🥾 Cheatsheet: Outdoor Living and Nature Reconnection

By Better Wise

A lookup card for the whole course. Scan by module, then drill into the lesson you need.

Module 1: Hike Planning, Gear and Navigation

1.1 Planning a Day Hike: Route, Timing and Permits

The planning loop

flowchart TD
    Route["🗺️<br/>Choose route"] --> Timing["⏱️<br/>Estimate time"]
    Timing --> Permits["🎫<br/>Check permits"]
    Permits --> Plan["📋<br/>Share plan"]
    Plan --> Go["🥾<br/>Hike"]

Route and timing rules of thumb

Question What to check
Can I finish in daylight? Plan to be back well before sunset, not at it
How far? Match distance to your slowest hiker, not the fastest
How much climb? Elevation gain matters more than distance for time
Is the trail open? Check land manager / park website for closures
Do I need a permit? Many popular trails and trailheads require one

Timing method (beginner-friendly)

  1. Estimate base walking time from distance and your pace.
  2. Add extra time for every significant climb (uphill is slower).
  3. Add breaks: lunch, photos, water stops, rests.
  4. Add a buffer for the unexpected (wrong turn, slow group, weather).
  5. Set a hard turnaround time so you always get back before dark.

Tip: A turnaround time is a promise to yourself. When the clock hits it, you turn around even if the summit is "just 10 minutes away."

Permits checklist

  • Trailhead or overnight permit required?
  • Day-use reservation needed?
  • Parking or entry fee?
  • Group size limits?
  • Any seasonal closures?

1.2 The Ten Essentials: Day Hike vs Overnight Gear

The Ten Essentials are a system, not a single checklist. They answer: can I respond to an emergency and stay out longer than planned?

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