Backpacking Tips - Keeping your Backpacking Trip Safe

Backpacking is meant to be adventurous and challenging, but that does not mean it has to be unsafe.  You are the main person responsible for your safety and for the safety of those around you.  You have to plan your activities wisely so you can make sure that you are ready for anything that could happen to threaten your safety.  By having a plan you will be able to focus on the actually joy of backpacking rather than worrying about the technical details once you get on the trail.

Your backpacking plan really has to do with staying safe.  Here are some things to keep in mind to help you plan a safe backpacking trip:

- Have maps of your planned route so you know exactly what to expect.
- Check out the predicted weather.
- If you are not comfortable with any part of your route or with the weather predictions then consider changing your plans. 
- Trust your inner feelings or gut instinct when out on the trail because it is usually right. 
- Be prepared for any weather changes. 
- Plan out each leg of your journey and include alternatives in case something does not work out. 
- Your actual plan should be a map marked with your stopping points and labeled to show when you will be walking each area.
- Let your family and friends know about your backpacking plans.  If something were to happen you would be more likely to be found if someone knows you should have been back from your trip.  Give them a copy of your route and let them know where you will be along the path at certain times during your trip.  Also make sure they know exactly when you should be home.

The main point of a backpacking plan is to help you stay safe.  It will help you ensure you are taking good trails, prepared for the weather and that should something happen, that people know where to find you.  By knowing what to expect and planning for change you can make sure that you are prepared for whatever you may encounter. 

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