.
21. First Aid Kit
A piece of equipment that should be in every adventurer’s bag. Be prepared for the unexpected with a first aid kit for any travel, adventure, or just in the back of your car. One of the most important gift ideas for outdoor travelers to stay safe.
22. Base Layers
The first line of defense against cold and harsh weather. Base layers come in multiple fabrics including synthetic, wool, or a hybrid between the two. Just make sure to leave the cotton at home. Synthetic is best for high-output activities, where wool provides odor fighting properties incomparable to other fabrics. A hybrid is a combination of the properties from both.
23. Climbing Harness
An item used for rock-climbing, rappelling, mountaineering, or canyoneering to attach oneself to rope. Each activity has a specific harness design with unique properties including weight, padding, or additional accessories.
24. Backpack
Backpacks work as great gift ideas for outdoor enthusiasts because almost every hobby uses them. Backpacks come in all different sizes ranging from around 12L -20L for a day pack to 80+L for a lengthy multi-day mountaineering trip. There are many different types of packs to fit the particular needs of the specific sport. Backpacks range with additional features for hiking, rock climbing, alpine climbing, or dry packs for water sports such as whitewater kayaking.
25. Backpack Rain Cover
Compact rain covers to provide an extra layer of resistance to harsh weather. Keep your backpack dry even when out on the trail all day in the rain. Small and easily packed, there is no reason to leave without one.
26. Outdoor Knife
A knife is a fundamental item to have on any backcountry trip. A useful tool for just about anything in the outdoors. All outdoors people need a durable, folding-blade that can easily be carried on any adventure.
27. Compass, Paracord, and Emergency Blanket
A bundle of some of the most necessary gear for any adventure in the outdoors. Navigation and preparation for survival emergencies can save lives. A great bundle of some of the most important items often left behind. Help the outdoors person in your life stay safe while out in the wilderness.
Are you lost with what to pack for your next adventure? An adventure travel packing list is a great starting point to make sure you remember those crucial items. Along with packing the right items, you must find efficient and versatile items if trying to pack light. Whether this is your first backpacking trip, or you are a seasoned traveler, having a checklist will create quick, easy, and efficient packing. The worst thing you can do is forget an essential item on the beginning of a several months backpacking trip. Below is a list of gear to make packing a breeze.
In addition, choosing certain items on the packing list can be a huge decision. For example, choosing the right backpack can make or break a long trip. You underestimate the amount of lugging around you will have to do, just between walking from train stations, or bringing along your gear on treks. A backpack needs to be comfortable with support, large enough to fit all the necessities, fit airline regulations if looking to use it as a carry-on, and be durable enough to withstand the abuse it will be put through over the trip.
After figuring out the backpack, next is to organize everything you will be packing. While on the road, packing cubes can do wonders for keeping your life together. Packing cubes are a great way to quickly locate gear and stay organized. Not to mention packing cubes come in all different sizes to fit any piece of clothing. In addition , you can use compression sacs to reduce the volume within your pack.
The Adventure Travel Packing List Essentials
A backpack (preferably 40 to 48L if you are looking for a carry-on bag, just make sure to check the dimensions after packing to make sure it will fit)
If checking a bag does not bother you than it could be larger, but just remember you will be lugging it around a lot, so you do not want it too big
A day pack (walking around cities, excursions, and for a personal bag while traveling)
Packing Cubes
Travel Lock
Backpack Rain Cover
Emergency Cash
Money Belt with RFID protection
Purifying Water Bottle
Compact Travel Towel
Documents Packing List (Make a copy of all)
Passport/credit and debit cards/license or ID
Travel insurance
Flight/transportation/accommodation reservations
Emergency contact info (phones always go missing)
Journal and pen
Electronics
Phone and charger
Camera
Laptop
Headphones
Travel apps on phone (language translators, directions with downloaded maps (ex. maps.me), and money conversion)
Simple Power Adapter
Headlamp
Clothes for Any Adventure
You will want to pick clothing items with versatility. All items need to serve multiple purposes and match well with one another, as you are very limited with the number of items you will be able to fit within your backpack. Before leaving for your first backpacking trip the number of items of clothing will seem to be not enough, but if the right items are chosen you will realize you do not need any additional clothing. Laundry is easy to do while on the road. Indeed, packing light and smart can be a challenge. For that reason, here is a list of the core clothing requirements for the majority of trips. Although in certain situations, it will differ depending on the type of activities and location of your destination.
