These pages do not equip you with the skills to lead or go on a trip. The author and club accept no responsibility for the actions of those relying on the information herein. Outdoors activities are undertaken at an individual’s own risk. These pages contain general tips and advice. Use it as a guide to know what is advisable to have with you and what you should learn from appropriate courses and experienced leaders.

The hiking trip leading tips on this page are designed to complement the main Trip Leading 101 page. Please see that page for general information on running any club trip.

What Skills Do I Need?

If you don't currently have all these skills, ask an experienced trip leader to teach you! Attend a club workshop, read widely or take a professionally taught course. However, to lead a hiking trip you need to know how to:

  • Navigate if you lose the track, it gets dark, etc.
  • Assess many of the risks associated with hiking and know how to mitigate them.
  • First aid experience is especially important on more remote and multi-day hiking trips.

Before the Trip:

  • Borrow a PLB and register your trip!
  • Ensure each trip participant is prepared for the conditions (cold, heat, rain, storms etc). This includes ensuring that the following are all appropriate for the trip conditions:
    • Clothing
    • Sleeping bag
    • Tent
    • Footwear
    • Water
    • Hat
  • Nat wrote up a good gear list on his trip here, including helpful explanations of a couple of items.

Before Leaving the Cars:

  • Ensure everyone has the correct gear for the trip, and isn't carrying huge amounts of unnecessary stuff.
    • It's a good idea to pick up each person's bag to see if any of them feel ridiculous.
  • Especially check everyone has enough water and you know where their emergency medication is if they have any.

During the Trip:

  • Keep an eye on any inclement weather incoming, and be prepared to change your plans if need be to stay safe.
  • Check in with each of your participants occasionally, especially asking and looking for signs of:
    • Fatigue
    • Dehydration
    • Low blood sugar
    • Cold/hypothermia

Do your best to be safe out there, learn as much as you can, accompany experienced leaders and of course, have fun 🙂