outdoorsy by nature
Making the Most of Fresh-Air Excursions
For decades, researchers have looked at the positive impact outdoor adventures have on internal motivation, emotional well-being, and, of course, health. And one thing is clear: getting outside does a body (and mind) really good.
“. . . I’ve felt the power of nature therapy . . .
there’s no other place to feel the same sense
of wonder you get from sitting at
the foot of a waterfall . . .”
For Alisha McDarris, outdoor adventures have been beneficial both physically and mentally. “I’ve felt the power of nature therapy, because there’s no other place to feel the same sense of wonder you get from sitting at the foot of a waterfall, or summiting a peak, or reaching an alpine lake, or just walking a quiet trail alone and smelling pine baking in the sun,” says McDarris. She’s the Fayetteville, Arkansas-based founder of the blog Terradrift, which focuses on sustainable outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and backpacking.
So how does one get started with reaping the rewards from getting active outdoors? Here’s a look at three popular outdoor activities and how to get rolling with each one.
Hiking.
Hiking doesn’t need to be complicated—especially when you first start, says McDarris. In fact, starting off with a few small, local hikes is often the best way to kick off any long-lasting hiking journey. McDarris suggests trying apps such as AllTrails and Gaia, which are great for finding and navigating hiking trails.
From there, though, it’s all about preparation. Seattle-based professional nature photographer Lars Gesing is outdoors constantly for his work, hiking to remote locations. “Honestly, a lot of preparing for hiking is preparing for worst-case scenarios, so when you are out on the trail, you don’t have to worry about those and can just enjoy the hike and the scenery,” says Gesing.
“If you go hike in the mountains or really any area with fast-changing weather, always pack a rain jacket, even when the skies are blue and temps are warm when you start hiking,” he says. “I’ve gotten caught in a few too many unexpected storms, and often these come on without much of a warning, giving you not enough time to turn around and seek shelter.”
TOP GEAR: Gesing suggests the Garmin inReach, which is a satellite communication device. It allows you to make calls for help if necessary, even in remote areas.
Camping.
“From reducing stress levels to improving sleep quality, camping is extremely beneficial for both body and mind,” says Stacy Morrison of outdoor blog The Camping Buddy. “During a camping trip, you’re able to take in the fresh air and stunning views; something that does wonders for both your emotional well-being as well as physical health.”
Luckily, there are ample sources for figuring out where to camp. “Plenty of websites like The Dyrt offer reviews on various campsites across America, so this should make researching potential areas easier!” McDarris utilizes other apps such as Campendium (for drive-up campsites) and NPS (for national park adventures).
TOP GEAR: Terradrift reviews and recommends sustainable camping products (e.g., free of PFCs, PFAS, and fire retardants; gear made of recycled or organic materials; and gently used gear from sites like GearTrade, REI Re/Supply, etc.).
Cycling.
“There’s something empowering about how far and fast a person can go on such a simple machine,” says James Green of Holly Springs, North Carolina.
“Biking is an excellent way to get outside and explore the world around you,” adds Balaram Thapa of Nepal Hiking Team, an adventure travel company specializing in trekking, hiking, and cultural tours. “It’s a low-impact activity that can be done just about anywhere, and it provides an intense workout.” Like hiking, McDarris also suggests the AllTrails app for finding the best nearby mountain-biking options.
TOP GEAR: “Finding the bike that works for you and your goals is incredibly important,” says Green. Head to site Lifehacker for a beginner’s guide or to REI or a cycling store for an expert consultation.
/ Written by Blake Miller.
Photography by wundervisuals/E+/Getty Images.
