Trip Plan Basics

The reason you should complete a trip plan and leave it with someone you trust is so someone will know where to begin a search if you do not return at the intended time. If you leave a trip plan with a friend, make sure they are aware of why you are doing so, and explain to them the importance of their role.

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The trip plan must answer all the basic questions (sometimes known as the 5 W’s and H), as all of these questions will provide crucial information to a rescue team.

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• WHO? Provide names and a detailed description of who is in your party, training and experience, medical conditions, who to notify if you're late, etc.

• WHEN? Include when you are going and when you plan to return from your trip. If you are not back at the intended time of day, this is what will initiate a response. It is good to build in a buffer to allow for minor mishaps and underestimating the time it may take for your trip.

• WHY? State the purpose of your trip, and the mode in which you will be traveling (e.g. day hike, overnight, steep skiing, alpine climbing, etc.).

• WHERE? Give specific locations of the area in which your trip is, as well as your intended route to your destination. It is also good to provide an alternate route.

• WHAT? List the equipment and supplies you have with you will help searchers know what to look for, as well as determine your level of preparedness for the given terrain and weather.

• HOW? Indicate how you are getting to the starting point and end point of your trip. Many searches begin at the subject’s vehicle.