Underwear (4 pairs)
Socks (4 pairs) (merino wool are durable and light while providing odor resistance)
T-shirts (3 – 4)
Pants (1-2, depending on climate of travel locations) (lightweight and quick dry, jeans are difficult to travel with as they are heavy and do not dry well)
Shorts (2, one being gym shorts to sleep in)
Bathing suit
Base layers (shirt and pants, thin and provide added warmth layer)
Jacket (make sure it is warm and compact)
Raincoat/Shell
Adventure Travel Accessories
Belt
Hat
Sunglasses
Comfortable, good grip pair of travel shoes
Flip Flops (or lightweight water shoes if doing a lot of water sport activities)
Toiletries
Another key point is to avoid over packing. Most items are easy enough to find while on the road. Especially toiletry items. With this in mind leave behind the excessive amounts of toothpaste or shampoo. In addition, airlines limit the size and quantity of these items. For carry-ons, your toiletry bag must remain light and fit in a clear-quart sized zip-top bag with all liquids and creams being 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container.
Personal prescriptions (clearly labeled)
Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
Deodorant
Shampoo/conditioner
Sunscreen
Face moisturizer
Lip balm
Contacts/solution/glasses
Hair gel/hair spray
Make-up remover wipes
Electric shaver
Detergent/clothesline/sink plug (if hand washing clothes)
Nail clippers
Cologne/perfume
First aid kit
Pain relievers
Antacids
Insect repellent
Hand sanitizer
Body wipes (if trekking long distances where showers will be difficult)
One-Day Adventure Travel Packing List
If you plan to check your luggage, you will want to make sure to pack a day pack to bring on the flight with you, as any important item should make it into the bag that always stays with you. Make sure to put your essentials in this pack in case the airport loses your main bag. Here is a list of items to have in your day pack:
All important travel documents and emergency cash
Phone and charger
Laptop
Camera
Spare outfit
Electrical converter/adapter
Water bottle
Journal/pen
Books or magazines
Medications
Adventure Travel Packing List Departure Checklist
Check out Travel Backpacking Gear List for a printable checklist to make sure you do not leave anything at home!
It is essential to put your name on all your luggage bags with TSA approved luggage locks. For passports and credit cards, RFID protection holders within a money belt or on their own work well to protect all your information from hackers.
Before leaving always make sure to put your mail on hold, prepay bills, arrange for someone to look after house if needed, and to leave a trip itinerary with a trusted friend/family member. Of course, this is a condensed list, there are a ton of other items that would be great to have if you end up having any leftover room in your pack. But remember you always think you need more than you do. Pack light and you will enjoy not trucking around a heavy pack.
Does the thought of trying to figure out an epic adventure give you a piercing headache? Travel is an astonishing experience, but as with everything there will be challenges. To be successful, you must take the time to learn the process to plan a backpacking trip.
There is no way around the difficulty of planning the ultimate trip. However, the right process can alleviate, or even eliminate, many of the problems you may face in the future. Use these tips to plan the trip of your dreams. The right prep goes a long way. The ability to properly prepare will remove much of the unnecessary stress associated with traveling. Furthermore, a quick and easy approach is crucial, to plan a backpacking trip anywhere in the world. Follow these steps, be prepared, and enjoy a once in a lifetime adventure.
Prague, Czech Republic
5 Steps to Plan a Backpacking Trip
Plan the route, time of year, and activities.
Figure out flights and accommodations.
Research general information about the locations.
Call credit card companies, travel insurance, and packing lists.
Budget properly for trip.
Step 1: Plan the route, time of year, and activities.
Knowing the location is a must for the planning process to begin. Each location brings unique challenges to conquer, so to complete the rest of the steps a location must be picked. You want to get specific with the location. Plans should be specific so the rest of the planning process can be completed prior to the desired date of the trip. The planning process can be lengthy and may have several obstacles to jump through to be as prepared as you would like to be.
Sources of travel inspiration can come from a few sources like word of mouth, research on the internet on travel blogs, or from Instagram feeds. Make sure to take some time. Write a list and thoroughly research, as the initial list will usually change quite a bit through the process.
