People often lack the confidence to enjoy the outdoors due to concerns about safety, but this seems to be one of the most common barriers. The risks in nature range from extremes in temperature to intense injuries to wildlife encounters to navigation errors. By planning ahead and being aware of what to do while out there, many of these risks can be managed.

In truth, you have a high chance of never having a serious accident in the great outdoors. However, as with insurance, it's a good idea to be prepared in case the unthinkable does occur.

You can identify and manage potential risks before you even leave home by following a few steps.

1. Prepare yourself physically

You must make sure you are physically prepared for whatever activity you plan for your adventure vacation. If you overestimate what you're capable of, you might wind up stranded somewhere because your legs or arms gave out on you, or you may end up in the hospital as a result of overextending yourself. If the most exercise you get in a day is walking to the fridge, you'll have to start doing some daily physical activity if you sit behind a desk all day. To accomplish your planned adventure, you will need to be in good physical condition to begin.

Prepare for your adventure by getting fit. If you plan on going rock climbing or kayaking, you'll need arm strength, so starting running or cycling every day won't help much!

2. For your destination, look at multiple weather sources.

In mountainous regions and near large bodies of water, weather patterns can change rapidly. The more sources you consult for the latest weather in your destination, not a nearby town, but the actual destination, the more complete picture you will have of the risks.

3. Make sure you know the risks and conditions at your destination.

Altitude, sun exposure, tide patterns, and the like, are all factors that can impact your safety when you're outdoors. With the right gear or leaving at the right time of day, you can prepare for many of these factors.

To see whales and other marine life, for instance, I planned a hike on the coast while participating in outdoor activities. My online trail map revealed that a section of the trail was inaccessible during high tide, so I checked it before I left. I might have been stranded if I hadn't known the tides were coming!

4. Take safety gear that is tailored to your adventure.

As a starting point, I recommend my Survival Gear Shack gear, which covers outdoor essentials plus additional tips. Depending on the type of outdoor adventure you are planning, you can customize what you carry. Make sure you have a bear safety plan if you're headed into bear country.

In case you get lost or injured on your adventure, always carry extra food, water, and layers.Always remember to keep essential medications with you at all times!

5. Wear appropriate clothing for the season and the conditions.

Dress appropriately based on the weather in your destination, not just by checking the weather forecast. You can use layers as alternatives if you are unsure of what to expect or if the weather is likely to change.

6. Make sure you have your essential gear.

Before you head out on an outdoor adventure, make sure that your most important safety gear is working properly. Even your shoe laces and headlamp are included!

7. Become familiar with basic first aid.

You are not in the best position to learn how to give first aid if you or your adventure buddy need it. Identify and treat the most common types of injuries you may suffer while exploring the great outdoors. Dehydration, hypothermia, blisters, and sprains are all examples of injuries. It's a good idea to take a wilderness first aid class from a reputable organization such as NOLS, REI, or the Red Cross.

8. Your itinerary should be shared.

You must create a travel itinerary and share it with family and friends whether you are traveling with others or on your own. In this way, if you do not check in at the scheduled times due to an emergency or another issue, someone will be able to tell authorities what to do in order to track you down.

This is a simple but often overlooked concept. Suppose you were injured on a hike by yourself and no one knew what trail you were on. Whenever you are exploring a new trail, route, park, etc., drop a pin and send it to a friend.In the event of an emergency, you can use a register or logbook in many backpacking trails, which may help you locate yourself. Park visitor centers and ranger stations may have registers as well.

Beautiful as nature can be, it can also be unforgiving and humbling. It doesn't matter what season you live in, exploring the great outdoors is a life-changing experience no matter where you are. As beautiful as she is, Mother Nature is also ferocious. Some revel in the outdoors on weekends, while others are extreme explorers who can spend weeks in the wilderness. It doesn't matter which one you choose, basking in the sun, breathing fresh air, and sleeping under the stars can come with a few inherent dangers that you wouldn't consider if you were in a concrete jungle. By using these outdoor adventure safety tips, you can minimize or eliminate many of the risks.