2. Planning Your Route Map (make copies: You, companions, friends/family at home) Plot your course: -Think about terrain, difficulties (river crossings, ascent/descent, possible risks) Pick a Route best suited to your physical and mental preparedness.

3. Mental Preparedness: Literature/Skills Before you think about going into the Backcountry think about what skills you need and learn them. Books can help but nothing will replace instruction from a Pro. MEC, ACC, International Association of Mountain Guides, etc.

4. Research Methods Internet (Parks, Associations, Guiding Organizations, the Government) Guide Books Phone (best method!)

5. International Trips Insurance Access/Political Instability Local Customs/Laws Communication and Transportation Currency Fees Your conditioning and ability to attempt the trip Is it worth it?

6. Domestic Trips Access Park Fees/Local Fees Communication and Transportation Your conditioning and ability to attempt the trip Is it worth it?

7. Planning Your Route

8. Itinerary Obtain a trip plan (www.adventuresmart.ca/trip_safety/planning.php)

9. Itinerary Obtain a trip plan (www.adventuresmart.ca/trip_safety/planning.php) Make a copy of your map with your proposed trail indicated and leave with the Trip Plan

10. Itinerary Obtain a trip plan (www.adventuresmart.ca/trip_safety/planning.php) Make a copy of your map with your proposed route indicated and leave with the Trip Plan If a multi-day trip, indicate on the Plan your proposed itinerary, and leave with a friend

11. Itinerary Obtain a trip plan (www.adventuresmart.ca/trip_safety/planning.php) Make a copy of your map with your proposed route indicated and leave with the Trip Plan If a multi-day trip, indicate on the Plan your proposed itinerary, and leave with a friend Try and stick to the itinerary, route, and plan. If you deviate, this may effect rescuers ability to locate you if you are overdue

12. Environmental Issues Always take the Environment into Account: If you need to, only go with the most up to date Avalanche, Tidal, Weather, Rain, information (MEC has a complete listing of links for all of these things) Take the worst-case as the probable case and pack/prepare for that eventuality.

13. Camping 101 – Remember: Be Prepared Plan Your Trip (Gear, Itinerary, Safety, Everything) Think! Have Fun!!!!