By Michael Lanza

Before you head out on your next hiking trip, remember that you should always leave a copy of your itinerary with friends or family. Here's what the itinerary should include:

• Date and time you plan to head out on the trail.
  
  
• Trail route and alternate route.
  
  
• Date and time you expect to return.
  
  
• How long you and your party are prepared to stay out.
  
  
• Camping locations and alternatives.
  
  
• Vehicle type, make, location, and license number.
  
  
• Location of your parked vehicle.
  
  
• Names, ages, addresses, and phone numbers of everyone in your group.
  
  
• Copy of your packing checklist so search-and-rescue volunteers will know how prepared you are.
  
  
• Names and phone numbers of local rescue services.

—Michael Lanza is author of The Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Travel, from AMC Books.