I. Clarify Your Purpose
Outdoor activities can be divided into ZN (adventure-focused) and FB (food-and-fun-focused). Before participating in any outdoor activity, newcomers should understand the route conditions and compare them with their own physical reality to clarify what kind of experience they want from the outdoor activity.
1. Outdoor activities have different stages, so your participation should also be gradual. For example, the same route may give you different feelings at different stages of your outdoor journey.
2. Your first outdoor activity should be with your closest friends or a team with good teamwork.
3. The best way to ensure that the outdoors doesn’t remain just an occasional hobby is to better understand the level of enjoyment you seek from it.
II. Team Spirit
Having been involved in outdoor activities for many years, I’ve always believed in one saying: Online, we are an organization; outdoors, we are a team. Usually, the joy a group brings during an outdoor activity far exceeds what individuals can create alone. Therefore, a successful outdoor activity is often the result of the team’s joint effort, especially during tough outdoor treks. The deep friendships built outdoors often stem from having gone through a challenging outdoor activity together.
1. Identify a core member and grant them considerable authority. There should be democracy as well as centralization — this is very important — and mutual respect and assistance should be maintained.
2. Assign clear roles for certain tasks, such as leading the way, bringing up the rear, starting a fire, setting up camp, etc.
3. When the group is large, pay attention to the formation while marching. A line that’s too long can easily lead to lost members or someone having an accident without being noticed in time.
4. All equipment and supplies should be distributed scientifically based on individual physical strength and gender, so that the team can maintain a consistent pace.
5. If someone suffers a serious injury, the entire trek plan must be adjusted — either the whole group gives up or some members escort the injured person back.
6. During team movement, you must stay within the sight of both the person in front of you and the one behind you.
III. Physical Distribution and Formation Control
If the group is large (more than 10 people) or if you’re unfamiliar with the physical condition of the members, avoid taking routes that no one in the group has previously taken. Otherwise, it will be difficult to properly arrange the activity.
1. Try to maintain a steady pace throughout the journey, keep to the rhythm, and rest according to the planned schedule. Typically, take a 5–10 minute break every half hour when going uphill, and a 10–15 minute break every hour when going downhill.
2. The area before a rest stop should preferably be flat. It takes time to recover from resting to marching status, and suddenly climbing after a break can be very tiring.
3. Don’t eat lunch for too long or too much, as it affects the schedule, is bad for the stomach, and prolonged relaxation can easily make people become careless.
4. Reasonably assign roles such as pathfinders, rear guards, and reserve carriers, and monitor their conditions to make timely adjustments. The team leader must ensure they can appear at any position promptly to handle issues; the pathfinder should be experienced, familiar with the route, able to control the team’s pace, and steady — not necessarily the most physically fit; the rear guard should be physically strong and responsible, ensuring no one is left behind at any time.
5. The itinerary should be reasonably arranged and adjusted in a timely manner based on everyone’s physical condition along the way. If necessary, it’s better to extend the trek time.
6. Avoid unnecessary excessive physical exertion. Reserve one-third or even more of your energy for unforeseen emergencies later on.
IV. Know the Route and Direction
Before setting out, gather as much map and related information about the activity area as possible, and gain a preliminary understanding of major turns and obvious landmarks. When topographic maps with contour lines are available, analyze the planned route and direction, and ensure every member knows the general route, especially new members — because only with familiarity will getting lost not cause too much panic.
1. Carry an accurate compass and altimeter (necessary in some areas).
2. Carry and protect the maps and materials.
3. Bring a marker pen and playing cards to mark the trail in case of getting lost.
4. If you have very little information about the trekking area and the conditions are complex, it’s best to ask an experienced fellow traveler or hire a local guide to lead the way.
V. Waterproofing Measures
During the rainy season or in rainy regions, especially during long treks, inadequate waterproof preparation can lead to significant trouble. For example, you may end up with no dry clothes to change into, or your camera, batteries, food, and other items may get wet and damaged. Therefore, before setting out, it’s important to understand the climate of the area you’ll be visiting and make appropriate preparations.
1. Your tent should have good waterproof performance.
2. Use a backpack cover, even if your backpack is already waterproof.
3. Before packing items into your backpack, wrap them in plastic bags or sealable bags. This helps with waterproofing and also makes it easier to organize your belongings.
