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How To Turn Your Weekend Into A Micro-Adventure

6 tips to maximize your time while still having an adventure

By: Megan Davin + Save to a List

Two days. Just 48 hours. Maybe 55 if you leave work at 5pm on a Friday. Anyway you look at it, the typical 2-day weekend is what many of us live for. The best way to look at your weekend is as a micro-adventure. Micro-adventures are meant to be simple and take place in a short amount of time. They don’t have to be far away – sometimes the best adventures are the ones we often forget about right in our own backyards. Here are 6 things you can do to maximize your adventure time and make the most out of only having 2 days a week off.

Photo: Nick Lake

1. Pack up your gear

Have a plan? Know all the activities you are going to be doing? Excellent. By prepacking your bags ahead of time, you'll save the running around last minute scrambling and get on the road as soon as possible.

2. Load the car

On Thursday night or Friday morning, depending on your schedule, prepack the car so you are ready to take off ASAP after work. If that's not a possibility, just have your pre-packed bags in a convenient staging area ready to go.

3. Prep your food

By pre-chopping, planning and organizing your ingredients, you can have everything ready to go for each meal. Don't forget about quick and tasty snacks to fuel you on the trail. Nothing is worse then getting back to camp hungry then spending an hour or more getting everything ready before you can feast. Not to mention, eating the entire weekend supply of cheese in one sitting.

Photo: TJ Orton

4. Get canned

If you’re going to enjoy an adult beverage at the end of the day, reduce the risk of cutting your weekend short for a first aid issue by bringing cans instead of glass. Don’t forget to carry out the cans! Bonus: you'll spend less time looking for a bottle opener, and more time adventuring. Double bonus: if you are going to be on the water, canned beer floats!

5. Pack a first aid kit

Don't let something a little moleskin could've cured slow you down. Even though it’s a micro-adventure, always be prepared.

6. Be a good camper

Just because you're trying to squeeze in all the possible fun into 48 hours, doesn't mean you can't spend a few minutes finding the right place to set up. If you are going to heavily impacted areas, camp only on an existing sites. This helps maintain your Leave No Trace ethics.

In the end, it’s all about preparing for a shorter adventure to maximize your time outside. Have fun out there this weekend!

Photo: Erik Sanders

Check out more from Megan on her website or follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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