Are you the master planner, fearless wanderer, or the over-prepared peak bagger? Find out your adventure archetype.

Exploring with mates is the best of times and the worst of times. The best because they’re your mates, right? And the worst because sometimes adventures go guts up without good prep. 

Ah, who am I kidding? It’s always the best of times, even when it’s chaos! What else would we yarn about around the campfire if it weren’t for the blunders, mishaps, and torrential rain?

Read more: What is Type 2 Fun? A Guide to the Fun Scale

As in life, we all approach adventure so differently, and it’s those diverse personalities that make adventures happen and create lasting memories. 

I’m going out on a limb here with some wacky generalisations, but I reckon adventure preppers fall into three categories: those who prepare, those who don’t, and those who are both overprepared and underprepared simultaneously. I fall mostly into the first category, (but like to think I’m a bit more chilled out). 

Let’s slide one foot out on that imaginary tree limb and branch out into the world of adventure preppers. Where will you land in the adventure planner tree?

The Trail Manager

Preparation is your middle name. You’re the captain of coordination and overlord (or lady) of organisation. You create lists in your sleep and have a penchant for timetables. With the flash of a spreadsheet, you turn chaos into an itinerary, whether you’re planning for an overnighter, a multi-day trek or a trip to the local shop!

When you climb out on a limb, you’ve already tested it for a safe working load and know just how much rope you’ll need should you slip. You, my friend, are the mighty Trail Manager.

If you have one of these fine creatures on your next adventure, chaos may not reign at all, not on their watch!

Read more: How to Plan A DIY Route For Your First Solo Hike

 

Trail Managers are probably in front, protecting the flock from cobwebs

Do you prep like a Trail Manager?

  • Mates say, ‘You are SO organised’ or ‘You always know what to do/who to contact/where to go’
  • You get twitchy when others say things like, ‘Let’s just wait and see’ or ‘It’ll be fine!’ or ‘I don’t think we should book ahead’
  • You have an app or a spreadsheet for every occasion
  • For you, the devil is in the detail; from the number of squares of loo paper assigned to each person, to documenting campsite coordinates
  • You sometimes think everyone would fall in a heap if you weren’t there and you’re OK with that
  • First aid kits are not optional
  • Favourite saying: ‘Can I make a suggestion?’

Why We Love a Trail Manager

  • They ARE organised and they always know what to do/who to contact, and where to go!
  • They’re calm in a crisis and have a real first aid kit – not just bandaids and paracetamol
  • They always have spare snacks and sunscreen
  • Forgot the loo paper? Don’t worry! The Trail Manager has got your bum covered
  • They can usually use Excel – Come on, that’s worth celebrating on its own!

If this sounds nothing like you, don’t stress! We can’t ALL be Trail Managers, everyone would be off on individual adventures. Besides, someone has to bring the chaos (and the red wine and chocolate!).

The Wing-it Wanderer

Don’t vibe with spreadsheets and paramedic grade first aid kits? You may be more of a charming Wing-it Wanderer.

You live for the moment and you’re out of your comfort zone if you’re not out of your comfort zone. Nothing makes you happier than tossing a few camping items into the boot of your car for a weekend of whatevs. Plans and lists make you squirm. Luckily, you love company, so there’s always someone around to keep you hydrated, sheltered, and to listen to your stories.

Your tree limb is flexing and likely to snap any minute, but don’t worry, you have wings! Hold on to your hiking snacks because I think we have a Wing-it Wanderer on the trail.

Read more: How to Stay Safe in the Bush: The Ultimate Hiking Safety Guide

 

Wing-It Wanderers probably packed a hammock but forgot everything else

Do you prep like a Wing-it Wanderer?

Friends say, ‘I love your adventurous spirit’ or ‘Sure, I can lend you some tent pegs/a paddle/cutlery/rain jacket’.

  • You love to be spontaneous and always say yes!
  • It’s often more about the idea of a grand adventure than the actual adventure itself
  • While everyone else sets up camp, you’ll kick back because you forgot your tent and you’re OK with that – you can sleep under the stars
  • You never check the weather or a map and you may be heard exclaiming, ‘I didn’t know there were going to be hills!’
  • Favourite saying: ‘Where are we going again?’

Why We Love a Wing-it Wanderer

  • They’ll charm you with their laissez-faire attitude to life. They’re fun to be around – even on the unexpected hills!
  • If your pack is too heavy, they can share your load because they forgot half of theirs!
  • They take YOU out of your comfort zone!
  • They usually bring a great bottle of red wine
  • They tell epic stories!

While the Wing-it Wanderer sounds like they may be hard work, we forgive their lackadaisical nature because they are just SO MUCH FUN!

The Try-Hard Trekker

Been prepping for a grand adventure your whole life? You’ve got the latest gear but you’re sometimes baffled by the basics. You could be a Try-Hard Trekker, who has it all (literally).

You have five new items in your backpack that you’ve never used. You own enough gear to send an entire scout group out for a weekend jamboree and have more postal tracking alerts for outdoor gear than you have actual kilometres on the track. But these are minor details. It’s all about the kit!

When you venture out on your tree limb, you’ll be wearing the latest safety equipment, but you may not know how to use it when the branch breaks. You’re the shiny and new Try-Hard Trekker.

Read more: Hiking Gear: What’s Worth Carrying and What’s Not?

 

You’ll find them scrolling every gear review

Featured Event

Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain

  • Start Date: Jun 15, 2025
  • Venue: Belanglo State Forest

Come enjoy a classic 6 hour Paddy Pallin rogaine that is only a short drive from Sydney or Canberra! We’ll be using our navigation skills to explore stunning native forest. There will be plenty of route options for all ages,...

See Event Details See More Events
Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain, NSW Rogaining

Do you prep like a Try-Hard Trekker?

  • Friends say, ‘Wow you always have the coolest stuff!’ or ‘Didn’t you just buy a new tent/backpack/water purifier last week?’
  • You spend twice as long as everyone else setting up camp because this is the first time you’ve used your gear
  • Your sleeping bag is the lightest; your tent comes pre-erected; and scientists have trialled your dehydrated food in the Himalayas
  • All your gear is less than 12 months old
  • You never got around to training for that hike/paddle/trail run
  • Favourite saying: ‘Check out this [insert gear name here], it’s the latest technology.’

Why We Love a Try-Hard Trekker

  • They have the latest gear and you can see it in action without reaching for YouTube
  • If you need to borrow gear, they always have a spare (or two)
  • Flat white or latte on the trail anyone? Of course, they have the latest coffee press
  • They can purify water before you can say ‘Bear Grylls’
  • Like the Trail Manager, they’ll also have spare snacks (although it’s likely you’ve never heard of them before)

We’re all slightly envious of the Try-Hard Trekker – no one else is so committed to being this far ahead of the game and ‌any gear nerd loves some new kit!

Tree analogies aside, in the real world, none of us fit into one tidy category. You may prep like a  Trail Manager on one trip but spread(sheet) your wings into Wing-it Wanderer territory the next. And if you think about it, haven’t we all purchased something we didn’t need but just had to have at least once or twice in our lives?

Exploring with mates wouldn’t be the same if we were all the same. So, how do you prep?

No Matter What Type of Adventurer You Are, Refresh Your Outdoor Safety Knowledge

At We Are Explorers we take great pride in presenting content that is fact checked, well-researched, and based on both real world experience and reliable sources. As a B-Corp we uphold high ethical standards and strive to create content that is inclusive, with an an increased focus on underserved communities, Indigenous Australians, and threats to our environment. You can read all about it in our Editorial Standards.