A Simple Trip Plan Stopped Search and Rescue From Launching
Ever finished a hike only to find out search and rescue was looking for you?
Thatโs exactly what happened to me in 2014.
Iโd just wrapped up an 8-day remote hike in Tasmania with a few mates. We were feeling greatโฆ. until we reached phone signalโฆ and saw a flood of missed calls.
Turns out, the local lodge owner (who had seen us head out on our trip) had called the police. Search and rescue was already spinning up.
The only thing that stopped a full-scale emergency?
๐ A single document my wife had at home.
What Happened?
Even though weโd explained the plan and logged it with the lodge owner, one misunderstanding almost triggered a rescue.
Thankfully, my wife had a full itinerary:
Our route + exit day
Alternate tracks in case plans changed
Satellite messages Iโd sent from the bush
Group details + our GPX files
That was enough for police to stand down the callout.
Why I Never Hike Without a Trip Plan
Iโve used a version of this document since high school outdoor ed. Itโs not overkill, itโs peace of mind.
Hereโs what my current trip plan includes:
โ Entry + exit points
โ Possible campsites + bailout routes
โ Group members + emergency contacts
โ Permit info, transport logistics
โ How + when weโll check in
โ GPX links + map layers
Quick Start:
Just starting out? Keep it simple:
Where youโre going
Whoโs with you
When youโll check in with someone
Thenโฆ send it to three people. Ideally, one should know the area youโll be in well.
๐ง Pro Tip:
Include someone at home and someone with local knowledge, that combo can save hours in an emergency.
๐ Want My Editable Template?
Itโs the exact one that helped shut down a rescue mission before it began.
โก๏ธ Download the Trip Plan Template Free
๐ฌ Your Turn:
Have you ever had a close callโor a trip plan that saved the day?
Hit reply and share your storyโI read every single one
Planning for the unexpected doesnโt take long. But it makes all the difference when the unexpected happens.
THATโS ALL FOR THIS WEEK
Thanks for reading Mowserโs Musings. I hope it gave you something to think about (or pack for).
Until next week, keep exploring.
Mowser
Discover more. Hike further.
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P.S. If you havenโt yet, take the Hiking Readiness Quiz to see your Hiking Readiness Score. Itโs only 3 minutes and shows you where youโre strong and where to focus before your next adventure.
๐ Take the Quiz Here
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