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Pre-Trip Planning for
Outdoor Adventures
The following is a suggested plan, you
must modify it for your specific needs and the terrain that you will be
traversing. THINK SAFETY FIRST.
(A.) Make a check list of the items
to carry in your pack.
Make two sets of check boxes, check
the first box when you choose the item and then when you pack it, check off the
second box. Go over each item carefully before you pack it to insure its
reliability, quality and the quantity. Think through your trip with the
checklist.
Pack things in logistical order of
need. Practice packing and unpacking. Make sure your load is evenly distributed.
Time spent before you go will make the trip more enjoyable and make you more
aware of your pack and its contents.
(B.) Check all your equipment
carefully, at least twice:
- Bring a good survival kit and first
aid kit. Know what is in each kit, where it is packed and how to use all the
items.
- Bring good rain gear and wind
protection. Do not forget a hat. It is much easier to keep yourself dry and
warm than it is to get dry and warm after a sudden change in the weather.
- Make sure your choice of footwear
is broken in and appropriate. Walk a mile in your boots around town before
you have to walk a mile or more in the wilderness. Choose good socks with
moisture wicking capabilities to keep you feet dry and warm.
- Consider the weight and durability
to all equipment. A pound in your pack translates to ten pounds of pressure
on your back and on your feet. Don't under pack or over pack, take what you
really feel that you will need. THINK this through.
(C.) Take the time to research your
destination/activity:
- Review guidebooks, maps, etc.. Know
the area, as you may have to rely on this information for your survival.
- Discuss your plans with people
knowledgeable in the area that you are venturing into. Know the area well,
before it knows you.
- Write down your itinerary in as
much detail as possible.
- Check probable weather conditions
by calling ahead and by watching or reading national weather forecasts.
(D.) Practice packing, whether
going for a day or a week:
- Move all your heavy items toward
your center of gravity; for men, this is high and forward and for women, it
tends to be lower towards the small of the back.
- Put your maps, trial guide, water,
camera, rain gear, fuel bottle and personal safety items and space blanket
in the outside compartments of your pack where you can easily get to them
and where the wet items will not leak.
- Place your change of clothes on the
bottom of the pack, under your food supply, stove, cooking utensils. Usually
you will only need these when you stop and can make the time to unpack.
- Lash your tent, sleeping bag and
pads on the outside of the pack in a position where they are out of the way
for your outside compartments and do not restrict your movement.
(E.) Do not overlook special items
you may need:
- Winter Items: Extra dark
sunglasses, snow shovel, high energy drink, extra pot for melting snow, over
mitts, gaiters, etc.
- Hunting: Extra ammo, knife
sharpener, space blanket on which to clean your game, wet naps for personal
clean up.
- THE 10 ESSENTIALS: Place in
a poly zip bag or other suitable lightweight container in an outside
compartment of your pack: (1) an extra supply of water (2) waterproof
matches and tinder (3) topographic map of area (4) compass (5) basic first
aid kit (6) whistle and/or signal mirror (7) 50 feet of nylon cord (8)
pocket knife (9) space blanket (10) a couple of high energy food bars.
(F.) Let a responsible person know
your itinerary:
- Leave a full written itinerary with
a friend that you can trust to follow up. Set time deadlines that you will
be back or when you will call. It is better to be safe than dangerously
sorry.
- Explain how you are traveling, who
with and when you will return. Stick to your planned itinerary as much as
possible.
- Leave information concerning your
special medical needs.
- Check into and out of any
wilderness area with the park rangers or other authorities.
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