Summer is a season of possibility—new places to explore, skills to sharpen, and friendships to deepen. At NOLS, we believe that thoughtful preparation, intentional choices, and community connection lay the foundation for safe, rewarding, and meaningful adventures. Whether you’re planning a long expedition or a weekend hike, here are key ideas to guide your summer season:
Photo by Mara Gans
1. Plan Intentionally—and Share That Plan
Every good adventure starts with a solid plan. Before heading out, sketch out your route (even consider planning with real maps), share your itinerary with a trusted contact, and research trail conditions. At NOLS, we teach students to develop and communicate a trip plan as a vital part of risk management. Be sure to check in with land management agencies ahead of time—staffing and support may have changed, and you’ll want the latest updates on closures, fires, and permits.
Takeaway: A shared plan builds accountability and increases safety. Take the time to plan—and loop in your people.
2. Travel Light—Don’t Pack Your Fears
It’s tempting to overpack in the name of preparedness, but thoughtful packing means being realistic about your needs and aligning your gear with your plan. Every extra item is extra weight. Do you really need it? How does your gear change between activity, duration, environment, etc.?
Takeaway: Preparation is good; excess is heavy. Think critically about what you bring.
Photo by NOLS
3. Dial In Your First Aid Kit
Your first aid kit should be tailored to reflect the length of your trip, the activities you'll be participating in, and the size of your group. Review expiration dates, replenish used items, and tailor the kit to your specific adventure. For short day hikes, a minimalist kit with high-use items may suffice. For longer expeditions, you’ll need more comprehensive tools. Always coordinate with your group—redundancy is fine, but unnecessary duplicates take up space.
Takeaway: A well-stocked, trip-appropriate first aid kit shows you’re thinking ahead and taking care of your team.
Photo by Matt Hage
4. Learn Something New
Summer is a great time to try something outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s sewing a torn pack, navigating by topo map, or deepening your understanding of wilderness medicine, adding new skills keeps you engaged and adaptable. Consider attending a course, watching a demo, or learning from a more experienced friend.
Takeaway: Challenge yourself to try a new skill—you’ll expand your comfort zone and build resilience for future adventures.
Photo by Daniel Lay
5. Connect Through Community
Outdoor adventure doesn’t have to be solo. Seek out others who share your interests—local trail crews, environmental education events, or simply a group of friends heading out on a weekend trip. Traveling with others helps you learn new perspectives on leadership and place, and gives you a built-in support system.
Takeaway: Find your people. Shared experiences lead to deeper learning and lasting connections.
Photo by Ben Fox
6. Read the Landscape—Past and Present
Reflect on weather trends, wildfire history, and even algae blooms from past summers. Use that knowledge—and the wisdom of your community—to decide where and when to go. The right season and timing can make or break your trip.
Takeaway: Past experiences and local insights can help you avoid hazards and choose the best window for your adventures.
7. Choose Tools That Work for You
Digital tools like AllTrails or Gaia are useful, but a paper map offers consistency and reliability, especially when batteries die or signals drop. Use both. Practice reading contour lines, identifying key features, and planning routes using maps with a consistent scale.
Takeaway: Let technology assist you, but don’t let it replace foundational navigation skills.
Photo by NOLS
8. Be Thoughtful About Food
Food fuels your experience. Think about what kind of trip you want. Do you want to cook simple, no-fuss meals and cover lots of ground, or savor the ritual of cooking in camp? The right balance depends on your goals, your energy needs, and your crew.
Takeaway: Food choices shape the rhythm of your day. Match your meals to your trip vision.
Photo by Ben Fox
9. Support the Places You Love
Summer is also a time to give back. Volunteer with a local trail crew, pack out trash, or ask your local public lands office how you can help. Caring for wild spaces is an essential part of the NOLS ethic, and your stewardship keeps trails and campsites open for others to enjoy.
Takeaway: Stewardship isn’t optional. Give back to the places that give so much to you.
10. Set a Goal—Know Your Why
Why are you heading outside this summer? Is it to relax, to push yourself, to connect? Take time to set personal or group goals, whether it’s spending more nights under the stars, visiting a new area, or just enjoying time with friends. Knowing your “why” helps you stay focused and aligned throughout the journey.
Takeaway: A clear intention adds purpose to every mile. Let your “why” guide your summer.
Wherever this summer takes you, carry forward the values of preparation, intention, and community. At NOLS, we believe that how you adventure matters as much as where you go. So go on, find your “Why?” and get after it!
