Alright, let me tell you about getting ready for one of my trips, the kind where you really don’t see another soul for days. It wasn’t my first time going remote, but every time, I treat the planning like it’s the most important thing I’ll do all week, ’cause it kinda is.
First off, I spent a good chunk of time just looking at maps. Not just the trail map, but topographical ones too. I wanted to understand the terrain, figure out where the water sources should be, where I might find shelter if things went south. I marked out my intended route, but also noted potential escape routes or shortcuts, just in case.
Then came the gear check. I laid everything out on the living room floor. My pack, tent, sleeping bag, stove – the usual suspects. I checked every seam, zipper, and buckle. Found a small tear in my rain jacket once doing this – glad I caught it before I was getting soaked miles from anywhere. Fixed that right up.
Packing the Essentials – Beyond the Basics
Food planning was next. I calculated calories pretty carefully. Needed enough energy, but didn’t want to haul extra weight. Lots of calorie-dense stuff: nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, pasta. I repackaged everything to minimize bulk and trash.
But the real crucial stuff? Safety gear. My process looked something like this:
- Navigation: I took my map, sealed in a waterproof case. Took my compass, and made sure I remembered how to use it properly. Yeah, I have GPS on my phone and a dedicated GPS unit, but batteries die. A map and compass don’t. I practiced some basic orienteering in a local park beforehand just to refresh my memory. Felt a bit daft, but essential.
- First Aid: I didn’t just grab a store-bought kit. I built my own over the years. Packed plenty of blister care – learned that lesson the hard way. Added extra painkillers, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, medical tape, tweezers, trauma shears, and some basic meds I might need. Tailored it to the potential risks of that specific area.
- Communication: Knew my phone would be a paperweight pretty quickly. So, I rented a satellite messenger. Let me send pre-set “I’m okay” messages and, critically, had an SOS button connected to emergency services. Tested it before I left cell service.
- Water Filter: Packed my trusty water filter and chemical backup tablets. Drank only treated water, no matter how pristine a stream looked. Getting sick out there is a fast track to a bad situation.
- Illumination: Headlamp, obviously. And spare batteries. Then a tiny backup light, just in case.
- Shelter & Warmth: Even for a summer trip, I packed layers. Weather changes fast in the mountains. Included an emergency bivy sack – super lightweight, but could be a lifesaver if I got caught out overnight unexpectedly.
Before I even stepped out the door, I left a detailed itinerary with my partner. This included the map with my route, expected campsites each night, and a “call the cavalry” date – the latest I expected to be back or make contact. If they didn’t hear from me by then, they knew who to call and where to send them looking.
Out on the Trail – Staying Alert
Once I was actually hiking, it was all about paying attention. I constantly checked my map against the terrain features around me. Made sure I was where I thought I was. Kept an eye on the sky, watching for weather changes. Listened to the sounds around me – amazing what you notice when it’s quiet.
Setting up camp each night wasn’t just about finding a flat spot. I looked for potential hazards: dead trees or branches overhead (called ‘widowmakers’ for a reason), signs of animal trails too close, proximity to water (not too close, respecting the animals’ space and avoiding flash flood zones). I cooked and stored my food well away from my tent to avoid attracting unwanted visitors.
I remember one afternoon, the fog rolled in incredibly thick, visibility dropped to maybe 20 feet. My plan was to push on another couple of miles, but I couldn’t see the trail markers well, couldn’t see the terrain ahead. Felt a bit frustrated, but decided to stop. Found a reasonably sheltered spot, hunkered down, and just waited. It delayed me, sure, but pushing on blind in that kind of situation is how people get properly lost or walk off ledges. Patience is a safety tool too.
So yeah, that’s basically it. Lots of planning beforehand, checking gear meticulously, packing the right safety equipment, letting someone know your plans, and then just being constantly aware when you’re out there. It’s not about being paranoid, it’s about being prepared and respectful of the environment. It lets me enjoy the solitude and beauty without taking stupid risks. That’s how I’ve managed to keep doing these trips and always come back in one piece.
