I have heard of this before, but have never known anyone that actually did this on a regular basis. I personally usually send an email to a friend with a description of where I am going, what I am wearing and a PDF file of the map from TopoUSA with my expected route drawn out. I print this all out and leave it in plain view on my front seat of my truck. The foil foot print might be a good addition.
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"Trust in God --and press-check. You cannot ignore danger and call it faith." -Duke