Req 1c — Trip Planning & Prevention

A trip plan is your insurance policy against getting lost or stranded. It tells someone where you’re going, when you’ll be back, and what to do if you don’t return on time. It also forces you to think through your route, check weather, and ensure you have the right gear. Most wilderness emergencies are preventable with good planning.

What a Trip Plan Includes

Route and Destination

Write down exactly where you’re going. Not “the mountains”—specific trailheads, peaks, campsites, or landmarks. Include the total distance and estimated hiking time. Mark your planned route on a map and keep a copy with your trip plan.

Why it matters: Rescuers need to know where to look. A specific route helps them search efficiently instead of combing hundreds of square miles.

Participants

List everyone going: full names, ages, experience level, and emergency contact information for each person. Note any medical conditions or allergies.

Why it matters: Rescuers know how many people to look for and can contact families immediately. Medical information helps them provide appropriate care.

Timeline

Plan your departure and return times. Include estimated arrival at major checkpoints (if hiking a long distance, note where you’ll be at midday). Be realistic about pace—it’s better to plan for slow hiking and arrive early than the reverse.

Why it matters: If you’re not back by a specific time, someone will know to alert rescuers. Checkpoints help rescuers narrow down your location if you’re overdue.

Vehicle and Communications

Note what vehicle you’re taking, its license plate, and where it will be parked. Include a phone number to call (yours or a family member’s). Note whether you’ll have cell service and any communication devices you’re bringing (satellite messenger, PLB).

Why it matters: Rescuers can locate your vehicle and know how to contact you or your emergency contact.

Equipment and Supplies

List major gear items and supplies you’re bringing—especially shelter, water treatment, food, first aid, and navigation tools. Note the condition of gear (new, tested, any known issues).

Why it matters: Rescuers know what resources you have. If you’re found, they know what gear to expect you to have.

Weather Plan

Check the forecast and note expected conditions. Include a plan for what you’ll do if weather deteriorates (turn back, hunker down, etc.).

Why it matters: Rescuers know what conditions you’re facing and can anticipate what problems might arise.

How a Trip Plan Prevents Emergencies

Accountability

Someone knows where you are. If you don’t return by a certain time, rescuers are alerted quickly instead of you being missing for days before anyone notices.

Route Awareness

Planning your route forces you to study maps, check distances, and identify hazards. You might discover you’ve chosen a route that’s too difficult or crosses avalanche terrain. Better to find out before you go.

Supplies Check

Writing down what you’re bringing reminds you to pack everything. It’s easy to forget items until you see a detailed checklist.

Mental Preparation

Thinking through the trip helps you mentally prepare. You anticipate challenges and plan how to handle them. This calm, deliberate thinking prevents panic if problems arise.

Bailout Options

A good trip plan identifies bailout points—places where you can turn back if things aren’t going well. Knowing you can safely abandon the trip if needed takes pressure off and helps you make good decisions.

Creating Your Trip Plan

Your trip plan doesn’t need to be fancy. A simple form works fine — use the printable worksheet below to get started. The key is covering all the bases: who’s going, where, when, what you’re bringing, and what to do if things go wrong.

Leave the completed form with a responsible adult who will contact rescuers if you don’t return by your planned time. Give them a specific time after which they should alert authorities (e.g., “If we’re not back by 6 PM, call the ranger station”).

Special Considerations

Winter Trips

Include avalanche danger assessment, snowfall forecast, and any special winter skills required. Note where you’ll shelter if an avalanche occurs or weather forces you to stop.

Solo Trips

Never go alone into the wilderness. If you absolutely must, leave an extremely detailed trip plan and call your contact person as soon as you return. Solo trips carry much higher risk—rescuers won’t know where to look until you’re overdue, and by then, a bad situation may be critical.

Technical Trips

If you’re rock climbing, mountaineering, or backcountry skiing, include specific hazards (crevasse fields, steep terrain, water crossings). Note climbing routes, estimated time on each pitch, and where you’ll bivy if you’re stuck overnight.

Extended Trips

The longer your trip, the more detailed your plan should be. Multi-day trips should include daily itineraries, camping locations, and daily check-in times if possible.