4. If possible, prepare waterproof hiking jackets and pants (materials such as waterproof or Gore-Tex are suitable), but you should still bring rain gear.
5. If possible, invest in good-quality waterproof hiking shoes (materials such as waterproof or Gore-Tex are suitable), as they can last a long time.
VI. Drinking Water Issues
On short treks, if you know water will be hard to come by, carry enough drinking water — about 2 liters per person per day. On long treks, you can collect water from streams, waterfalls, rivers, or ponds along the way, but always check for signs of pollution, such as nearby human or animal activity, animal carcasses, feces, or other contaminants. If the water contains a lot of sediment, let it settle for at least 10 minutes. In areas with many leeches, use an open or transparent container when collecting water so you can spot any leeches immediately.
1. In water-scarce areas, ration your drinking water according to plan. Unless in special circumstances, never drink all your water before finding a new source.
2. After collecting water in the wild, boil it if possible (boil for at least 5 minutes) before drinking.
3. If possible, carry a water filter and water purification tablets as alternatives when heating isn’t an option.
4. If you’re active in water-scarce areas for extended periods, learn other methods of sourcing water in the wild.
VII. Building a Fire in the Wild
Carry more than one type of fire starter when heading out, such as lighters, matches, or flint. If possible, bring a camping stove, gas canister, or fuel canister. Lighting fires in the wild can cause significant harm to nature, so avoid doing so unless it's essential for survival.
1. Pay attention to wind direction. Don’t place the fire upwind of your tent, and keep it a safe distance away.
2. When leaving, extinguish the fire completely using water and dirt, and double-check that it’s really out.
VIII. Safe Camping
Choose a safe, sheltered, dry, flat, and elevated spot to set up camp. Be mindful of your surroundings, such as the risk of falling rocks, wind direction, presence of animal dens or beehives, etc. Avoid camping near rivers unless you’re certain it’s the dry season and the water level won’t change. Don’t pitch your tent too close to water, as it attracts insects. Of course, also consider comfort and the view when choosing your campsite.
1. Check whether there are risks of landslides, avalanches, or flash floods around the campsite.
2. It’s best if there’s a water source nearby for easy access.
3. During the rainy season or on rainy days, check the terrain and dig drainage ditches around the tent if necessary.
4. In windy conditions, secure your tent properly against the wind and make sure it’s stable before resting.
5. Before going to bed, store valuables, clothes, and food inside the tent if there’s space, and prepare self-defense tools.
6. At night, let your companions know if you’re going to the toilet.
7. Keep your headlamp and water bottle within easy reach.
IX. Wildlife in the Wild
Carry medications such as cooling oil, mentholatum, or safflower oil when heading out. Wearing gaiters can effectively protect your legs from attacks by leeches, snakes, and other creatures. In areas with many venomous snakes, carry snakebite medicine.
1. If you encounter large wild animals (such as bears, leopards, rhinos, etc.), never scream or run around. Animals generally won’t attack humans unless they feel threatened and mistake your actions as aggression. Staying calm is probably your best defense.
2. There are very few venomous snakes in the world that are aggressive and will attack unprovoked. Unless you accidentally step on one, it might defend itself. So those walking in front should often “beat the grass to scare the snake.”
3. If unfortunately bitten by a venomous snake (treat as venomous if you can’t determine), in addition to emergency treatment, maintaining a calm mindset will significantly increase your chances of survival.
10. Nutrition Supplement
During prolonged wilderness treks, the body consumes significant energy, sweats profusely, and is prone to salt depletion, electrolyte imbalance, and nutritional deficiencies. These conditions can severely impact stamina and health, sometimes even posing serious risks.
1. Outdoor food should be lightweight, high in energy, simply packaged, and in sufficient quantities.
2. Carry high-calorie and nutritious foods such as beef jerky and chocolate for emergencies.
3. Bring vitamin supplement tablets and take one daily.
4. Replenish salt daily by eating salty foods such as pickled mustard tubers.
5. Fruit drink powder is a good choice for maintaining electrolyte balance (there are many similar options), and you can keep some in your water bottle for regular intake.
6. Carrying raisins, fruit candies, or hawthorn slices while walking is a good idea.
7. Having a bowl of hot and sour soup for dinner during camping will surely leave a deep impression.
8. For breakfast, you can have some milk and cereal.
11. Keep Warm
In many regions (such as deserts and mountainous areas), day and night temperature differences are significant. Some treks with substantial elevation gain can also experience drastic temperature shifts within hours (temperature drops by about 6°C per 1,000 meters of ascent). Keeping warm is essential, especially after heavy sweating or before sleeping.
