10 Things to Look for in Your Ideal Adventure Partner

Great adventure partners are rare gems. They’re the ones who align with your goals, are reliable on and off the trail, and don’t mind the occasional smell of well-worn hiking boots. High in the alpine—or anywhere wild—finding someone like this means more than shared interests. Mornings will be brain-disablingly early, some adventures will unexpectedly continue long after sunset, and there’s always the possibility that one of you will forget your car keys on the summit.

But through thick and thin, an ideal partner will make the wilderness more fun, more safe, and get you psyched for the next adventure. Here are some traits to look for in your perfect adventure buddy.

1. They Complain About the Right Things

No one loves a chronic complainer. True, there are things worth whining about (mostly traffic and marmots eating your gear). But once it’s go time, your ideal adventure partner won’t be complaining that the trail is too steep, the wind too cold, or the river too deep. They’ll complain nary a peep about a long belay or the fact you’re mashing through 7-foot tall willows in a septic-smelling swamp.

They will, however, let you know if there are real concerns—like their fingers are about to freeze off or they have a blister the size of the great spot of Jupiter on their heel. Selective, tactful complaining can go a long way. If neither of you slept the night before because the tent blew over, it’s not really worth mentioning. If your tent is still standing but there’s a family of bears sleeping inside, then it’s okay to complain a little.

2. They’re Chill About the “Altitude Effects”

Altitude does funny things to the digestive system. Enough said. A considerate partner will at least half-unzip from their sleeping bag and air out an open tent door, versus letting it rip and hoping that the insulating properties of their bag will somehow contain the funk of a half-dozen vaporized granola bars. The right adventure partner embraces the reality of mountain life—sometimes, things get a little ripe, and that’s okay.

3. They Take Killer Photos

It’s a lot of work to get to the top of that mountain. What’s worse than a friend who takes a picture that’s an extreme close up of your sweaty, weary face and a sliver of blue sky, and no identifying geography to be seen? That picture might has just as well have been taken at the duck pond or in the grocery store parking lot. A good adventure buddy maximizes your heroic poses, or at least waits until you’re finished chewing your Snickers before taking the photo. They know that the person with the longer arms should take the selfie and sometimes it’s better to leave those sunglasses on.

4. They Get You, Down to the Weird Details

When you’re out in the wild, you’re not just hiking together—you’re reading each other’s vibes. Maybe you have a habit of quoting obscure 80s TV shows when the altitude hits. The best adventure partners know your quirks and can recognize when something’s off. They’re in sync with your energy levels and know when to suggest a break or when to push through.

5. They’re Cool with Your Playlist

Here’s a hypothetical situation: you happen to like getting pumped up with sweet guitar riffs, blazing double bass drums, and a face-melting, shredding solo. They like listening to some wimpy, acoustic guy in flannel strumming toothless tunes and whining about his feelings. In fact, the music they like rarely mentions battling the grim reaper while wielding the sword of Odin under the full moon. So what do you do? Meet in the middle and listen to The Who? Audiobooks? Headphones? You’re likely going to be stuck in the car a lot, so whatever you decide, it will likely be a compromise. It might be worth sticking to podcasts. Or if you must, you can pretend to like their musical offerings (feel free to call it “so deep”) knowing full well you’ll be blasting the first four Black Sabbath albums as soon as you get home. 

6. You Share a Similar Mindset

From summit-chasers to wildflower admirers, everyone’s adventure goals are different. A great adventure partner aligns with your pace and philosophy, whether you’re pushing hard for a peak or taking it slow to soak in the scenery. Communication is key; even if your plans differ, being on the same page from the start makes the day more enjoyable.

7. They Love Your Dog (or at Least Tolerate Them)

For many adventurers, a four-legged friend is part of the package. If your partner is also a dog lover, that’s a win. If not, maybe you can plan for technical scrambles or simply make time for hikes without your canine companions. After all, not every trail is pup-friendly, and sometimes it’s best to go solo with your furry companion.

8. They’re Honest About Their Abilities

There’s nothing worse than finding out your partner isn’t as experienced as they claimed—especially when you’re halfway up a dicey, exposed 4th class scramble. Likewise, you owe it to your buddy to not say “I can ski about anything” and then balk when they point you down a 60-degree chute choked with boulders.

Be honest about what you’re really up for and ask your buddy what they are comfortable with. Not only is it safer, but it will also give you the chance to learn (or teach) someone how to overcome their fears or develop a new skill.

9. They Make You Laugh

Spend enough time in the mountains and you’ll learn to appreciate a bit of levity. For example, you break your derailleur clean off your bike at mile 20 of a 40-mile mountain bike loop. It’s going to be a long day. Having a partner who can lighten the mood when things are getting unpleasant can make a sufferfest a little more endurable. Make sure they know your sense of humor though, because this one can backfire and turn you into a raging ball of nasty. I can’t help but get a laugh when the line, “This was your stupid idea” is uttered.

10. They Own a Giant Mansion in a Ski Town You Are Welcome to Use at Any Time

Ok, maybe this one is reaching. A more modest request: they have an old tent and they’ll let you borrow it if you need it. It’s nice to have friends in high places, but a buddy who will camp out with you in sub-zero temps in your Honda Accord in order to catch the first ski runs of a day is a true adventure companion worth keeping.

A true adventure partner makes even the most rugged trails feel like home—keep them by your side for every journey.