Determine the route:
Plan a backpacking trip with endless adventures by deciding on all the locations you want to visit. Once all the locations are decided, a route can be determined. Travel must be planned for how you will get from one place to another, depending on your time frame and budget. A route can always change throughout your trip but having a solid idea on your route will reduce stress while traveling. However, there is a difference from packing your itinerary and having a general outline. A jammed packed itinerary can cause just as much stress as not having any idea how to navigate through your entire trip. Leave extra time for unexpected stops and unplanned setbacks. You will be happy you left yourself some extra time and remove the possibility of a potentially stressful mess, saving you money and a headache.
Determine the time of year and activities:
Flexibility is the most important thing in finding cheap travel and accommodations. Keep several options open, as changing a train, flight, or stay at a specific hostel can significantly reduce your costs. Peak seasons will always be the most expensive and busy. So always keep this in mind when determining when to travel to a specific destination. The activities you want to do while in a specific destination will determine the time of year. Certain activities like canyoning or trekking can sometimes only be done during certain months of the year.
Peak season offers the best weather but is most expensive and crowded. Shoulder seasons are a great combination of decent weather, similar to peak season, while also having less of a crowd. Off- season will provide more affordable accommodations and flights but tend to have worse weather. Plan accordingly so you do not miss out on a bucket list item or end up in a destination during monsoon season unexpectedly.
Step 2: Figure out flights and accommodations.
After you figure out your backpacking route, the next step is to look for flights, car rentals, and accommodations. Each can become much more expensive closer to your trip, particularly if traveling during peak season or around a holiday. So, once you determine the flights or locations you will be staying it is best to book in advance when you can.
A misconception about traveling is flights, especially international, must be expensive. Flying can be an affordable part of your trip if you keep your itinerary flexible, seek travel rewards through credit cards, or reposition with error fares.
Ways to find cheap flights
Use travel credit cards
Use reward miles to get flights for free. Travel reward credit cards only work if you are not in credit card debt. There are a ton of travel credit cards offering sign on bonuses and ways to amass points, so keep in mind where you spend the most money to figure out the best rewards card for yourself.
Repositioning with error
Airlines mess up pricing sometimes. Error fares are temporarily a lower priced airline ticket. There are websites that search for those errors, like Secret Flying.
Sometimes it can be cheaper to fly to a major airport hub, then to take a flight to your intended destination from that larger airport. At times it can be cheaper to take flights from your local airport to major hubs like New York or Chicago, where flights to your destination internationally will be much cheaper.
Flight search engines
Use the best search engines to find the lowest airfare prices. (Typically, you will want to search several sites for the best discounted airfare: Momondo, Google Flights, or Skyscanner)
Flexible flight dates
Changing your flight by just a few days could drastically change the price of your flight. Staying flexible with travel days is a great way to cut dollars off each flight.
Keep searches private
Web browsers will track your searches and increase flight prices after repeated searches. Always search for flights incognito or through a private browsing mode to find the lowest prices.
Ways to find cheap and great accommodations
Be open to different types of accommodations when you plan a backpacking trip. If you are willing to stay in a variety of places, it will create ample opportunities for scoring affordable accommodations. The best approach, even if you enjoy being spontaneous, is to at least do some research prior to your arrival.
Hostels
Usually a cheap option with everything from mixed 32-person dorm rooms to private rooms. Great for meeting other travelers and having a fun night out. (Check out sites like Hostel World)
Hotels
Hotels can be a great option to relax for the night, have some much-needed quality sleep, or for doing laundry while on a trip. Discount room rates can be found on third party websites or can belong to reward programs if you tend to stay at the same chain hotels frequently.
Overnight cabins on trains or buses
Save money on a place by spending a night on an overnight train or bus between locations. Although your sleep will not be the best, it is a great way to avoid wasting an entire day on travel and can eliminate an accommodation cost for one night.
Airbnb or Couchsurfing
Anything from rooms to private villas, you can find some very cool places to stay at a relatively low cost. Airbnb is one of the best ways to find accommodations for large groups traveling together. (Check Airbnb or Couchsurfing)
Step 3: Research general information about each location.
The worst thing you can do is step off a plane and have no clue what to do. When you plan a backpacking trip, you must familiarize yourself with the new country. Researching some general information about a location beforehand can prevent a ton of future headaches. Here is general information you will want to know before you leave:
Does the country require a visa?
