21 New Year's Resolutions for Outdoors People 2024
SMALL THINGS TO STAY HEALTHIER, SAVE MONEY, AND DO GOOD FOR OTHERS AND THE PLANET
For 2024, we’re focusing on simple goals to save money and take care of ourselves, each other, and the planet. Outdoors goals often focus around climbing a big peak, running a race, or fitness goals. This year, recognizing habits that are small and easily repeated is the key to creating a routine that can change your life (or the planet).
Here’s the 21 simple things you can do to set ourselves up for success in the new year.
1) Stay hydrated
The author running with the Nathan Pinnacle while drinking from the hydration tube. Photo by Justin Walker
Get some electrolytes, find better ways of carrying water during runs, and find a water bottle you actually like for hiking and keeping at your desk. There’s evidence that hydration can boost performance, endurance, and mental energy to stay motivated.
2) Wash that sleeping bag
Thru-hikers on the Continental Divide Trail take a break in the town of Pagosa Springs, Colorado to visit the laundromat and wash their gear. Treeline Review writer Kate Hoch (back) shared this image.
It's easier than you think and can be done in a home washing machine. Washing not only makes your bag smell better, but makes your bag feel warmer by removing oils and dirt that reduce insulation. See step-by-step instructions with photos here.
3) Always use sunscreen when outdoors
We purchased dozens of sunscreens and tested them over two years at the beach in San Diego and poolside in Palm Springs in a search to find one that isn’t oily, greasy, and feels good enough we want to use it everyday. Photo by Katie Hawkes.
Sunscreen is not just for when you're at the beach or on a hard hike. Skin damage can happen anytime you're outside—from walking the dog to gardening to climbing mountains. So slather up on your body. If it helps you stay on track for daily use, get a sunscreen that feels lighter for your face.
4) Get around to fixing that jacket
Yeah, you know the one I'm talking about. Turns out, it takes 15 minutes to fix the hole in that jacket or the broken zipper. The end result is once again getting to use a jacket that cost hundreds of dollars—it’s kinda like getting a free jacket.
Not up to repairs? That’s ok. There’s plenty of outdoor gear repair services that can do it for you. Most let you mail it in, so you don’t even have to go into a store. Some repairs are even covered by the brand’s warranty.
5) take someone camping for the first time…including yourself!
First-time campers having a great time at campground in Joshua Tree National park.
One of the best things we can do as outdoors people is introducing others to new outdoor activities and new trails, crags, or campsites.
Take someone camping for the first time. Or if you’ve mostly hiked and haven’t camped before, give camping a try!
Feel confident about camping and want something new? Try camping in winter.
6) Get a women’s bike seat that doesn’t hurt
Your bicycle saddle should not feel so uncomfortable that you shift your position or weight to avoid sensations. Photo by Catherine Harnden.
Your PSA that riding a bike doesn't have to be painful. If discomfort is keeping you off your bike, know that there are now designs for women's bike seats that don’t hurt.
7) Try something really out there
You never know what your next new favorite hobby will be. Photo by Kate Butler.
Check out our beginner's guides to things like rock climbing or ice climbing. We spell out all the steps, tell you what to expect, and walk you through what guides will teach you. Our entire How To section delves into new activities and ways to level up your game on old favorites.
8) Dehydrate your own camping and backpacking meals
A top view of the Nesco loaded with some fresh hummus ready for dehydration. Photo courtesy Melissa Spencer.
Using a home food dehydrator on leftovers is easier than you may think. The meals are better than what you can get in the store. Plus, they’re less expensive that pre-packaged meals and let’s you control the ingredients you want to eat (with none of the stuff you don’t like).
9) support a friend on a race or thru-hike
Crewing at big races is fun. Here, the pacer is fueling up, the crew's flagging Rachel in (and cheering her on!). Snacks and hot drinks are ready for all.
Being there for them on trail or during a race means more to them you know. See our tips on how to crew a friend on an ultramarathon or support a friend or family member on a thru-hike.
10) Keep up that running habit
With the right skills and gear, you can enjoy the beauty of nature year-round. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Run even when it's cold, raining, in the dark, when it's very hot, and when I'm on vacation.
11) Have better backcountry nutrition
Learn what to eat on a thru-hike from vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, and gluten-free backpackers.
12) Do some self-care for your feet
Treeline Review writer Felicia Hermosillo elevates her feet during a snack break on the Idaho Centennial Trail. Photo by Naomi Hudetz
No more blisters. No more pain. Read up on our step-by-step footcare tips for hikers and backpackers.
13) Be a pro at gift giving for your outdoorsy friends
Treeline Review writer Dani Reyes-Acosta and other Treeline Review snow sport enthusiasts share their favorite gear items of the season in this gift guide. Photo courtesy Dani Reyes-Acosta
Sharing is caring. Get inspiration in our Gift Guides–for skiers, hikers, runners, campers, backpackers, and mountain bikers.
14) Buy that dream gear that has been on the list forever–and find it on sale
Treeline Review writer Kate Hoch scored a dream gear item.
Find a smokin' deal. Our Deals page tracks discounts on gear we recommend to alert you when good things are available below the listed price.
15) Track your fitness levels
Sleep details were a surprising favorite feature of the Garmin Instinct 2S Solar. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
A hiking or backpacking GPS watch can help monitor where you are now and coach you where you want to go. Monitor changes in your heart rate, oxygen absorption, and sleep rates. An affordable running watch can level up your run.
16) Do yoga
Yoga can be done almost anywhere. Every small effort is beneficial. Photo courtesy Nina Pileggi.
Because you know it's good for your hiking and great for your skiing.
17) Take a trip solo
Treeline Review writer Nicole Snell feeling confident at a solo camping site.
Try solo camping, road tripping, or hiking. Feel safe doing it.
18) Find a new adventure and go on it
The author, Liz Thomas, at Thousand Island Lakes on the John Muir Trail. Photo by Liz Thomas.
Our Where to Go section has trip ideas for hiking, rafting, bikepacking, and day hiking.
19) Carry out used TP and/or use a wag bag when required
The Restop 2 waste bag system folds down to pocket-size…before use. Here it is in Buckskin Gulch/Paria Canyon, a route that requires packing it in, packing it out. Photo by Kate Hoch.
Do your part to keep natural areas free of waste. Carrying out TP or using a human waste bag (WAG bag) where it is required reduces our impact on the land.
20) Do some trail maintenance volunteer work for your favorite trail organization
Give back to the places you love.
21) Tell your congressperson that you support the Outdoors for All Act
It only takes 5 minutes and can bring the joy of the outdoors to more people. Learn about the Outdoors for All Act here, how it's funded, and what it does to increase accessibility of the outdoors.
