Backcountry Safety: The Trip Nobody Has to Rescue

Who this is for

Hikers and campers moving from established campgrounds to real backcountry, and anyone who has started going out without cell service.

What you will be able to do

• Plan a trip with real margins and a trip plan somebody holds
• Read developing weather from what you can see
• Treat water correctly for the threat you are facing
• Store food so wildlife stays wild
• Navigate with map, compass and a phone that might die
• Make and hold turnaround decisions under pressure

The curriculum

1. Trip planningMargins, bail points and leaving a plan behind
2. Weather in terrainClouds, pressure and convection timing
3. LightningTerrain risk, timing and what to do if caught
4. Water treatmentThreats, methods and contact times
5. Food storageCanisters, lockers, hangs and the local rule
6. Wildlife encountersBears, moose, snakes and distance
7. NavigationMap, compass, and a phone as a backup not a plan
8. Getting foundSignals, staying put and what rescuers need
9. Cold and heatRecognizing the early stages in yourself and others
10. Group decision makingWhy groups push past the turnaround
11. The go or no go callBuilding a rule you will actually follow