Yesterday, we hosted our second monthly photowalk in downtown Flagstaff. It was an adventure all on its own and it raised a few excellent questions about what it takes to be "Adventure Ready" for thevisualCollective events.
We've been at this for over a year now, and we're starting to get a hang of it. Here are some of the things we highly recommend you have on any epic adventure.
Adventure Hat
The adventure hat is crucial. First and foremost, it makes you look awesome. It provides you with shade from the sun, warmth from the cold, and escape from the heat. It also works well as a nap-indicator to your fellow adventurers: anyone with their adventure hat tipped low over their eyes is asleep. The adventure hat may also allow for decreased sunscreen use, depending on size and shape.
Adventure Pants
Everyone has their own style of adventure pant. Our very own Señior Fotographia prefers denim jeans, whereas Matt prefers the lightweight Sahara pant by REI. Either way, you should have plenty of cargo space and durable pockets. The ultimate adventure pants double as your swimsuit, so drying time and abrasiveness of fabric should both be considered. You should always have two pairs of adventure pants - in case your adventure proves too much for your favorite pair and they spontaneously combust from all the awesome adventure-ness.
Adventure-appropriate footwear
Much like pants, we recommend having two pairs of footwear on all your epic adventures. One pair for the hard work of the day. Hiking boots, snow boots, Five Fingers, whatever. These shoes should be supremely comfortable, weather resistent, and durable. Matt and Taylor both have adventure boots that serve well hiking in the desert, building igloos in a blizzard or crossing small bodies of moving water. Andrew prefers his usual TOMS shoes, which are good for the soul.
Your second pair of shoes should be for down time. After your 10 mile hike into the canyon or your crocodile-infested river crossing, you should be able to slip on a pair of sandals, moccasins, TOMS or other comfy shoes to enjoy your leisure time. These should be adventurable shoes as well - but provide your feet with a break and probably some ventilation. Matt prefers Birkinstocks.
Adventure (tobacco) Pipe
If you enjoy a good blend of tobacco, we highly recommend bringing materials to enjoy it by the campfire after a fantastic meal by AdventureCook Andrew. The tvC staff prefers pipes because they are portable, durable, and classy as hell. *
Water Bottle
Plain and simple: dehydration will ruin your day. Get a durable water bottle, customize it and work it into your day-pack. Extra points if your hydration system touts a tvC sticker.
Sporknife
The best eating utensil ever devised. Spoon, Fork, and Knife all in one. Get them at any good outdoor retailer like Four Seasons or Peace Surplus in Flagstaff.
Multi-tool
For when you have to cut, pry, spread, or stab your way through adventure. A good Leatherman tool will last you your entire life if you treat it right. Never leave home without it.
Carabiner
Don't want to wear your jacket? Need a way to store your extra shoes? Forgot your belt at home? A good carabiner will do all of these things and much much more. Plus, if you have to do some epic rock climbing to save a damsel in distress - a good section of webbing and a carabiner will make you a harness in no time.
Lighter
You never know when you might need fire. Plus, with the right leverage and the proper application of strength, it doubles as a beer opener.
Camera(s)
DUH! Most importantly, after you take care of the basic human needs, you need to record your adventure! Whether you want to make a note of something for the future, or make beautiful works of art, a camera is a must! Like your other gear, your camera should be able to handle the worst that mother nature can throw at it. Weather sealed lenses are recommended, as is a trash bag or fancy camera water cover, just in case you get stuck in the wet.
What did we miss? Is there anything else you absolutely have to have on your own adventures? Let us know in the comments below!
*Please note that tvC does not promote or tolerate illicit substances on any of our adventures - so it better be a tobacco pipe.
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