# 🥾 Cheatsheet: Outdoor Living and Nature Reconnection

By Better Wise

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

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## Module 1: Hike Planning, Gear and Navigation

### 1.1 Planning a Day Hike: Route, Timing and Permits

**The planning loop**

```mermaid
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?

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### 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?