Microadventures

I have been many times on adventures that are short, simple, local, cheap – yet still fun, exciting, challenging, refreshing and rewarding. However, I did not know that there is an actual name for that kind of adventures until I heard a podcast featuring the British adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys. So those kinds of adventures are called Microadventures.

 

What is Microadventure?

The term microadventure is defined as an overnight outdoor adventure that is “small and achievable, for normal people with real lives”. The New York Times described a microadventure as “short, perspective-shifting bursts of travel closer to home, inspiring people to pitch a tent in nearby woods, on a hilltop or even a mountain and explore the surroundings and yourselves”. The concept is flexible enough in its definition to allow the individual to choose the location, duration, and overall scope of the adventure. Microadventures are generally considered affordable in that little to no specialized gear is required, travel costs are trivial or nonexistent.

I really enjoy flying to places with big mountains and good skiing and climbing conditions to have my adventures. However, you do not need to fly to the other side of the planet to undertake an expedition. You do not need to be an elite athlete, expertly trained or rich to have an adventure. Adventure is only a state of mind. I believe that adventure is about getting out of your comfort zone both mentally and physically. Adventure is all around us, at all times we just have to seek it and be ready to do what we do not normally do. It is accessible to normal people, in normal places, in short segments of time and without having to spend much money.

 

Microadventure Kit List

If you want to sleep in nearby woods, on a hilltop or even a mountain that is all that you will need.

 

1. Sleeping Bag
2. Sleeping Pad
3. Tent or Bivvy Bag
4. Waterproof clothes
5. Warm clothes
6. Hat
7. Head torch
8. Stove & Gas
9. Food & Water

 

 

 

 

 

Then, if you are planning to venture into the great outdoors the next day add the minimal kit that you need for your chosen activity.

 

Light packing for an easy mountain climbing route and an overnight stay on the mountain afterwards.

Choosing the right spot

Finding a location for microadventures in Cyprus is easy. All that’s required is a map, some imagination and some open-minded thinking. It also helps to get into the habit of continually evaluating places as potential campsites.

Wild camping and bivvying are very different undertakings from staying at an established campsite. With no facilities at hand you need to think carefully about your physical and visual impact. Here are some suggestions.

• Whenever you wild camp or divvy leave the site as you find it.
• Camp away from popular areas.
• If you are planning to leave your tent pitched more than one night make sure that your tent’s color blends into the landscape.
• Camp in one place for only 1-2 nights and on ground that won’t be easily damaged.
• Litter – plan ahead. If you brought it all in you should be able to take it all out!

 

Start Planning!

Here is how to get the best out of the microadventure idea, whether you are applying it to adventures or whatever else it might be.

1. Think Big. Allow your mind to wander and your imagination to get carried away.
2. Think Small.
3. Start Small.
4. But do Start!

If you would like to get on a microadventure but you are too busy to plan I would be more than happy to help you out. The only thing that you have to do is to drop me a line HERE

Pack a bag, find a friend (or do it yourself) and go for it.

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