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best gear for wilderness exploring

July 7, 2020

For many travelers today, ourselves included, we’ve become accustomed to a world of seamless connectivity. We’re a full generation removed from the corded telephone. Pay phones (at least in the US) are a relic of the past. And in most modern cities, businesses, airports, aircrafts and even campsites, WiFi hotspots cast a widespread net that allows us to remain safely under its reach.

Yet at the same time, more people seek to get out from under that same cybernated umbrella. National Parks in the US are seeing record attendances. Off-grid destinations are growing in popularity. And in 2019 phrases like “digital detox” were up 42% in internet-based searches over the previous year according to a Forbes article uncovering some frightening trends around nomophobia, defined as a fear of not having access to a mobile phone or similar device.

If there’s any sort of movement or trend around a more socially unplugged way of life through travel—and I think there is—we’ll happily stand at the front of the pack. But how do we stay safe, or maybe, more importantly, how do we feel safe when traveling off-grid.

beginner Tips for Staying Safe in the Wilderness:

Educate yourself on wilderness survival safety by taking a course on survivalist skills and safety training.
Let someone know where you’re going, including your specific route, trail, and when to send help if you don’t return on time.
Set out on your trip prepared with knowledge and the key gear you’ll need in case of an emergency. A first aid kit, snake bite kit, pocket knife, fire starter kit, compass, emergency water filter, food, and personal locator beacon or satellite communicator are all items you should consider bringing with you into the wilderness.
Understand how to Build a Shelter, such as a lean-to or snow cave, in case you get stuck out in the elements.
Mentally prepare for how to stay calm should an emergency arise. Panicking won’t help anyone in a moment of crisis. Think through scenarios on how you’ll react, let’s say, if one person in your group breaks their leg in a fall and what your action plan will be.