Can you use a credit card or is cash required?
Where is the best place to exchange cash?
Accommodation address and transportation from your arrival site (airport, train station, bus drop-off)
If you do not book an accommodation in advance it is still helpful to at least know the general area you want to stay, if within a large city
Typical cost for general things like transportation or clothing
Depending on location in the world some countries, especially in Asia, do not have a set price. Transportation from airports can be hectic and many will try to overcharge. Know what typical price ranges are to avoid scams and locals taking advantage of you.
Research activities you may want to do because some may require reservations well in advance
Food hygiene
Know what to avoid while in a certain country. Not all places may be up to standards that you are used to in your home country.
Does the country tip?
Top Tips For Research
Download a map of the city (Maps.me is a great option for travelers that will not have an international phone plane – the map works offline if downloaded ahead of time)
Emergency fund of cash (usually about $500 is what I have in different locations within my pack, you never know when you need money and your card is not working at an ATM)
Create email folders for all reservations to be able to quickly find when needed
Copy of important documents (birth certificate/passport/license/visas)
Know where the local embassy is or the number in case of a stolen/lost passport while abroad
If you are traveling abroad, make sure to call to let your credit and debit card companies know prior to leaving, to avoid any issues. Make sure to look in to using a credit card that does not have any foreign transaction fees. For example, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great travel card. The card occasionally will have a sign on bonus, has no annual fee, and earns 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase. Also, the card does not restrict travel rewards to any airline, so the points can be redeemed anywhere with no blackout dates.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is crucial for an extended backpacking trip. Insurance gives you peace of mind as a traveler. Do not let an event outside of your control ruin your backpacking trip due to a lack of having a backup plan.
Travel insurance varies depending on the carrier, personally I use world nomads. World Nomads has a range of options for travel insurance covering anything from emergency evacuations to medical injuries from extreme sports. World Nomads is a great source for finding affordable insurance plans, however only use if you have insurance in your home country.
What is Covered?
Trip Protection – protect a trip from unexpected cancellations
Emergency Medical Insurance – covers medical and dental costs
Emergency Evacuation – Medical transport to hospital or home quickly
Gear Protection – Cover loss, theft, and damage
Plans to cover all extreme and adventurous sports/activities
Regardless of the company, travel insurance is a must for any traveler who does not want to be stranded and surprised when something goes wrong. Just save yourself the headache and get travel insurance to have support 24 hours, 7 days a week while on the road.
Packing List
Do you plan on leaving for a lengthy trip with only a backpack worth of belongings? How do you decide? Packing does not have to be stressful. Instead with some planning and a well-thought out list, it will become one of the easiest. However, the belongings you choose to bring will determine the quality of your trip. Depending on where you are traveling to, sometimes certain equipment can be a challenging task to find. So, be prepared and make sure to have it in your pack before your departure.
First off, the budget for a trip is highly dependent on your travel style – the accommodations, meals, transportation, and activities will all have a huge impact on the total spending. Here are a few tips to start off on the right foot.
Items to Budget
Identify your big-ticket items (try to pay for these prior to leaving for the trip)
These expenses include long flights, accommodations for extended time, and some excursions. For example, book round trip flights, accommodations for events like if you know you are going to the Full Moon Party or an event with a set date, and activities you know you want to do while in a specific location.
Estimate expenses with accommodations, meals, and transportation.
All these expenses can be estimated by knowing the typical price of the region you are traveling to and the type of traveler you are. Hotels will typically be more expensive than hostels, restaurants are more expensive than cooking your own food, and transportation methods like private taxis will be more pricey than public transportation.
Include known prices for vaccinations, visas, and travel insurance before departure.
Search for recommended vaccinations for each country, if visas are required for entry, and always buy travel insurance prior to departure. All these exact costs can be known before leaving for your trip. This will help keep your budget on par when on your trip because unexpected costs will always come up while on it.
Activities and excursions, you want to try!
Make sure to determine your priorities before leaving for your trip. Decide where to put your money to make sure the trip is one you will remember. Personally, I believe in splurging while on a trip as you may never go back and do not want to regret missing out.
Emergencies.
Always budget extra money for the unexpected. Period. Do it and it will alleviate a ton of stress on the trip. Because trust me emergencies will occur, so be prepared.
