Most of what goes wrong on a trip is decided before anyone starts walking. Five minutes, out loud, with everybody listening.
The group
- Where are we going, and where do we turn back whatever happens?
- What time do we expect to be down, and who is told if we are not?
- Where do we meet if we get separated? A place, not "at the top".
- Who is slowest today, and who stays with them?
- Who carries the first aid kit, and has anyone looked inside it?
The people
Ask the awkward question: does anyone have a condition or medication the rest of us should know about? People do not mention asthma, a nut allergy or a heart condition because they do not want to make a fuss.
If you use Parta, this is already answered: everybody filled in their own card, and the group agreed what it shares.
The phones
- Is everyone's card filled in and synced?
- Is the route downloaded, so it works with no signal?
- Does anyone need a battery pack? One phone with charge is worth more than five without.
- If you are using trip mode: has everybody switched their own sharing on?
The papers
Insurance policy number and the insurer's 24-hour line, where someone other than you can find them. The local emergency number, which Parta shows on its first screen wherever you are standing.
Then go.