A Barefoot Approach to the Outdoors

I never thought that I could learn so much from a little boy in an orphanage and a pair of shoes. 

When I was in Mexico volunteering at a children's home I remember really distinctly this one kid named Miguel. Miguel loved to play outside and like most kids that lived there, found it easier to run around outside and play soccer with no shoes on. One day while I was helping out at the home, a box of kids clothes, shoes and toys was donated to the orphanage. Inside this box there was a little pair of shiny black dress shoes. This tiny pair of shoes was given to Miguel and this kid was so excited, he was running around the entire house in his brand new zapatos. After he was sure that everyone had seen and admired his shoes, Miguel wanted to go outside and play with all the other kids. So he carefully sat down, slid off his fancy new black shoes, and then ran outside, barefoot, into the red Mexican sand to play. I can honestly say I had never been so aware of what I was wearing on my feet and how privileged I was to never have to think about it.

I saw this kid, desperate to get outside and have fun and felt so called out because I can, like many others who love the outdoors, get caught up in the endless list of gear that we think we need. When in fact, all you really need is the willingness to get outside, even if you are barefoot. 

I often get sucked into this desire to always have the newest and best gear, planning everything I think I need in order to have a successful outdoor adventure. But I think it is important to take a step back from that and think about what the real reason I am going outdoors is. That it is ultimately about getting outside, getting exercise, exploring the world and seeing something I never have before. You see the thing is, adventure does not have any prerequisites. It is for anyone and everyone and expensive gear is not necessary to partake in it. 

So whether you are in the hot, dusty desert of Mexico and just really want to play soccer or you want to go backpacking in the mountains, do not quit simply because you don’t think you have the right brands or the best gear. 

Whether you are a beginner and just starting to explore the outdoors or you are an avid adventurer feeling discouraged by all the advisories and regulations on travel I hope to offer helpful tricks for what gear is helpful and what is unnecessary. And being a university student myself I hope to offer some money saving tips on how to still get the gear you need without spending a fortune on the most popular brands.

- Value Village is my favourite place

Seriously. You can find name brand gear for really cheap or even just other sweaters, shoes, base layers, backpacks, jackets or pants for a great deal. It can take some searching but thrifting for gear can be the easiest way to save money. Your local facebook marketplace or ski swaps can be a great way to save money on gear too.

- Only splurge on the necessities.

I will spend more money on necessary items like base layers because they are super important in keeping you warm or shoes that will last a while.

- Find the best deals and sales

I am a sucker for a good deal, but you have to know when to find the best ones. Make a list of some of the gear you need and check out deals on boxing day, Black Friday or end of season sales and buy your stuff then.

- Don't buy the big brands just because your rich friends have them

Yah so Patagonia and North Face are cool but the name brand on your clothes or gear is not essential for having the most fun outdoors. Amazon can have a lot of good deals of the same product or even stores brands like MEC can have the exact same gear for a lower price because you are not paying for the brand.

- Lastly, do some research

Check out customer reviews, ask friends for their opinion, or ask store employees what their favourites are. Comparing prices and trying to find the best deal can take a bit of time but it is totally worth it if it's going to save you some money in the end. 

I feel that often people who are just getting into outdoor activities can be overwhelmed by all the gear that others make seem mandatory. From hiking shoes and backpacks to goggles and helmets and the warmest ski coats, it honestly can seem kind of daunting. This idea that you must have the best brands and spend the most money to enjoy the outdoors and have the most fun is so untrue and I think little Miguel and his new shoes is a testament to this. 

The reason for not exploring this world or finding an adventure outdoors should never be that you don’t have enough money or experience. Finding adventure should never be about the brands and bragging about how much it cost you. So maybe next time you go outside you should take a barefoot approach and just enjoy where you are without all the gear (hypothetically, I still recommend shoes).