5 Signs That You’re a Weekend Warrior
There’s no limit to adventure. No limit to how much we crave that sense of exploration, excitement, nerves, meticulous planning and finally, a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Our ancestors have been adventurers since day one, passing this craving down through the generations to where we find ourselves now on The Outbound.
There is no right and wrong adventure. Maybe your adventure is a 3-week solo kayak in remote islands of a far corner of the world. Maybe it’s walking around the block at night in the city. For most of us, the larger adventures are reserved for vacations and weekends, when we can spend a full day (or days) outside enjoying new experiences. Sure, we seek adventure during the evenings and mornings around the work schedule, but the real goal is making it through the week until the next two days of action begin, true weekend warrior style.
So how do you know that you’re one of these fabled weekend warriors?
1. YOUR CAR IS PACKED BY FRIDAY MORNING.
There’s no time to spare on Friday after work. If the adventure is taking you out of town for the weekend, you’re ready to maximize every minute of it.
2. YOU HAVE A VERY STRONG OBSESSION WITH MAPS.
From maps saved on your computer to a drawer back home with a collection of paper maps, these are how you plan adventure after adventure.
3. YOU USUALLY KNOW WHAT PHASE THE MOON IS IN, THE TIDE IS AT OR SNOW CONDITIONS IN THE MOUNTAINS.
These are the essentials for so many of our activities as weekend warriors. You track them during the week and make your weekend plans depending on these weather conditions.
4. YOU TALK WITH NON-ADVENTURE FRIENDS ABOUT WATCHING A SUNRISE AND WHILE THEIR STORY INVOLVES THE BAR UNTIL CLOSING, YOURS INVOLVES COLD WATER, BEAR SOUNDS, A SPECTACULAR VIEW OR SOLITUDE WITH YOUR CAMERA.
It’s no surprise that weekend warriors and adventurers have good stories. You’re out there exploring, meeting crazy characters and every once in a while, getting into a sticky situation that was not fun at the time but can be laughed at when looking back. ‘Remember that spectacular mountain bike crash?’ Now that we know you’re ok we can call you a flying squirrel ballerina!
5. A SMALL (OR LARGE) PORTION OF EACH PAYCHECK GOES DIRECTLY TOWARD MAINTAINING, REPLACING OR BUYING NEW GEAR.
Some weekend warrior sports and activities are gear-intensive. The more seasoned weekend warriors focus on replacing worn or broken gear, while new adventures work on collecting the gear they need. ‘A new dress shirt for work or a new cam?’ Hmmmm, not a tough decision for a weekend warrior.
No matter what your style, every adventure is fun, and that’s why we crave adventure after adventure as weekend warriors.
Follow Brent on Instagram @brentdurand and Twitter @brentdimagery.
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!
Do you love the outdoors?
Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.