How to Save for a Backpacking Trip
The creation of a budget is an important consideration when starting to plan a backpacking trip. Saving is not easy, so begin as early as you can and hold yourself accountable. Try using spreadsheets and budget apps to help you save. Remember, a backpacking trip through a bunch of foreign countries will be an incredible experience, creating life-long memories. Although, saving may not be an enjoyable part of the process, once on your trip it will be worth all the hard-work.
Motivation is the core for reaching your maximum potential. Do you struggle to find or keep motivation? The fuel to your motivation can be broken down into several simple steps. Honestly, if you create a plan to consistently include these habits into your daily life you will find motivation. Ultimately, motivation is the result from a series of consistent actions, not just one decision. It involves a holistic approach where you tackle the issue from multiple angles.
The Fuel to Your Motivation
The fuel to your motivation starts with an idea. You must clearly define what you would like to accomplish for any progress to achievement. The drive behind action is hard when you have no idea the end goal. For one, it is almost impossible to push through obstacles when you are moving in all different directions. However, a clear outline and end goal are only as good as consistent action behind accomplishing the small steps to reach your larger goals.
In order to reach those large goals, you must find and harness the motivation crucial to create consistent action. Motivation can be easy to find during the good times, but what about when things become much rougher than you ever imagined. What do you do then?
Self-Confidence and Optimism
The single most important piece of advice is to wholeheartedly believe in yourself. Re-read that line. First, it is impossible to accomplish anything great if you do not believe you have the capability to be successful.
Adjust your mindset. The foundation to how you approach any challenge, task, or stressful situation starts with your attitude. Stay positive. You will attract what you put into the world. If you stay positive, you will always see the light in every situation. It is powerful to keep a positive state of mind.
Emotional Intelligence
The ability to reach your full potential comes down to your emotional intelligence. The appropriate regulation, or control, of your emotions involves the proper mindset. An optimistic mindset always finds the good. If you are unable to control your emotions in a healthy way, you will find it difficult to find or keep your motivation when circumstances get challenging.
Positive results will only come from a positive state of mind. The only way into achieving your full potential is to learn to control your emotions and be completely aware of your attitude. Many people throughout the world do not have a solid handle on their positivity and emotions. The inability to control your emotions will be a huge boulder in your path, on your way to achievement.
Attitude is everything from the way you view yourself, to your ability to respond appropriately to events that occur throughout your life. Positive affirmations over time will create change. We all have the choice within us to fill one’s mind with words of encouragement and self-motivation. Do not fall victim to letting stress, fear, or the avoidance of change hinder your ability to create your ultimate life. Make the decision to change your attitude and take a firm grasp on controlling your level of motivation.
Finding the “WHY”
What is the one reason you want to accomplish any one goal? For some, it comes easy to define a reason for being successful. For others, it may require work to figure out what truly creates action. Most importantly though, you will find and hold onto your reason. And never let it go.
Figuring out the core of your motivation is not always an easy task. However, this has such an impact to your ability to move past challenges and create opportunities from obstacles. So, do not skip this step.
Ultimately, ask yourself, “why do you want to accomplish this goal?” There always is a reason. But if the reason is not deep, or powerful enough, then it becomes easy to give up when times get tough. Take some time to write down a list of reasons you want to live life in this specific way. Figure out why this life gives you meaning and collaborate a list of small steps you can take every day to work towards your goal.
The “why” will be the reason to propel you past hardships, failed attempts, and long hours spent reaching for success. A clearly defined reason is the fuel to your motivation.
Mental and Physical Wellness
Motivation is about making the right decisions in all areas of your life. A huge piece to finding and maintaining motivation comes down to taking care of yourself. There are several strategies to enhancing your mental and physical wellness. Habits like repeating daily affirmations, or setting aside time for visualization each day create a positive mindset. In addition a healthy diet and daily exercise affect the outcome of both your mental and physical status.
Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that change your mindset daily. These statements prevent an overwhelming amount of negative thoughts flooding your mind. Negativity will lead to a decrease in motivation. Each statement is a sentence or two directly related to your goal. It can be where you see yourself in the future, a specific trait you are working on, or a positive change that has already occurred. When you change your perspective to always look at the positivity surrounding your life, you will have more and more positive results. When filled with encouraging words, a deep sense of reassurance fills our souls that we are capable of our wildest ambitions. The fuel to your motivation is through the rewiring of the mind. Each day is a new day to change your life.