1. Accurately estimate the possible lowest temperatures of your destination and prepare appropriate warm clothing and suitable sleeping bags.
2. When clothes become wet from rain or sweat, heat loss accelerates dramatically. Replace them with dry undergarments as soon as possible. If available, choose moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics such as Coolmax.
3. In frigid high-altitude areas, more specialized equipment and knowledge are required.
12. Common Equipment
The choice of equipment varies greatly depending on the region, difficulty level, duration, and season or climate. Poor planning may result in unnecessary burdens during the trek, while inadequate equipment can lead to serious trouble or even safety risks. Before departure, thoroughly research the area and carefully select the necessary gear and supplies. Many types of equipment come in various brands and models—choose wisely based on actual needs and your own capabilities.
1. Group Equipment: Walkie-talkies, cooking supplies (stove, fuel, cookware, etc.), barbecue gear (barbecue tools, food, seasonings), shared medications, ropes (selected as needed), specialized tools (machetes, hatchets, entrenching tools, etc.), camp lights, other group-specific gear (rock climbing equipment, mountaineering gear, etc.), altimeter, compass, thermometer, maps.
2. Personal Equipment: Tent, backpack, rain cover, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, trekking poles, gloves (insulated/work gloves), hat (insulated/sun protection/waterproof), change of clothing (hardshell pants/jackets, quick-dry long/short-sleeve shirts, quick-dry trousers, fleece, down jacket, swim trunks/swimsuit), sunglasses, headlamp, water bottle, personal hygiene items (towel, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste), sunscreen, lip balm, flashlight/headlamp, photography gear, spare batteries, multi-tool, binoculars, notebook, pen, plastic bags/garbage bags, lighter, matches, cutlery, casual shoes or slippers, personal medication.
13. Necessary Documentation
Using modern methods to record various details of outdoor activities, summarizing personal insights afterward, and preserving beautiful memories for the future is an important task.
1. Document interesting events during the trek, daily progress, your thoughts, and those of your teammates.
2. After returning, spend time organizing both informational and emotional records.
3. Writing by hand is difficult while trekking; use advanced tools whenever possible.
4. Make it a habit to keep records.
14. Other Related Issues
1. Climbing up or down: Unless absolutely necessary, it’s better to take a longer detour than attempt dangerous ascents or descents, especially when trekking alone with a heavy load. If climbing or descending is unavoidable, unload your pack first and ascend/descend without it, then hoist your gear using auxiliary ropes or straps.
2. When passing through hazardous areas (e.g., single-log bridges, river crossings, cliff edges), remember to loosen your backpack’s chest and waist straps so you can quickly jettison it to save yourself if needed.
3. Avoid walking at night unless in special regions (like deserts). Many getting-lost incidents occur in low-visibility conditions, and nighttime travel increases the risk of falls. If you must walk at night, a headlamp is ideal—flashlights occupy one hand and hinder balance.
4. When wading through water with unknown depth or underwater conditions, do not attempt to cross hastily. Try to investigate the conditions first. If you have beach shoes, avoid wading barefoot, as it increases the risk of slipping or getting injured. Also, be cautious of smooth stones in the water that can easily cause you to lose your footing. Additionally, assess the water flow speed carefully before entering.
5. Carry away all visible litter. For long-distance treks, at least take non-biodegradable waste with you until you reach a designated disposal site, so a trash bag is essential.
Fifteen. Outdoor Activity Environment Classification
1. Conventional Mountainous Areas – Refers to mountainous regions, hills, and plains below 3,500 meters in elevation. These areas have lower requirements for participants and are suitable for general hiking and camping.
2. High Mountains and Plateaus – Refers to mountainous and plateau areas above 3,500 meters in elevation. These demand higher physical fitness and technical skills from participants.
3. Jungle and Rainforest – Refers to densely vegetated temperate, subtropical, and tropical forest and rainforest areas rich in flora and fauna. These require high wilderness survival ability, experience, and mental resilience from participants.
4. Desert and Gobi – Refers to open areas with minimal terrain variation, dry climate, and scarce water sources, such as deserts, desertified grasslands, and Gobi regions. These demand high survival ability, physical fitness, and endurance.
