I came across this Boundary Waters web site that offers some excellent safety tips. Though their target is canoe camping, most of them apply to a lot of outdoor tripping/camping. Great advice here.

http://www.quietjourney.com/boundarywaters/camp-safety.html

From a survival perspective many of these apply, but the ones that really hit home are:

"Carry a small survival kit on your person, compass, knife, signal device, food, fire, and shelter."

"Leave your route plan and day of return with your loved ones at home."

Several others fall into the "don't take a chance - do the safest thing because help is a long way off" category.