Visualization
Do you want to see the results before you accomplish them? The skill of visualization involves envisioning a successful outcome. So, even before you begin you are already setting yourself up for success. If you cannot see the end point, than you will not be able to create the best path to reach your goal. Visualization uses affirmations and mental images in the mind to help one incorporate a visual aspect to change.
Do not underestimate the power of seeing yourself accomplish a task before even stepping out to try it in real life. Being able to see yourself do something, even if just in your mind, has a very beneficial aspect to creating change. Visualization is a powerful technique to stay motivated and maximize your true potential. The habit of visualization can have life-changing outcomes if performed daily.
Nutrition
Think of your brain as a machine. How would you get a machine to work most efficiently? Well, a machine needs the proper power supply. An increase of the most efficient power supply, and your machine will be working better than ever.
Nutrition is the power source to both the brain and the rest of your body. The consumption of a variety of nutrient-dense foods and you will see your motivation skyrocket. Motivation can only be found from a well performing mind and body. Since nutrients power both the mind and body, nutrition is definitely an important factor to motivation.
Fitness
Daily exercise has the power to increase your mental alertness and energy. When you exercise, an increase in blood flow goes directly to the brain. Blood is responsible from the transportation of oxygen and nutrients. With an increase, the brain has an enhanced ability to focus and remain in a state of productivity.
Small increases in your physical activity can have profound effects. So take the stairs, park farther away from your destination, or avoid sitting too long throughout the day. Exercise enhances brain power leading to longer lasting periods of high motivation.
A Holistic Approach
A holistic approach is the only way to maintain motivation. All decisions must align from multiple angles to interconnect with one another in harmony. In order to keep moving forward you must make positive changes throughout your entire life. If you neglect one area, then do not expect your motivation to last. Make sure to keep in mind the importance of staying active and eating a well-balanced diet. All components are essential for keeping strong motivation.
Connecting the Pieces: Find the Fuel to Your Motivation
Motivation is a state of flow, where every decision that you make throughout the day leads to the overall outcome. Many people think it is black and white. Its either you are motivated, or you are not. However, it could not be more of the opposite. You do not become motivated and stay there with one decision. It is the outcome from the combination of all your decisions.
As shown above, there are a lot of habits to incorporate into your life. As you add each habit into your daily routine, your level of motivation increases exponentially. The creation of great habits take time. Slow down, as building consistency is often ruined when too much is tackled at one time with burnout and being overwhelmed. As a result, it requires patience and dedication to the formation of a strong foundation.
For the most part, a strong foundation leads to continuous motivation. However, keep in mind motivation naturally comes in cycles. The addition of healthy habits assists to maximize the amount of time motivated, while reducing time spent in slumps. In fact, it is impossible to expect motivation to be present all the time. If you are looking for more tips for increasing your motivation, check out these tips: 7 Facts to Increase Motivation
Create Your Own Path to Success
Success comes from a consistent flow of motivation. Include the above habits into your life and you will find the fuel to your motivation. Once you are able to find motivation, you will be unstoppable to reaching success. In the long run, the ability to fuel your motivation is with consistency, self-confidence, finding the reason behind your actions, and living a holistically healthy lifestyle. The commitment to staying motivated happens every day, with every single decision.
A quote from Mark Twain about the reason you should incorporate adventure into your life,
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
At first, it may be a challenging task to start incorporating more adventure into your life. However, do not let the fear of trying something new stop you. Fear is only as deep as the mind allows. The ability to live your life free and without so much fear can truly help you reach your true potential in life. When you look back at your life, do not let it be filled with regret. You will never be disappointed with the risks you took and the dreams you pushed yourself to pursue.
How to incorporate adventure into your life?
Adventure is when a person engages in unique and exhilarating activities, while breaking out of their comfort zone. A person needs to challenge themselves. Adventure is all about feeling uncomfortable. Exploring new and often remote locations is filled with anxiety and uneasiness, but with perseverance and the right attitude, you will learn how to move past these feelings. However, these feelings will not go away, especially if you are one to always be pushing your level of adventure to a higher intensity.