5. Snow and Ice Environments – Refers to snow- and ice-covered landscapes in conventional mountainous areas during winter. These require high physical fitness, proper gear, and experience.
6. Conventional Water Bodies – Refers to rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters.
7. Aerial and Underwater – Refers to aerial and underwater activities using aircraft (powered or unpowered) and diving equipment. These require high technical skill and mental resilience.
8. Extreme Environments – Refers to highly hazardous environments among the above categories, such as high-altitude mountaineering, free solo climbing, cave exploration, cave diving, and traversing uninhabited areas.
Sixteen. Outdoor Activity Risk Level (this classification is intended for beginners)
1. No Risk (0) – General leisure trips, such as sightseeing at tourist spots, short-term field trips with full safety measures, or short conventional mountain hikes with clear routes. No accidents occur, the trip is short, and the intensity is low. No special requirements for participants.
2. Low Risk (1) – Most conventional activities, such as regular hiking, rock climbing, skiing, horseback riding, and swimming. Accidents may occur, the trip is of moderate length, the intensity is low, and there are generally 1–3 camping nights. Participants need basic life knowledge and good mental resilience.
3. Moderate Risk (2) – More challenging conventional mountain activities, unconventional mountain trips, strenuous horseback riding or skiing, intense exploration in unknown areas, and environments requiring special outdoor skills. Accidents may happen, the trip is long, and the intensity is high, usually involving multiple camping nights. Participants need good mental resilience, team awareness, some outdoor experience, and skills (such as rock climbing or first aid).
4. High Risk (3) – Activities in unconventional mountain areas or environments requiring special outdoor skills. Many unpredictable and uncontrollable factors exist, accidents are common, the trip is long and intense, natural conditions are harsh, and there are multiple camping nights. Participants need excellent mental resilience, rich outdoor experience, comprehensive outdoor skills, and strong teamwork.
Seventeen. Outdoor Activity Intensity Levels (intensity determines physical demands and gear selection; this classification is intended for beginners)
1. Leisure Sports (D) – General leisure activities, such as picnics or outings. The trip is short, usually without camping. No physical demands are placed on participants. Wear casual shoes (or sports shoes), carry a small daypack, and bring water and food.
2. Medium Intensity (C) – Multi-day conventional mountain activities, with short daily distances (usually less than 15 km of mountain trails), 1–2 camping nights. Examples include climbing Mount Kuocang, general trekking, rock climbing, swimming, horseback riding, or skiing. Participants should be in good health, with general gear requirements and a load of under 15 kg (for men).
3. High Intensity (B) – Multi-day conventional mountain activities, mostly unconventional mountain trips, with daily mountain hikes over 20 km, significant elevation gain, and competitive activities such as cycling or mountain races. Higher physical fitness and gear requirements apply, with loads over 15 kg (for men).
4. Very High Intensity (A) – Continuous activities in extreme environments, unconventional mountain trips, harsh conditions, high fatigue, short recovery periods, and average daily distances over 20 km with loads exceeding 15 kg (for men). Examples include high-altitude mountaineering or multi-day expeditions in snowy environments. Activities within the same level may vary in intensity, indicated by “+” (higher) or “-” (lower). For example, C+ indicates moderately high intensity, while B- indicates slightly lower high intensity.
Eighteen. Outdoor Skills (i.e., technical difficulty)
1. Mountain Hiking and Camping – Includes mastering walking techniques, route finding and planning, navigation, trip control, using tents or simple camping without them, and familiarity with common gear.
2. Rock Climbing – Includes basic climbing techniques, understanding various climbing equipment, and effectively using ropes and tying common knots.
3. Swimming – Able to swim 200 meters or more unaided.
4. First Aid – Knows how to assess injuries, determine their severity, and apply first aid methods for common injuries or illnesses, along with familiarity with typical medications.
5. Other Skills – Such as skiing, horseback riding, boating, gliding, and snow/ice techniques.
Nineteen. Outdoor Difficulty Grading
Based on the four principles above, outdoor organizations typically classify activity intensity into 7 levels: leisure, low intensity, low-medium intensity, medium intensity, medium-high intensity, high intensity, and very high intensity. Difficulty (i.e., risk level) is also indicated as minimal, low, low-medium, medium, medium-high, high, and very high.