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Plan Your Weekend Adventure

Ready to plan your weekend adventure to the great outdoors? The following topics, covered in this guide, will point you in the right direction...

Overview

Gear

ATGATT stands for All The Gear, All The Time. You never know what Mother Nature has up her sleeves, so it's best to be prepared for everything. Take a moment to review the recommended ATGATT ensemble below.

ATGATT

Choose Your Gear

Navigation

Getting Unlost

Getting yourself lost is common on a good adventure. Be prepared to find your way by learning about these handy navigation tools.

Compass

A compass is a great analog tool for orienting direction. Remember, the magnetized needle on a compass always points north.

Map

A map is a diagrammatic depiction highlighting relationships between elements of an area of land such as physical landmarks, cities, roads, and trails.

The Sun

The sun provides a natural source of direction for helpless travelers stranded without other means of navigation. Walk toward the sun in the morning and you will be going East. Walk away from the sun in the evening and you will also be going East. Face the sun in the morning and turn 90 degrees to the right and you will be walking South. Face the sun in the evening and turn 90 degrees to the right and you will be walking North. Got it? Good!

GPS

A GPS device is great on short hikes, but only fools rely on battery powered tools for extended journeys in the wilderness.

Plotting The Trail

Nothing beats a good old fashioned map if you're planning a long hike. It's important to identify the trail on your map before you depart. One way to do this is by marking the route you plan to take.

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Nature

Food

Most people are familiar with the raw diet these days. If your rations run out, don't fear! Mother Nature is the finest raw diet chef in the world. Familiarize yourself with the items below, so that you will be able to identify what is safe to consume and what to avoid.

EAT

DON'T EAT

Animals

You are certain to encounter a variety of wildlife on your adventure. Use the slider below to learn more about the most common forest dwellers you may cross paths with.

Raccoon
The raccoon is a medium-sized mammal native to North America. Their adaptability has allowed them to extend their range from mountainous environments to urban areas. Be careful... they carry rabies.

Porcupine
Porcupines are rodents with a coat of sharp spines, or quills, that protect them against predators. They make great pets.

Snake
Snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica. Some snakes are venomous, some are not. It's best to avoid them all just to be safe.

Skunk
Skunks are mammals known for their ability to spray a liquid with a strong odor. If you accidentally stumble upon a skunk den, don't make any quick movements or loud noises. A startled skunk is a stinky skunk.

Fox
Foxes are omnivorous creatures belonging to the same Canidae family as dogs and wolves. Adult foxes bark to warn against intruders.

Wolf
Wolves are like dogs only more wild and dangerous. If you see a pack of wolves, don't try to play fetch with them.

Deer
Many deer live in transitional areas between forests or thickets and open fields. Deer are not known to attack people, but you should be cautious nonetheless.

Bear
Bears are large, powerful beasts. They like honey and picnic baskets and should not be confronted in the wild. If you have a close encounter with a bear, playing dead is your best bet.

Sasquatch
Sasquatches are typically very insecure creatures and don't like to have their picture taken. Never chase a sasquatch. They don't like feeling threatened and they have been known to turn violent.

What Would You Do?

You're hiking in a wooded area, 1½ days from civilization. The temperature is 41° F and you get caught in a torrential downpour. What is the first thing you would do?

INCORRECT That's not the best decision when it's raining. By the time you're finished with the shelter, your equipment and your shelter will be soaking wet.

INCORRECT Your equipment and rations are valuable on your adventure. There are other ways to stay warm and dry. Please don't burn your stuff.

CORRECT Good decision! It's imperative to stay dry when the temperature is this low. If you get caught in a storm, the first thing you should do is remove your clothes and keep them from getting wet. Then, you can spend time finding warmth and shelter.

INCORRECT Huddling close to a tree with a lot of leafy coverage might keep you dry during a sprinkle, but this won't keep you dry during a storm.

Build a shelter out of twigs and moss.

Remove anything dry from your pack and light it on fire to stay warm.

Take off your clothes and put them in a waterproof bag to keep them dry.

Climb at least 6 feet off the ground in the nearest tree and huddle close to the trunk.

You made it through the most important part of your journey... the knowledge part! You can return to this guide at any time for a refresher. Remember to be prepared for everything. Your adventure awaits!

Summary

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