Several years ago, as I was diving into the world of adventure, I was introduced to the concept of micro-adventures. Alastair Humphreys is a human of the grandest and smallest adventures out there. I highly recommend checking him out and his book, Micro-Adventures, where coined the term and revamped backyard adventures in the UK. Some of the after-work adventures are silly, meanwhile, some of them are quite the challenge. In the United States, we would call a micro-adventurer a weekend warrior, but there is a difference.
Kristin Riegel enjoying a night under the stars in Joshua Tree National Park, CA. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Micro-Adventurer vs Weekend Warrior
Okay, yes, some of you might say that I am splitting hairs here, but I truly believe there is a difference in the mindset of a micro-adventurer and a weekend warrior. So, what is the difference? A weekend warrior lives for the 57 hours they have from the end of work on Friday until they begin work again on Monday. Meanwhile, a micro-adventurer isn’t afraid to make the most of any opportunity, no matter how small. Heck, you could have a micro-adventure during your lunchtime break if you wanted!
Are you a micro-adventurer or a weekend warrior?
Are you more inclined towards quick escapes or epic expeditions? Here's how to discern if you're a micro-adventurer or a weekend warrior:
Time Frame: Do you prefer short, spontaneous adventures (micro-adventurer) or longer, planned excursions (weekend warrior)?
Distance: Are you drawn to nearby experiences (micro-adventurer) or do you seek remote destinations (weekend warrior)?
Intensity: Do you enjoy moderate challenges (micro-adventurer) or crave extreme adventures (weekend warrior)?
Frequency: Do you seek frequent but brief escapes (micro-adventurer) or plan fewer but more significant trips (weekend warrior)?
Preparation: Are you comfortable with minimal gear and planning (micro-adventurer) or do you thrive on detailed preparations (weekend warrior)?
What is a Micro-Adventure?
A micro-adventure is a mindset and physical outing directed to exploring. Since these are small, most micro-adventures will happen in your backyard, wherever that be. Now, some people will be luckier than others because of where they live, but even a city-dweller can have micro-adventures. The goal is to change your perspective on your current life situation and push yourself to go. Most of the time a micro-adventure will leave you asking yourself, “why would I ever do that?” The answer is “because it sounds like fun… kind of.”
How to Become a Micro-Adventurer?
While having a badge, sticker, or challenge to say “I am a micro-adventurer” would be a great community builder, the fact is, it hasn't happened, yet. Or, maybe the muddy shoes and frizzled hair at work is the badge of honor. Regardless there isn’t glory, nor is there any financial gain, but you will do some pretty fun things! In the beginning, most of your friends will think you are crazy, just embrace the confusion. So, to begin keep your micro-adventures simple. Come up with a micro-adventure, I suggest doing it with a friend and trying it out. Keep it local, keep it simple, keep it fun! Below is a list of micro-adventures for you to try, all of them are accessible in some kind of capacity, but they do require you to get creative… but that is the point of a micro-adventure.
After-work Micro-Adventures
Rappel down a canyon
Ride your bike to the woods
Weekend Micro-Adventures
Paddle down a river with friends
Load up a pack, walk out your front door, and don’t come back until after work on Monday
Head to a lake, or pond, and catch your own food and sleep in a tent
Climb a mountain, sleep on top, come back to work a little bit stinky
Sleeping in tents under the milky-way in the High Sierra Mountains, CA. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Yup, you might seem crazy to your friends when you ask them to join you, but you just might be! Tell your friends about the trip and share the stories you accumulate. Micro-adventures are a reset to the daily grind, an opportunity for you to hit that reset button and lower your stress levels. Sleeping outdoors, under the stars, you’ll have a perspective change. You’ll appreciate your hot shower a little bit more. You’ll realize how easy it is to cook on a stove, with pots, in comparison to roasting a fish over a fire. So, stop waiting and start planning for your after-work adventure tomorrow. Get outside, explore your backyard, and have a blast!
