Reminders
- Put your name on all your gear.
- Make sure each member of a group fills out all relevant portions of the form.
- Leaving a copy of this form with a friend (or two) is by far the most secure method, your vehicle and/or campsite are second best.
- Make sure to check in with your emergency contact as soon as you exit the backcountry.
- Shred the form once home.
Backcountry wisdom
- Constantly assess your circumstances, make decisions accordingly.
- Don't make impulse decisions, use common sense.
- Don't split up in emergency situations, stay together.
- Research your routes, have a backup plan in place.
- Communicate between one another, work as a team.
- Use some sort of backup safety device.
Creating Shoe Tread Images
This can be done at home (preferred option) or at the trailhead leaving the data card in car. Straight-on shots with a flash are useless due to low contrast. Turn off the flash and use side light (daylight) or another broad-but-directional light source; include a ruler in your photo if possible". Re-take the image as the sole wears over the life of the footwear; like a human face, the sole changes with time.
Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to leave a printed copy of this trip report with a trusted contact or at a location that will result in a search should you not return when planned. Information entered here is not monitored and will not trigger a search.