Why your outdoor recordings sound noisy

Start with the sound reaching the microphone.

Name the noise before changing settings

Wind buffeting, handling thumps and a distant road are different problems. Listen to a short test on headphones and describe what you hear. That description gives you a better next move than turning every control at once.

Compare two positions

Record a short test, change position and record another. Try a sheltered position or a location with a clearer relationship between the subject and unwanted sound. Keep the comparison small enough to hear what changed.

Make the device still

A recorder may capture movements you barely notice. Put it on a suitable support, begin recording and leave it alone for a useful stretch. Keep a little material before and after the sound you want.

Decide whether to keep the take

Listen for a usable interval. If the whole recording is dominated by a problem, another short outing may be more productive than extensive processing. Write down the change you want to test next time.

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Technical background: Cities and Memory field-recording starter guide.