Today while digging around the "net" I came across Paul Kirtley's blog.

Paul states that he is an experienced bushcraft trainer in the UK.

He and others have developed a very complete Personal Outdoor Plan (POP). This is a plan that you leave with that "responsible person" who will call 911 should you not return home on time.

Here is a link to his site.

www.paulkirtley.co.uk/resources/personal-outdoor-plan/

Blake

www.outdoorquest.blogspot.com
www.outdoorquest.biz

There are a number of similar forms for outdoor trip plans such as the example in the link above. I use a slightly modified version of this form (PDF).

Excellent form.

These are great. Thanks guys!

That's a nice outline.

When travelling, esp in the outback, I also include a description and details about the vehicles, or boats; (and some of the vehicle equipment too eg type repair, tools, spares etc)

Often searchers will start looking from your start point, so quickly being able to identify the location of vehicles is important.

Plus areial searches are common (here), so info that will help spot your vehicle from the air is useful. My vehicle has a few customizations which may assist in spotting it form a distance, or at least rule out other similar models.

I also included the colour and style of tent - to assist in recognition from a distance - "hey look there are 2 blue and one red dome tents over there ..."


or "Here is half a yellow canoe ...."

Trip plans are a great idea. However, the problem I see with the plan linked in the OP is that it is very long and complex. It might be OK for a planned expedition, but I suspect a lot of folks would not bother doing it for a short weekend trip. As an alternative, here is a link to one posted by the Alaska State Troopers:
http://www.dps.alaska.gov/PIO/docs/WildernessTripPlan.pdf

I tend to be of the KISS mindset ("Keep It Simple, Stupid"). The short trip plan you actually fill out is infinitely superiour to the long one you meant to do...but never got around to because you were in a rush trying to get out the door!

Too long and complex...

I like the form, its got pretty colors. otherwise and to each their own, I use a much more basic GOTWA. (got-wa)

Where i am GOING (trail, route, distance of run, etc)

Who are the OTHERS with me.

TIME we will be back or will call. (realistic, no problems time back)

WHAT i/we will do if there is an emergency (i.e. injured or lost) (stay put, or which direction we would most likely move if lost, like towards a river or main road- i.e. handrail.)

ACTIONS to take if we don't contact you or get back on time. (I usually add a few hours to my TIME estimate, then list the park office phone number, local sheriff or PD #, ph# of friends with me or there spouses at home. Think phone tree)

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Now, I personally write down my gear list to use as a check list as i pack my bag.Instead of throwing it away i attach it to the GOTWA.

A quick form is better than no form, I admit I only do a detailed intentions for a big trip.

On a short trip (few days or a week) it isn't always worth much effort - after all, what could possibly go wrong ?

However this thread started me thinking about knocking up a quick Android app to automatically send an email. I could use tick boxes with my favourite options as default, add a few words and email it as I travell ..... hmmmmmm

On my iphone I have an app called "Basic GPS". It enables one to easily send an email with your current gps location, and a link to that location on Google maps. One can add a short message.

I sometimes head off to do a solo day hike, without being exactly sure when I leave home which trail I'm going to head out on. Using that app I can shoot my wife an email when I leave the trailhead. At least she then knows where the car is parked, when I left the car, and where to have SAR start searching should I not show up back at home.

The only weakness is that it only works when there is cell coverage at the trailhead, which is not always the case.