Don’t Hit the Trail Without a Trip Plan (Free Printable PDF)

When you step into the backcountry, you’re not just leaving the road behind—you’re also leaving quick access to help.

That’s why leaving a detailed trip plan with someone you trust is one of the simplest safety habits you can build.

In my Backpacker’s Ten system, this sits right at the intersection of:

• Mindset & Strategy – thinking through the “what ifs” before you go

• Communication & Signaling – making sure someone knows your plan

• Loadout & Gear Security – tracking what you’re actually relying on out there

A good trip plan does three things:

• Tells someone where you’re going and when you should be back

• Lays out your intended route, campsites, water, and bail-outs

• Gives rescuers a huge head start if something goes wrong

Most people either scribble something vague (“going to X trail for the weekend”) or don’t leave anything at all. That’s not a strategy—that’s a wish.

So I put together a one-page Trip Plan Information Sheet you can print, fill out, and leave with a home contact before every trip.

Here’s what it covers:

• Trip basics: route, direction of travel, trailhead, dates, and times

• Planned campsites, key water sources, and alternate routes

• Time buffer in case you’re delayed

• Major hazards you’re watching (weather, terrain, wildlife)

• Gear “what ifs” and exit strategies

• Emergency contacts and key medical info

It’s simple enough for a quick overnight, but detailed enough to matter if things actually go sideways.

Get the free Trip Plan

👉 Download the Trip Plan Information Sheet (PDF)

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Print a few copies, stick one in your planning folder, and make “leave a trip plan” part of your pre-trip routine.

If you want to see how this fits into the bigger picture of The Backpacker’s Ten: Strategic Wilderness Foundations, my online course walks through how to plan, prepare, and adapt every part of a trip—so your trip plan isn’t just a form, it’s a mindset.