Plan your hike: Essential tips and trail planning

Plan every hike as though it is your first

It doesn’t matter if you are going for a half hour stroll or a multi-day trek, the principles are still the same…

Plan your Hike

  • Will this be a solo or group hike?
  • Research your trip using a current map and advice from experience walkers and local authorities.
  • Understand the environment you are entering and risks associated with it, plan for the unexpected.
  • Emergency response / rescue can take time always have an emergency plan factored into your trip.
  • Know how to access local emergency response via phone and/or radio.
  • Leave a hard copy of your plan in your vehicle and with a reliable contact person.
  • Fill out trip intentions books at the start of trips and in huts if available.
  • Notify your contact person(s) if you change your plans.
  • Submit your trip intentions by downloading and completing this form.
  • If you own a PLB ensure that is is registered and on every remote trip register your intentions here.

Your fitness and experience (or that of your groups weakest link)

Check the weather forecast

  • Always check a current weather report but do not rely on it, plan for worst-case scenario by carrying extra food, water, clothing and equipment.
  • Consider aborting your trip if dangerous weather is forecast. This could include conditions like heatwaves, fires, floods, extreme winds or extreme cold.

What equipment should you take?

  • Always carry maps and a compass, and know how to use them for navigation.
  • GPS and mobile phones can help but they do not replace experience.
  • Clubs can be a good way to advance your experience and knowledge.

Food and water requirements

  • Always carry sufficient water for trip – day and overnight trips
  • Carry more water than you’ll need, plan for emergencies.
  • Stay hydrated and do not rely on creeks unless you have reliable information.
  • As with water carry sufficient food for the trip and pack extra in case of emergencies.

Shelter and clothing requirements

  • Dress for conditions, bring extra and have wet weather clothing available.
  • Always have enough to cover you for the worst-case scenario.
  • Weather conditions in wilderness environments are sometime unpredictable.

Let someone know before you go

  • You should always plan for the unplanned.
  • Always leave trip intention forms with someone who can raise the alarm if you do not make it back in time.
  • Always pack extra food, water and clothes for inclement conditions.
  • You never know when the weather might change.

While this list is not conclusive I hope it gives you the general idea that planning is the single most important aspect of anything you do.

13 thoughts on “Plan your hike: Essential tips and trail planning”

  1. Yeah Darren. Good point that Nicolas makes. It’d be like calling waking through the bush, BUSH WALKING. Nicolas dontt be such a dickhead. Darren it is a great name and the idiots who want to argue over a name can get stuffed. You are right not to respond, comments like the ones Nicolas has made are generally made by keyboard warriors with nothing better to contribute. Keep up the great work Darren.

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