(StatePoint) The great outdoors do not hibernate in the cooler months, and neither should you. To be well-equipped for safe and fun outdoor adventures, consider the following.
Stay Warm
Don’t ignore your comfort or health when hitting the trail or pushing off from shore. Your regular weight clothing may not provide sufficient thermal protection, depending on your surroundings. Look for outerwear designed for the temperatures and wind-chill you will be encountering.
Keep in mind that it can be chillier on the water. If you are pitching a camp, check the tag of your sleeping bag for its specifications. A sports retailer will offer high-quality gear for proper protection against wind and low temperatures.
Keep Time
Whether you are hiking, fishing or rappelling, stay one step ahead of Mother Nature with information.
“Your cell phone may not be working well enough to give you the hour or your location — which is important to know when you are wondering whether it’s time to head back home,” says Landon R. Mayer, a fly fishing guide and author. “However, a tough solar powered timepiece that’s both rugged and resistant to low temperatures will keep you up-to-date.”
If you will be spending time getting your hands wet, consider a 200 meter water resistant device like the Casio PRO TREK PRW3500 or the slim, 100 meter water resistant PRG300. Both watches are equipped with Triple Sensor Version 3 technology which delivers altitude, barometric pressure and direction readings, in addition to tough solar power. More information can be found at www.PROTREK.Casio.com.
Stay Hydrated
It may be cool, but that doesn’t mean your risk for dehydration disappears. When you are active, you need to replenish your body with fluids to stay healthy.
Pack more than enough water for the length of your journey. Likewise, stock up on nutritionally dense snacks to fuel your efforts.
Tell Someone
Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return home. If you are visiting a park, talk to a ranger upon arrival for advice on the best vantage points for fishing and the best things to see and do. It’s never a bad idea to have a ranger know your location.
Even if you are a novice to the outdoor lifestyle, there’s no better time of year to go on an adventure than now.