A successful adventure will usually incorporate both a plan and leave extra room for a spontaneous side trip. When setting out for an adventure, always start with a plan and be prepared prior to your departure. However, your plan will often change, and that is a great thing in certain circumstances, as you want to be spontaneous. The key is to understanding the right time. Sometimes the best way to explore is to get lost. A plan is a great way to have a base of knowledge about a destination, but do not forget to be open to living in the moment. Sometimes the most amazing part of an adventure is something you run into by accident. Be flexible and you never know what you could run into around the corner.
What can you gain from adventure?
Adventure is an educational experience teaching many valuable lessons to those who are willing to take the time to learn. Adventure travel leads to new inspiration, resilience, confidence, and an increase in curiosity within your life. Opportunities are endless with all the fresh possibilities presented through adventure. When visiting foreign countries or being surrounded by extreme environments, we begin to see the world from a different point of view. With a new perspective, we examine the challenges and failures we face in a changed manner. Failure is a part of growth and the learning process.
Adventure forces us to be out of our element, which can lead to making more mistakes. Mistakes are a part of the improvement process. Overcoming mistakes through being adaptive and resilient creates a stronger ability to push through failure, leading to success. Success is only gained through perseverance by triumphing over failure time and time again.
Adventure Will Change Your Life
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
My Vision
My name is Dylan Harpin, the creator of The Alpine Pursuit. I started this blog to inspire others to grow more confident, bold, and empowered to take opportunities to push past comfort zones and reach their adventure dreams. Adventure is the beginning to pushing mental and physical boundaries, seeking discomfort, and changing your entire perspective in life.
My love for adventure started at a young age, when my family and I began to travel and hike at national parks around the country, starting at the White Mountains in New Hampshire. It was amazing. I knew I wanted to continue to experience new adventures around the world and to never stop exploring new places. I have always been up for a new experience from backpacking around Europe to learning new adventurous sports like skiing. My journey to pursuing adventure has been one filled with dedication and hard work, as my goal with this blog is to inspire, teach, and challenge fellow people to live a life of adventure, as it can be an amazing one.
The target audience for this blog is ambitious, challenge seeking individuals looking to pursue more fulfillment and a deeper sense of meaning in life through adventure. I hope you enjoy the blog and are inspired to adventure! Check out my About Me page.
Addiction to Adventure
Adventure is exciting and unforgettable, so why would you not incorporate as much as you can in your life?
So, you finally decided to take a trip to a foreign country, hike up a mountain, or start a new hobby you have always wanted to do; it arouses an indescribable feeling within you accompanied by an insane rush of pure bliss. You begin to question how you have gone through life without this feeling for so long. You are hooked. Arriving home after an epic trip or mastering the first skill in your new hobby, you find it a challenge to settle back into what your life was prior to your experience.
All you can envision is getting back out there, whether it is packing a backpack for the next exotic trip or heading out to another class to practice your new hobby, you are ready. Adventure is literally life changing. You will find a shift in your values, how you spend your time each day, and your new mindset for financial spending. Life only begins at the end of your comfort zone. Step out into the world, be courageous and dedicated to pursuing your dreams.
Embracing Adventure in Your Life
The purpose of life is to live without fear, embrace new experiences, and conquer the challenges thrown in the way in the pursuit to becoming our best selves. Embracing more adventure in life can be a daunting task; however, the list of amazing benefits should be enough motivation. If that is not enough motivation, check out these other amazing benefits of incorporating more adventure into your life.
Experiences make us happier in the long run. New experiences hold on to positive emotions and increase our feeling of gratitude. Learning new skills, traveling to new locations, meeting different types of people, and interacting in new cultures shift our own perspective. People in other parts of the world live quite a different life. You learn to take a new look at your life and appreciate the small things that you once took for granted. A new perspective has a profound effect on your ability to overcome challenge. You begin to challenge fear, doing what is necessary to conquer it, rather than avoid it. A shift like this one opens endless opportunities. An open mindset is the beginning to accomplishing anything in life, one desirable quality so many of us are in search of for our entire lives.
Life is best when chasing wild dreams and discovering the beauty outside of comfort zones. Nothing in life within your comfort zone is worth pursuing. Push past your doubts and realize your true potential; the potential that has been hiding all this time. Stop worrying about failing or what other people think. Go out and chase after your dreams! Remember to incorporate as much adventure into your life as possible.
Check out another great post about the importance of adventure at Secret Adventure.
