New Year’s Resolutions for the Outdoors
Six resolutions to make 2024 your best year yet
As the new year unfolds, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and contemplating ways to enrich our lives in the coming months. If your resolution list includes a commitment to outdoor exploration, you’re in for an exhilarating journey. Should you take up a new hobby? Should you finally sign up for that 10k? What about learning to splitboard? Embracing the great outdoors not only promotes physical well-being but also nourishes the soul. To kickstart your outdoor adventure, we’ve compiled a list of New Year’s resolutions tailored for the outdoor enthusiast in you! So buckle up, and prepare to be inspired by the inner YOU!
Explore a New Trail Every Month
The problem with New Year’s Resolutions is folks try to go too big and then can’t commit long term. Start with something more manageable: challenge yourself to discover a new hiking or biking trail each month! You can do the research all at once in January and find 12 new trails you want to explore, OR you can mix it up and do some hunting each month as the mood strikes you. Whether it’s a hidden gem in your local community or a renowned path in a neighboring town, exploring diverse terrains will keep your outdoor experiences fresh and exciting.
Master a New Outdoor Skill
This year, set your sights on acquiring a new outdoor skill. Have you always wanted to rock climb? Sign up for a class at your local climbing gym! Looking to start fly fishing? Head to your nearest gear store and pick out a rod. Hoping to do some high altitude cooking? Grab a camp stove and pick out some steep terrain! No matter what the sport or skill is, acquiring new skills enhances your connection with nature and boosts your confidence in outdoor settings.
Commit to Leave No Trace Principles
Make a conscious effort to minimize your environmental impact while enjoying the great outdoors. Embrace the Leave No Trace principles by packing out all your trash, respecting wildlife and vegetation, and staying on designated trails. As stewards of the environment, we can ensure the preservation of natural beauty for generations to come. You can find the full list of Leave No Trace Principles on their website. Read them, commit them to memory, and put them into practice in the New Year!
Opt for Sustainable Outdoor Gear
For 2024 pledge to make environmentally conscious choices when it comes to your outdoor gear. What we consume and therefore produce is critical to our environmental impact. If you must purchase new gear, invest in sustainable and eco-friendly products that prioritize recycled materials, ethical production practices, and a reduced carbon footprint. By supporting eco-friendly brands, you contribute to the preservation of our planet while enjoying your outdoor pursuits.
Embrace Seasonal Activities
As a way to be closer to nature, consider committing to experiencing the outdoors in all its seasonal glory in 2024. Whether it’s snowboarding in winter, kayaking in spring, or camping under the stars in summer, each season brings its own unique wonders. Embracing the diversity of outdoor activities ensures that there’s always something new and exciting to look forward to.
Join a Conservation Volunteer Program
Resolve to give back to the natural spaces that provide you with so much joy. Consider joining a conservation volunteer program to contribute your time and effort to maintaining trails, restoring ecosystems, preserving the integrity of our outdoor spaces, picking up trash, and so much more. Being actively involved in conservation efforts fosters a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment that we all cherish.
Resolve to Be Your Best Self
As you embark on this new year, let the great outdoors be your canvas for self-discovery, adventure, and growth. By incorporating these positive resolutions into your life, you’ll not only enrich your outdoor experiences but also contribute to the sustainability and preservation of our beautiful planet. Embrace the challenges, relish the victories, and let the outdoors inspire you to make 2024 a year of unforgettable exploration. Happy New Year!
All Photos Credit To: Kaya Lindsay
About the Gear Tester
Kaya Lindsay is a writer, photographer, and filmmaker with a passion for rock climbing and the outdoors.
In 2016 she converted a Sprinter Van into a tiny home and has been traveling around the US & Canada to pursue her passion for rock climbing. Since hitting the road she has begun a career in filmmaking and is currently working on her One Chick Travels series, highlighting solo female travelers who live and work to pursue an adventurous lifestyle. Her films have been highlighted by major brands such as Backcountry and Outside TV. To fulfill her passion for writing, she chronicles her many adventures in her blog. Professionally, she writes for the adventure sports company Outdoor Prolink and The Climbing Zine. Kaya hopes to spend many more years in her tiny home on wheels, Lyra, and is currently living in Moab Utah.
