Leave No Trace Series: Prinicple 1 - Plan Ahead and Prepare

Leave No Trace
Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare

© Leave No Trace: www.LNT.org

Planning and Preparedness go hand in hand. This is why Leave No Trace is so important not just to the back country but the front country too. If you enjoy the outdoors, planning is the first thing you should ensure is done prior to any trip, and for several reasons, we’ll touch on it just a bit as this article is more of an introduction into Planning and Leave No Trace for some.

Any resource you check with about the outdoors always mentions a number of steadfast things like, let someone know your plan, have a first aid kit, and so on. But no one ever really gets into the planning information. They just say, make sure someone knows your plan.

In my city, Havelock, NC we recently received a Kayak by the hour rental along a smaller creek. Life jackets and Helmets are provided, and it is similar to the bike rentals you see in some cities. I think this is great, so not trying to dissuade anyone from using it. My question to you is, do you have a plan for renting a kayak and hitting the creek. Have you looked at a map to see where the creek goes, are you familiar with the plant life, and animal life both on land and in the water? I never thought NC would be a place gators live, but they’re here. Not trying to scare anyone, just talking about being aware of your surroundings by preparing for a relaxing afternoon kayaking. Did you bring a first aid kit? Did you waterproof your cell phone? Do you have food/drink? Just a few questions to get you thinking. Most people would put bug spray at the top of the list. Not saying that’s not important, but with proper planning you will cover all your needs.

So why is trip planning so important?

It contributes tremendously to accomplishing your trip goals, both safely and while still having fun. It will also increase your self-confidence when you are going out and inadvertently learning about nature and the great outdoors we are lucky to enjoy here in eastern NC.

Here are a few things to consider when planning your trip:

• Learn the area
• Acquire maps, and literature
• Talk to land managers
• Choose proper equipment
• Choose proper clothing for climate/weather
• Plan activities to match your goals, skills, and abilities
• Evaluate your trip upon return
• Check weather prior to going, and for updates
• Study a map to familiarize with terrain/water routes
• Bring a compass, learn navigation
• Plan on how you will discard your food/Trash
• Learn the local regulations/restrictions
• Learn about private land boundaries

Final Thoughts

We will never mitigate all scenarios, but the more you plan ahead and prepare the less likely you will be to lose bearing during an emergency. You will also be able to practice Leave No Trace principles and be a part of the conservation solution, instead of being part of the problem. 

To learn more about Leave No Trace Principles, visit www.LNT.org
© Leave No Trace: www.LNT.org

Build an Everyday Survival Bag

In order to build an everyday survival bag, or as I’m going to start calling it, the Breakout Bag. Why? Because I’m breaking it out in an emergency. You have to prioritize how you may you use it. My plan is to always get home. In the event we do have to evacuate, I want my gear mobile. This is a double edged sword, as you have to think through various needs/wants/scenarios, and so on and so on.

For me, this particular breakout bag is in my vehicle all the time so that if I need to get home and for whatever reason I have to go on foot or spend a night or two out because the drive is too far. I need to be able to take care of myself and or my family if they are with me. I will do an article on what’s in my vehicle at a later date.

So do we need a Breakout bag? The perspective I look at this from, one extra layer of my vehicle kit that can go with me when I need to leave my vehicle (think modular). In theory, I could go on an overnight camping trip and not pack anything at all. I should be able to take that pack out of my vehicle and have everything I need. Does that sound crazy or practical? What does it hurt to have extra gear in the vehicle? I’m not carrying everything everyday, it’s stored for emergency use or if I choose to break it out for use.

WHAT ABOUT WEIGHT?

Right now this pack weighs out at 23 lbs, and that is with 4 S.O.S water bags, two bags of survival tabs and all other contents. 23 lbs with a quart of water and more than enough rations is a pretty good set up in my opinion. The best part is, the bag is not completely full, and that weight is with our Survival Master Class Survival Kit.

I did choose the LL Bean model simply for Gray Man type purposes, I wanted a very normal looking inconspicuous pack. So what’s in the bag?

Below are photos of the items (color may vary) that I used to put this Go Bag together. From left to right:

Row 1: LL Bean Continental Ruck, S.O.S. Emergency Water, CampCraft Accessory Tote, ORION 15 Minute Flares.

Row 2: CampCraft tin pouch, CampCraft folding saw pouch, Survival Tabs (food), and Tact Bivy.

Row 3: Brass match case/tube with compass, Emergency Radio/Charger, Silcock Key, and the Maxpedition Gear Beefy Pocket Organizer.

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