If you work a 40 hour week in an office, how can you best prepare for a weekend outside? And does that preparation actually make a difference? Here are ten questions I ask myself before heading out. They help guide me towards an objective and minimise missing out on crucial outdoor time.

I’m using pictures of this weekend just gone as examples – both were photography hikes with specific objectives in mind. One of these was in the Peak District, the other on the Leeds Liverpool Canal just outside of Leeds itself.

Question 1: What are my ‘Digital End Points’ for the hikes?

If you’re hiking for fun you might post something on social media afterwards. If you’re posting as part of professional development, you’ll want it to be the highest quality possible with the most focused of purposes. This includes the type of YouTube video I’m putting together, what kind of Insta posts I want to communicate and the type of blog I’d like to write. Maybe I want a particular shot to upload or a famous landmark at dawn etc. Learning about the digital aspect of an outdoor role is a huge learning curve and is best done gradually, one adventure at a time.

Question 2: Do I have a route planned?

For my guidebook, I will need to have done a thorough recce of a particular (very niche) area before heading out for a photo shoot. For a Quality Lowland Day, there’s a specific amount of detail that needs to be included and this will require research before the route ’emerges’ from the pre-walk reading and reflection.

Question 3: Do I need any new maps? Have I marked the route clearly on them?

I mark all my routes in permanent marker on the actual paper map. Yes, I know it’s a horrifying thing to do but it’s a lot better in my opinion than ‘cutting up your map’ (!!??) into the tiny section you’ll need on the day. I prefer to have the entire map, neatly folded, with the route clearly defined so I don’t get confused during any times of difficult nav. I mark ‘escape routes’ in a different colour in case I get in trouble and need to end the walk early. I also go on Google StreetView for any road sections so I am familiar with them before the trail. The devil is in such detail as that.

Question 4: Is my kit ready?

Headtorch charged? Jacket re-waterproofed? Compass working properly? First aid kit replenished? etc. I have a list with all my kit kept in one plastic box. No hunting through cupboards, drawers etc the night before. I can be packed and ready in under 15 mins.

Question 5: Do I know how to get to the start?

Driving for me, especially in the dark, is by far the most stressful part of the trip. Where am I going? Where precisely is the car park? I actually Google StreetView EVERY junction between my home and the destination. Primarily because my SatNav does not work very well. But this helps to build up a mental map of the road system which can be useful especially with road diversions and other unforeseen problems.

Question 6: What is the weather forecast?

Usually a Thursday evening job. I get to find out if I’m doing a sunrise photo shoot or a Quality Day (I prefer doing these in ‘bad’ weather). I check MetOffice and MWIS (Mountain Weather Information Service). Over time you figure out the nuances in the forecast.

Question 7: What does the first ‘leg’ of the route look like?

Pre planning the first stretch of the journey in detail means you get started with nav and hiking immediately. No need to faff around, especially if it’s 3am and you can barely think about how to do your boots up never mind the precise bearing needed to get you out of the woodlands nearby! Use OS software to see aerial shots of terrain and the ‘scars’ of paths over the landscape. Gather as much detail as you can before setting off.

Question 8: Either I’m navigating or I’m doing photography. Do I have my kit to hand?

There’s no point in going out to do photography if your camera is in your bag the entire time. I have a habit of putting a camera on the passenger seat of my car when I’m off to do a sunrise shoot. I then hold one for the full journey. I’ll know the entire route through a previous recce, the exact time I need to get to the point I’m photographing, and precisely where I’m having rests etc. It’s all totally timed, planned, scouted and considered.

Question 9: Do I have a written task list?

I have a ‘Rite in the Rain’ notepad which I use to write a task list on. It is a chronological reminder of what to do, where, and when with Digital End Points in mind. These points could be for the purposes of my logbook towards a qualification, or they could be for the purposes of trying to create a visually engaging guidebook.

Question 10: Am I 100% ready 24 hours before?

It is possible to be TOTALLY ready an entire day before if you have a process/method and resources sorted. That means food bought in, kit maintained, route created.

All of this could sound a bit over the top for many, but I have found that having a structure to follow ensures that all of the tiny details that make a big difference are sorted out before hitting the trail. By focusing on the end point right from the start, and working ‘back’ from that, you can really see any gaps in your prep and focus on these.

I have a point at which mentally I am fully committed – when I put my shoes on ready to go to the car/train/bus. Until that point it’s just a plan. Other people will have a different point at which they commit to seeing something through.

Bonus question after the adventure: What could I do better next time?

You don’t develop with anything unless you take time to reflect on what you have done and how you feel you can proceed next. All of us can improve in what we do, even if I just a minor edit to something. I am acutely aware that I’m not the best blogger, photographer, hiker, film-maker or teacher however everyone has to start somewhere!

Maybe try some of these questions for your own adventures! Maybe you’ll get to enjoy a great sunrise or a next step towards your outdoor qualifications.