Whenever venturing out into the wilderness, I have a plan. My plan details the “who, what, where, why, when, and how” of my trip. I always leave my plan with a responsible friend at home, with instructions on what to do if I don’t return. Putting together a trekking plan is an important part of any trip into the wilderness, no matter the length.
When planning a trip for others, I try to put extra details into the plan and distribute it to the group as early as I can. This helps the participants prepare themselves physically and mentally for the activity ahead. It is important for every member of a group to consider whether the trip is right for them, and to have their own basic personal supplies. It is important for a group to have appropriate group supplies.
Below is a sample day hike plan that I have put together for an upcoming Boy Scout Hike.
Sample Day Hike Plan
Trip Organizer: Jason Taormina
Participants:
Depart Time/Date:
Return Time/Date:
Route Description, maps, and elevation profiles:
http://www.cnyhiking.com/ATinNJ-SunfishPond.htm
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/content.php/49
Intentions:
We intend to hike from the Mohican Center to the Delaware Water Gap. We will hike along the Appalachian Trail.
Conditions:
Length: 10.3 Miles
Elevation Gain North to South: 1,215 (118/mile)
Ground Conditions: Rocky, Rooty, Ice/Snow Possible
Historic Extreme High: 87 F
Average High Temp for March: 44 F
Average Low Temp for March: 24 F
Historic Extreme Low: -3 F
Sunrise: 7:03 AM
Sunset: 7:12 PM
Plan of Day:
6:15 AM – Meet at Scout Building
6:30 AM – Depart Scout Building
8:00 AM – Arrive at Delaware Water Gap, Drop off 1 car
8:45 AM – Arrive at Mohican Outdoor Center
9:00 AM – Begin Hike
Expected hiking speed will be 2 MPH for a total of 5 hours of hiking. Allowing for many short breaks and a period for lunch, total time on trail should be 7 hours.
4:00 PM – Finish Hike at DWG
4:15 PM – Adults go back to Mohican Center for Cars
5:30 PM – Adults return from Mohican Center with Cars
6:00 PM – Pizza for dinner nearby
7:00 PM – Return to Rochelle Park
8:30 PM – Arrive at Scout Building
Dress
- Wool Socks
- Hiking pants – No Sweat Pants. Preferably No Jeans.
- Synthetic Underwear
- Long Sleeve Base Layer Shirt – like Underarmor
- 1 or 2 layers of fleece or wool midlayers
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Thin wool or fleece gloves
- hat with sun visor
- pullover fleece or wool hat
- Sturdy hiking boots
Packing
Personal Supplies
o Pair of Extra Wool Socks
o 1 extra midlayer
o Heavier gloves or mittens
o Flashlight
o Pocketknife or multi-tool
o Snacks: 1/4 gallon ziplock bag of trail mix, apples, granola bars…
o Lunch: Sandwich, pepperoni, dried sausage, cheese, carrots, celery sticks
o 2 Liters of water
o Poncho
o Sunglasses + Sunscreen
o 4 x plastic grocery bags
o 8 feet of light rope
o Toilet Paper
o Whistle or bell
Group Supplies
o Map
o Compass
o First Aid Kit
o Fire Starting Kit
o Repair Kit
o Trowel
o 8×10 lightweight tarp
o Water Filtration Kit
Precautions:
This will be a long hike with limited opportunities for bailout. The hike will begin steeply uphill and then continue uphil graduatlly for 4 miles before leveling off and eventually beginning a long descent. Only boys whoare in good physical condition and have previously completed a 5+ mile hike should consider this hike. Improper physical or mental preparation could lead to injury or illness while hiking.
Preparation:
- Begin physical preparation now: At least three times per week, walk a mile and do some combination of squats, push ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks.
- Gear Inspection: all boy should present their gear at the troop meeting before the hike.
- Sleep: each participant should aim for 8-9 hours of sleep for 5 nights before the hike
- The body is 80% water and this level must be maintained. Water is essential for maintaining healthy body functions All participants should begin pre-hydrating 3 days before the hike. pre-hydrating consists of 3 to 4 quarts of water per day.
- All participants should clip their toenails and wash their feet with rubbing alcohol the night before the hike
- Breakfast: Each participant should rise early and eat a healthy breakfast consisting of protein and vegetables the day of the hike
Excellenr!