Equipment
An important part of the planning process for an outdoor activity is to ensure that you have the appropriate equipment for the activities you will be engaged in. This will ensure a more positive experience and also improve safety for all participants. There have been huge advancements in technology in recent times, allowing for equipment to become lighter, stronger and more durable.
However, appropriate does not always mean expensive. As with many other industries, outdoor recreation equipment has been commercialised and promoted very heavily. Big retailers such as BCF, Anaconda and Kathmandu have “normalised” equipment that were once seen as niche products for experienced and extreme adventurers. In 2021, this sector was worth over $2.5 billion in sales. This means that people are now prepared to pay much more for equipment than in previous years. As consumers, it is important to be critical when looking at what is needed for any outdoor experience and not fall prey to the advertisements.
When planning for an outdoor activity, it is important to examine the types of activities that may be performed and critically examine the products on the market. Matching skill levels with equipment can be extremely important. An example of this is mountain bike riding. A duel suspension downhill bike may not be needed for an individual who may only be accessing gravel roads or mild downhill tracks. The savings on the type of equipment purchased may be used elsewhere to enhance the experience.