For many, the internet isn't just a virtual space with a wealth of information, but also their primary source of advice. Today, thousands of people Google and search various websites for information on how to accomplish specific tasks, what decisions to make in a particular situation, and where to buy the right product.
Sometimes, they even consult the internet when preparing for various outdoor activities. In this case, among the wealth of valuable information, you're bound to find hundreds of useless tips. The most surprising of these are collected in this article.
Advice on preparing for various outdoor activities is common online. The most unhelpful of these recommends that those who have previously enjoyed outdoor activities avoid any preparation altogether. The authors explain this by citing experience as a key factor in overcoming any challenges that may arise.
However, in reality, a lack of preparation will only create a multitude of problems. A lack of valuable resources (such as water), unfamiliarity with the terrain, and minimal awareness of potential hazards can all turn an outdoor adventure into a struggle for survival.
Experienced outdoor enthusiasts have at least once encountered a situation where the weather forecast predicted a sunny day, only to be met with heavy rain or snow. This has prompted numerous online messages urging people to ignore weather forecasts.
In most cases, this unhelpful advice only led to further problems, resulting from the foregoing of raincoats, warm clothing, and other essential items. These cases demonstrate the importance of studying weather forecasts. While they are not always accurate, they generally provide a general idea of potential weather surprises.
The internet is full of articles and videos about how outdoor enthusiasts can tackle dozens of tasks with a single utility knife. These authors often urge people to leave behind numerous other items, as they'll supposedly add extra weight to their backpack.
Such advice is incredibly pointless, as in reality, countless tasks can't be accomplished with a single knife. Starting a fire, building a rain shelter, and cooking are just a few of the most obvious examples.
Various outdoor activities are, first and foremost, a respite from the hustle and bustle of city streets. Some interpret this statement differently, urging people to renounce all ties to civilisation during their vacations. They believe this is the only way to experience the unique atmosphere and achieve a sense of oneness with nature. However, in reality, this useless advice from the internet only creates danger. Without communication, even a simple deviation from the planned route or a minor injury can be fatal.
Even on reputable websites, you can often find useless advice on how to handle emergencies. One such piece of advice is the need to keep moving forward if you lose your bearings or stray from a familiar path. The authors of such advice believe that this is the only way for people in difficult situations to find a road or settlement.
In reality, following these useless recommendations will only make the problem worse, as you could find a river, a swamp, thickets teeming with dangerous creatures, impassable mountains, or other obstacles ahead. What's the correct course of action in such situations? Stay put and wait for help. If you have GPS equipment and night-vision optics, your chances of survival will increase.
Insects are always a significant annoyance in nature. They attack people in huge numbers, creating not only discomfort but also numerous dangers (for example, the risk of contracting various diseases). To avoid encounters with hordes of insects, people often recommend simply not being afraid of them online. This unhelpful advice suggests that these tiny pests supposedly sense fear and insecurity in humans.
However, the reality is quite different. Insects only detect heat, carbon dioxide, and the odour emanating from your skin. Because of this, they will attack you even when you're not afraid of them. The only thing that will help is using specialised insect repellents.
Various outdoor activities involve close contact with wildlife. This means you may find yourself near wild animals at any time. While squirrels, hares, or hamsters are unlikely to harm you, bears, wolves, or large cats might.
For this reason, online advice recommends not to show aggression. This is supposedly enough to avoid attacks. However, in reality, wild animals can be dangerous even without human aggression. Hunger, protection of offspring, or protection of territory are the most common reasons for creating hazardous situations.
During outdoor events, there inevitably comes a time when it's too early to go home, but the chosen activity is impossible (due to fatigue, lack of resources, etc.). In this situation, online advisers often recommend extreme activities. They believe these are the only ways to provide new emotions and make the event even more memorable. Such unhelpful advice rarely leads to positive results. Without careful preparation, it most often results in injuries of varying severity.
The internet is a place where you can find a wealth of valuable information. When it comes to outdoor events, this can be the key to success and maximising your enjoyment. However, when searching, always be aware of the abundance of useless advice that you'll inevitably encounter, even on reputable websites. Such advice often ignores common sense and can be dangerous. Therefore, carefully study and filter all available information. Only then will you find the most valuable recommendations to help you host the outdoor event of your dreams
(Photo credit: Vanessa Garcia)
No preparation is necessary if you've been outdoors before
Advice on preparing for various outdoor activities is common online. The most unhelpful of these recommends that those who have previously enjoyed outdoor activities avoid any preparation altogether. The authors explain this by citing experience as a key factor in overcoming any challenges that may arise.
