Trip Planning

    Informational resources - where do you go to find out where to go?

    Who are the resource managers (e.g. NPS) and what is required in terms of permits to use the land?

 Survival 

   10 essentials (or 12 or 15)

    Rule of threes

    Shelter types - what are they, how to build, how long to construct?

        natural/ debris hut/ snow caves/ tents - types

Heat transfer mechanisms

    definitions of convection, conduction, radiation, evaporation and application to backcountry physiology and comfort

    cooling effects of water - how many times faster?

BMR - def./ factors

TMR - def./ factors

Layering system - what are the layers; what are their functions

Hypothermia

    symptoms/core temps/stages/response

Hyperthermia (symptoms/ response)

    heat exhaustion

    cramps

    heat stroke

    types of maps

    know the symbols:

    know the contour line pattern of these common topographical features:  slopes/ peaks/ passes/gully/ cirque/ ridge

    compass parts and purpose// true north/ magnetic north

    declination//bearing//triangulation

    lost behavior - what  should you do?

Clothing & Equipment

    fabric/materials and characteristics for: nylon, cotton, wool, polyester piles,

    synthetic insulators like Hollowfill II,   down

    tents - how is the moisture problem solved in tents/ basic design shapes for tents/ 3 season versus 4 season

    packs - internal versus external/ size/ recommended weight of packs for hikers

    footwear - examples for different environments - synthetic versus leather

    sleeping bags - types of insulation/  comfort rating system

    sleeping pads - purpose and range of comfort

Low Impact Practices/ No Trace Practices

    know the rules from the textbook and/or LNT websites

    where to camp/ what environment/ how far from lakes and streams

    where to put human waste/ rules for TP/ variation in land mangers regulations/ distance from water sources

     what to do with food waste

    how and where to walk - off trail and on-trail

    social impact - issues, examples - sound, clothing, quota system  

Fires

    materials definitions// low impact technique for fire building/ conditions where fire is okay and not okay

Stoves

    fuel types//white gas/kerosene/butane// advantages and disadvantages the fuels

Water

    treatment approaches / heat/ chemical types/ filters

    tradeoffs and use rules

Food

    calorie calculations

    packing considerations - spoilage factor/ weight factor (freeze dried versus dehydrated)/ bulk factor

Special Hazards

    weather// lightning// types / strike characteristics/ how to be safe

    local weather vs. system weather and the thunderstorm phenomena

    human practices for interaction with various critters and potential dangers or consequences and first aid responses if necessary:

        bears/ wolves/ moose/ elk/ snakes / scorpions / bees/ tics/ mosquitos

    flooding - caves/ deserts canyons

    stream crossing - when and safety procedures

    snow pack crossing - how and safety procedures/ 

    avalanches - how to predict and avoid/ precipitating factors

    altitude sickness - definitions/ symptoms/ avoidance/ emergency response  for AMS/ HAPE/ HACE