*Note - to teach or guide any backcountry hikes, you must have an ACMG Guide Certification, or hire a guide for your class - insurance policy depending.
For more information, click Association of Canadian Mountain Guiding
The elements are always changing. Being properly prepared with the proper equipment, tools, and navigation, you will can always be ready for the worst case scenarios.

Activity 1 - Rank Most to Least Important

​Give students a scenario. E.g. Their plane crashes in the middle of the mountains at the base of a valley, they survive, and have no injuries. Provide 15 objects and resources they have to rank from least to most important.

Activity 2 - What's In Your Pack?

Ask students what they bring on their hikes, or backpacking trips. These will differ depending on where you go and how long you go for. Show them what you bring and what you would recommend and the differences between brands, fabrics, materials, and clothing.

Essentials include:
  • Fire source (flint/steel, lighter, matches and how to keep them safe, and a good fire starter like Steel Wool)
  • Shelter: Tent (light weight, 1-3 person), tarp, hammock, sleeping pad
  • Sleeping bag (-6, synthetic vs. real down feathers)
  • Water (water tablets) / Water filter or purifier (MSR) / Water bottle (Nalgene, Water (hydration) bladder)
  • Knife or multitool
  • Hatchet
  • Rope
  • Garmin/Spot device
  • Dehydrated meals
  • Headlamp/flashlight
  • Bearspray
  • First Aid Kit
  • Dry bags (maybe a container)
  • Food (plus extra food)
  • Cooking Materials (pot, utensils, backcountry stove)
  • Toilet bag (shovel, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, plus other personal needs)
  • Compass/map/thermometer
Activity 3 - Clothing Patterns
LAYERS - Have extras
1. Base layer
  • Merino wool shirts/tights/socks.​
  • Sock Liners
2. Mid Layer
  • Fleece
  • Down jackets
3. Outer Layer
  • Rain/Snow Shells
  • Winter Jackets

Navigation

It is never a bad idea to bring a compass and map for worst case scenarios. However, there are elite alternatives such as a Garmin In Reach or Spot devices to send messages when out of cell service range. This is vital for telling loved ones you are okay, or sending distress calls to emergency services if in any danger.


Phone Navigation Tools
You can also download apps on your phone such as:
​
All Trails or Trailforks which provide thousands of trails, maps, directions on how to get there, and satellite GPS navigation so that you know where you are while on the trail. These maps are downloadable.
​

Activity 4 - Navigation Tool Exploration

Have students use these apps to find or lead students on trails. Have them identify and explain what they thought was helpful and see if they have any suggestions to make the app better. Have students look up and practice on trails in the community. These maps are most often topographical which provides an excellent opportunity for your students to explore topography.