However, in reality, a lack of preparation will only create a multitude of problems. A lack of valuable resources (such as water), unfamiliarity with the terrain, and minimal awareness of potential hazards can all turn an outdoor adventure into a struggle for survival.
Forecasters are always wrong, so don't waste time studying weather forecasts
Experienced outdoor enthusiasts have at least once encountered a situation where the weather forecast predicted a sunny day, only to be met with heavy rain or snow. This has prompted numerous online messages urging people to ignore weather forecasts.
In most cases, this unhelpful advice only led to further problems, resulting from the foregoing of raincoats, warm clothing, and other essential items. These cases demonstrate the importance of studying weather forecasts. While they are not always accurate, they generally provide a general idea of potential weather surprises.
Take a utility knife and forget about dozens of other items
The internet is full of articles and videos about how outdoor enthusiasts can tackle dozens of tasks with a single utility knife. These authors often urge people to leave behind numerous other items, as they'll supposedly add extra weight to their backpack.
Such advice is incredibly pointless, as in reality, countless tasks can't be accomplished with a single knife. Starting a fire, building a rain shelter, and cooking are just a few of the most obvious examples.
Give up your communication devices if you want to have a good time outdoors
Various outdoor activities are, first and foremost, a respite from the hustle and bustle of city streets. Some interpret this statement differently, urging people to renounce all ties to civilisation during their vacations. They believe this is the only way to experience the unique atmosphere and achieve a sense of oneness with nature. However, in reality, this useless advice from the internet only creates danger. Without communication, even a simple deviation from the planned route or a minor injury can be fatal.
If you get lost, keep moving forward
Even on reputable websites, you can often find useless advice on how to handle emergencies. One such piece of advice is the need to keep moving forward if you lose your bearings or stray from a familiar path. The authors of such advice believe that this is the only way for people in difficult situations to find a road or settlement.
In reality, following these useless recommendations will only make the problem worse, as you could find a river, a swamp, thickets teeming with dangerous creatures, impassable mountains, or other obstacles ahead. What's the correct course of action in such situations? Stay put and wait for help. If you have GPS equipment and night-vision optics, your chances of survival will increase.
Don't be afraid of hordes of insects, and they won't bite you
Insects are always a significant annoyance in nature. They attack people in huge numbers, creating not only discomfort but also numerous dangers (for example, the risk of contracting various diseases). To avoid encounters with hordes of insects, people often recommend simply not being afraid of them online. This unhelpful advice suggests that these tiny pests supposedly sense fear and insecurity in humans.
However, the reality is quite different. Insects only detect heat, carbon dioxide, and the odour emanating from your skin. Because of this, they will attack you even when you're not afraid of them. The only thing that will help is using specialised insect repellents.
Don't be aggressive, and wild animals won't scare you
Various outdoor activities involve close contact with wildlife. This means you may find yourself near wild animals at any time. While squirrels, hares, or hamsters are unlikely to harm you, bears, wolves, or large cats might.
For this reason, online advice recommends not to show aggression. This is supposedly enough to avoid attacks. However, in reality, wild animals can be dangerous even without human aggression. Hunger, protection of offspring, or protection of territory are the most common reasons for creating hazardous situations.
If you're bored, try extreme sports
During outdoor events, there inevitably comes a time when it's too early to go home, but the chosen activity is impossible (due to fatigue, lack of resources, etc.). In this situation, online advisers often recommend extreme activities. They believe these are the only ways to provide new emotions and make the event even more memorable. Such unhelpful advice rarely leads to positive results. Without careful preparation, it most often results in injuries of varying severity.
The internet is a place where you can find a wealth of valuable information. When it comes to outdoor events, this can be the key to success and maximising your enjoyment. However, when searching, always be aware of the abundance of useless advice that you'll inevitably encounter, even on reputable websites. Such advice often ignores common sense and can be dangerous. Therefore, carefully study and filter all available information. Only then will you find the most valuable recommendations to help you host the outdoor event of your dreams
(Photo credit: Vanessa Garcia)
