If there’s one thing we know to be true here at Killgore Adventures, it’s that you should be ready for an excursion at any moment. Whether it’s a phone call from a friend, an inspiring passage from a book, or just the appearance of a great photo on your social media, an adventure can fall into your lap when you’re least expecting it. So how do you stay ready for adventure at all times? It’s easier than it sounds. Let’s take a look.
When you’ve got a hankering to explore the outdoors, you want to get out there as quickly as possible. That’s why we always keep a daypack prepped and ready to go at a moment’s notice. We have our daypack filled with all of the things we use every time we go out. Our pack will have things like a water bottle, first aid kit, compass, pocket knife, lighter, and rain jacket in it. Grabbing this pack ensures that we have most everything we need right when we need it. Make sure to supplement your daypack with anything you might need to face specific conditions, for instance, you might pack an insulating layer in there too if you’re going out in the cold. We also bring plenty of snacks.
Adventure comes in many forms and sizes. While we often associate the idea of an adventure with something at the same scale as the quests in The Lord of the Rings, the fact is, many of our most favorite expeditions were just day trips. Adventure can be found in sizes both big and small. By being open to any opportunity for adventure, you’ll simply go on more of them. If your friends are playing with the idea of a hiking trip, a jet boat tour, or even a road trip, offer to help them plan it. Together, you’ll create memories that will last forever.
Every great adventure has a great cast of characters, make sure you’ve got one too. From friends and family to coworkers and pets, find the people in your life who are just as interested in exploring the outdoors as you are. You might be surprised by who you find that’s into outdoor expeditions. These should be people who are at your same skill level, or who are willing to help you improve your skills. This way, you’ll all be ready for the same kinds of adventures.
You can keep your crew together by putting together an email chain, a social media group, or even just a text message thread. Make sure that everyone gets a chance to select and lead an outing to keep everyone engaged.
Part of staying adventure-ready means having the skills necessary to support yourself and others on those adventures. We suggest taking a wilderness first aid or first responder course. First aid courses can be completed in a weekend and offer you a ton of valuable information and skills that can keep you and your friends safe while exploring.
One of the barriers to adventure is simply the logistics of planning them. Rather than wasting time trying to figure out where you want to go the day of, take a few minutes each month and plan a few adventures ahead of time. You might choose a variety of adventures, with some lasting the whole day, while others are for just a few hours. This way, you’ve got an ever-expanding list of things to do that are ready whenever you are.
We’ve found that one of the best ways to inspire a sense of adventure is by looking at photos and records from past trips. We love sharing our photos and notes with family and friends. We make our computer backgrounds a collage of great images we took while out on the river or trail. We’ll print out and hang up our favorite shots. Our desks and homes are littered with sticky notes with inspirational quotes from famous explorers like John Wesley Powell, Edmund Hillary, and Tenzing Norgay.
The fact is, the best way to stay ready for adventure is to simply go on one! The more time you spend outside, the more comfortable and capable you’ll be, encouraging you to do more!
Looking for an adventure in Idaho? Why not sign up for an expedition with Killgore Adventures? We’re Idaho’s #1 adventure company, offering great options like jet boat tours, helicopter rides, and even whitewater rafting. Schedule your adventure today!