It’s the process of sorting and prioritizing the order in which you apply attention and resources to tasks. It should make things easier, but the danger of becoming swept away by tangential items to the exclusion of focused goals is ever-present.
As I write this, I have Cajunized my pizza.
For the last six months, I have been prioritizing outdoor time (It’s where I want to be the most) and the resulting time-spent has actually DECREASED, mostly by things that are NOT outdoors. Sort. Prioritize. Apply.
This time of year, clothing and protection are paramount. I start there. I always dress for the next step of comfort: for every 1000′ of “up” elevation, the temperature drops 10F from where you start, and every 10% greater humidity has an even greater effect! That usually makes me grumpy in the final prep stages (dressed too warmly) but immediately pays off when I step outside where I want to be. Details. Base layer, first layer, durable layer, weather or wind layer (or both:)) Don’t forget your “ends”: feet, fingers, head. Specialist gear? Hiking, climbing, caving, sky-gazing, first-aiding or forestry: the most dangerous suck on your time here is the decision to take a little bit of everything so you have options. Instead of choice, you have once again diluted your effort for a questionable gain. PICK TWO. I always factor in digital presence these days. Content Creation is a major suck, but without it I don’t really exist in this space, so I embrace it. Whatever it is, do your Triage, and Embrace Your Chosen Suck. Now get out there.
I have three pre-packed kits currently: climbing (above), logging (with chains and battery), and hiking. There is some overlay in included gear, but all try to include what I want for the day. I always carry first aid supplies and an extra layer or two, and in every one of my outings as a guide last year I used something from these! Complete Wilderness Medicine (Forgey, et al) makes for a largish first-aid kit (canoe-trip sized) but the individual units are scalable for whatever we’re endeavoring to do. Having them prepacked cuts down on dithering time at your triage level. Prior Planning Predicts Proper Performance 🙂
This is what I do first time, every time, when I guide. It’s a way to make wide open vistas possible for you at the drop of a hat, easily, safely, and fully. Where shall we go next?
#talestold
Ed, heading out!
04-03-25