WILDERNESS SAFETY
WILDERNESS TRIP PLAN
Trip planning is essential for search and rescue to have a greater chance of finding you, in case something goes wrong.
The following details are crucial for someone you trust to have available for SAR responders:
TIME OF DEPARTURE
ESTIMATED TIME OF RETURN
STARTING POINT (IDEALLY WITH GPS LOCATION)
DESTINATION
PLANNED ROUTE (WITH MAP DETAILS)
PEOPLE IN GROUP
CONTACT NUMBERS
WANT A PRINTED VERSION OF YOUR TRIP PLAN? DOWNLOAD THE FOOTHILLS SAR VERSION BELOW:

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN AN EMERGENCY
- STAY PUT: The more a person moves in a wilderness emergency, the harder it is to find their location.
- STOP, THINK, OBSERVE, PLAN: This helps a person calm, focus, and think through their next moves while trying to stay safe.
- SHELTER, FIRE, 10 ESSENTIALS: Accessing the 10 Essentials in your pack, building a shelter, and building a (safe) fire, will help until Search and Rescue can arrive.
- BE VISIBLE: Making yourself visible through bright clothing or equipment, a (safe) fire, noise blasts through a whistle, etc., will help us find you.
OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS
IMPORTANT ITEMS FOR EVERY WILDERNESS OUTING
- Headlamp or Flashlight (DO NOT rely on a cellphone for lighting) – Carry Extra Batteries
- Fire-making Kit – Lighter (preferred, as it is weather-resistant), Waterproof Matches, etc.
- Signaling Devices – Whistle, Mirror, Orange Tarp, etc.
- Extra Clothing – Rain/Wind Protection, Warmth Layers, Hat, Gloves for year-round protection (avoid cotton as it stays wet and cold)
- Extra Food and Water (min. 1L per person)
- Navigation – Hiking Map of Region, Compass
- Communication – InReach Device, SPOT Device, ZOLEO Device, Cellphone, etc. (fully charged, with portable charger as backup)
- First Aid Kit – Know How to Use It
- Emergency Shelter – Orange Hiking Tarp, Group Shelter/Bothy Bag, Bivy Bag, etc. (brightly coloured for visibility)
- Multitool and Repair Kit – Electrical or Duct Tape, Zip-ties, Buckles, Straps, etc.
- Wildlife (Bear) Spray with Holster – Know How to Use It. Important Locally for a Year-Round Wildlife Deterrent.
RESOURCES
Click the logos below for useful resources, to plan your next wilderness adventure:






