Take a manila envelope, copy your photo-ID and print it onto the envelope along with a note that briefly describes your intentions, a date of when you Should return, a list of the contents of the envelope, and in big bold print IF NOT RECLAIMED BY date PLEASE OPEN.
Include in the envelope:
a detailed trip plan (include anything you possibily can about your plans),
a photocopy of your bootprints with another copy of your ID on the reverse side,
a plastic ziplock baggie with a dirty sock or a bandana that has been worn for at least a few hours (marked on the outside with your name),
a list of gear and where it is kept (worn, pocket, belt, beltpouch, backpack, etc),
a list of emergency contacts,
a list of training and experience that you belive could possibly be pertinent,
a letter outlineing any emergency procedures you will follow (radio/cell phone useage and times with freqs or cell phone type, etc)
a letter with any special medical concerns,
a letter with instructions on medical care in case of incapacitation (take limbs if needed, do not resuscitate, in case of brain death, etc),
a letter, in a sealed letter size envelope marked OPEN IN CASE OF DEATH OR PRESUMED DEATH, with a letter to those you are leaving behind in case of your death. (morbid, I know),
anything else you can think of that would help SAR find you or help your loved ones if they don't.
If you can get everyone in your party to make an envelope like this, great, if not then include what you can get them to contribute of the above list and add it to your envelope, at the very least add a list of the other members of your party.
Make sure you mark the date on the envelope for when you want them to begin SAR operations in case you do not return. If you want them to start immediatly if you are not back when you think you should be, thats your call, I like to give it at least one day longer myself.
Leave the envelope with someone responsible (USFS office, police, fire and rescue, family, friend), or at the very least on your car seat.. if your worried about thieves you can leave the blank side up.
Be sure to promptly pick the package up
Be sure you follow your emergency procedures if you can
Be sure you follow as closely as you can your trip plans
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Excomantia
Words Mean Something.