A microadventure is described as an “overnight outdoor adventure that is small and achievable, for normal people with real lives”. It’s a fun thing to do and it’s easy if you know how. His article reveals my top tips for a great micro adventure.
Who invented the micro adventure?
It was British adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys that first coined the term, a micro adventure.
His aim is to inspire more people to spend time outdoors for the benefit of their physical and mental health.
The concept is flexible so that each person, or group of people, can choose the location, duration – typically one night – and scope of the adventure.
The micro adventure is meant to be local to your home, in a green or open space and could even take place in your back garden.
It’s also affordable because it does not require specialised gear, travel costs or many provisions.
Alastair said: “Microadventures are for everyone and should be easy to achieve.
“Because you do not need to go far from home and they are for one night, a micro adventure can take place on a work or school night, as well as at weekends and during holiday time.”
Benefits of a micro adventure
A microadventure is like a refresh button for busy lives. It has the spirit – and therefore the benefits – of a big adventure.
And while it might be a condensed version it’s a great way to have a mini break from the stresses of every day lives.
Spending time outdoors is good for both physical and mental well-being.
Top tips for a micro adventure
1 Check the forecast: The best way to enjoy your first micro adventure is to go on a night when the weather is predicted to be good. You are looking for a dry overnight and temperatures that do not drop too low.
2 No need to go far: Choose somewhere easy to get to so it doesn’t feel like a big chore or something that requires grand plans. A local country, a hill or beach are perfect. In Scotland, we are fortunate to be able to wild camp almost anywhere according to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
3 Journey part of the adventure: You could walk or drive to your chosen adventure spot or why not add a bit of fun by plotting a short route on a map and getting your micro adventuring pals (maybe your kids) to navigate there on foot or by bike?
4 Pack light: If the weather is going to be good and you are only going for a night you do not need a lot of kit. A simple tent (a pop up kind will be a good choice for ease) or a bivvy bag, or even a basic orange plastic survival bag, will be great for a simple overnight in the outdoors in fine weather. Some people prefer to sleep in a hammock,
Add a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and warm clothes (just sleep in the ones you wear to get to your micro adventure location).
Take all your kit in a comfortable rucksack and wear sensible footwear. It’s a good idea to add an insulated jacket or a waterproof jacket just in case the weather turns.
5 Bedtime hot chocolate: For an extra treat, pack a small stove and the equipment and ingredients or hot chocolate and biscuits at bedtime. Adults might like a wee dram or a beer instead.
6 Outdoors breakfast: If you have the time and the equipment it can be fun to wake up to a simple breakfast (porridge requires very little ingredients) and coffee madeover a camping stove. Alternatively, head to the nearest café for a cooked breakfast. Spending time outdoors burns calories so you can be allowed this brekkie treat once in a while.
7 Stay hydrated: It’s important to each carry water for the micro adventure or take a filter bottle that allows you to collect water as you walk or cycle to your camp spot.
8 Take photos: It’s great to look back at memories of your micro adventures, especially if it’s your first as a coupleor a family. Take photos on your smartphone or take a small camera with you.
9 Make a book: Inspire yourself to go on another micro adventure by making a book or pinboard of your first outing.
10 Be further inspired: Alastair Humphreys has written a book: Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes.
