5 Things to Add to Your 2025 Adventure Bucket List

By Sylvia Karcz, Contributing Blogger

New years have always been about new resolutions, right? Well, we at Avalanche Outdoor Supply firmly believe that one of the most rewarding goals a passionate outdoorsman or outdoorswoman can set their mind to is completing a few grand new experiences and adventures outside.

No matter what your experience level is and what’s considered “grand” in
your eyes, one thing is certain: some of the most transformative and memorable outdoor escapades are typically the ones that balance quality
time in nature with equal parts planning, challenge, learning, and yes, even a few obstacles and moments of hardship that make us tap into that
overcome mindset.

Need a bit of inspiration? Here are five adventure bucket list ideas that will surely reap their share of rewards in the new year.

Plan a Multi-Day Solo Backpacking Trip

A backpacking trip with a group is one thing, but one by yourself is another altogether. When tasks are shared and you embark on a journey knowing you’ll always have someone (or several someones) to turn to, there’s a certain comfort attached to that “safety in numbers” mentality. When self-reliance is the only path forward, though— that’s when the real growth sets in.

From those very first planning steps— location selection, packing, arranging any necessary permits and travel arrangements, etc— to the physical act of hiking and camping by yourself, you alone are accountable for how your trip pans out, and there is endless value in that.

It doesn’t matter how many miles you hike a day or what kind of terrain
you’re moving through, and it doesn’t even matter if you’re arriving at a super-secluded camp spot or a designated area buzzing with fellow hikers. The point is to get out there, by yourself, and have the reigns to your own adventure. It will leave you feeling capable, empowered, and with a sense of fulfillment that’s tough to top.

Volunteer as Trail Crew

It’s easy to take trails for granted, but if you’ve enjoyed your fair share of
hikes or mountain bike rides over the years, then the fact of the matter is
that you’ve enjoyed the hard work of dozens—or hundreds, even!— of different people and agencies coming together to make that trail a continued reality.

All across the U.S., trail-building and trail maintenance is a cohesive yet complex undertaking with a lot of moving parts. One critical component is often the time of selfless volunteers who dedicate anywhere from one day to several months toward seeing a particular project to fruition.

Is it a walk in the park? Definitely not. Days are usually long, and the work itself is physically demanding. But it’s an incredible way to get involved with your community, give back, and be a steward of the lands you love. All while connecting with nature on a deeper level and being a part of something greater.

Think Outside the Box for a Multi-Sport Day

There are many ways to get from one point to another in the outdoors, but
the reality is that, more often than not, they involve taking some mechanized form of transportation to kick things off. So, a challenge I encourage you to undertake in the new year is findings way to incorporate as many forms of human-powered movement and adventures as you can in one go! And, as often as possible.

It’s a simple way of advocating for the environment and minimizing your
footprint while ticking off a cool feat. No matter where you’re located and what’s immediately available in your local neighborhood, there’s a motley of ways to create a multi-sport outing that not only invigorates, but prompts a lasting conversation about the ways we interact with nature.

Here are some ideas:

● Walk or ride a bike to a local trailhead for a hike
● Ride a bike to your local crag or climbing gym for some bouldering or rock climbing
● Jog or walk to a water source (beach, lake, river!) and then go for a swim or a kayak paddle. If you don’t have your own water vessel, find a spot you can rent!
● Sign up for a local triathlon for a combo of running, swimming, and cycling
● If you’re in a snow-filled local, try hiking or walking to a trailhead where you can go cross-country skiing

A Camping Adventure in Another State (or Country!)

Venturing outside to immerse yourself in nature is a gift in itself, sure, but throw in a state, landscape, or country you’ve never been to— and things immediately gain that extra dose of excitement. There’s the cultural aspect of a unique place, even if it’s in your own country. There’s the challenge and new perspective of varying terrain, from flora and fauna to elevation and temperature changes. Above all, there’s the personal growth that comes hand-in-hand with exposure to something new.

I’m sure everyone has a certain personal adventure dream (or ten) set in a
location a bit further from home. Be it camping in all of the California National Parks or camping in Iceland along the Ring Road, I say: there’s no better time than now, friends! Yes, there may be barriers— finances, time off work, health issues— but I’m a firm believer that there’s a way to tweak a plan and make things happen despite the difficulties. You can adjust a backpacking trip to make it a car-camping trip, for instance. Or, to save money, you can car camp on public lands that don’t have the fees of regular campgrounds or invite friends to split the cost.

Even if you’re choosing the most adaptable dream adventure, you’re still
choosing something— and fine-tuning the art of simply going for it.

Sign up For an Ultra-Marathon

If you’re thinking “NO WAY!” because you’re not a runner, I get it; I’ve pondered the exact thing. But ultra-marathons aren’t only for those moving at a faster clip! If consistent running is your preferred choice of movement, great— but slow and steady can get to the finish line too, and that includes walking.

I’ve seen young teens and those considered “over the hill” cross the finish line of ultra-marathons, and there’s a race out there for everyone. Whether it’s a 30-miler or a 200, and whether it’s your first ultra or your tenth, it comes down to the same core notion— that with enough determination, discipline, and willpower to explore your physical and mental limits, anything is possible.

That’s because ultra-marathons are the epitome of pushing yourself out of
your comfort zone. From weeks or months of dedicated training to the actual suffer-fest, it’s a bucket list adventure that connects you with your environment, your body, and your soul in the most extreme, visceral, and gratifying of ways.