Pack the essentials
Adapt your kit to the terrain, weather, and duration of your trip.
- Navigation and a backup map
- Water and a way to purify it
- Food and extra layers
- First-aid kit and personal medication
- Headlamp, shelter, and sun protection
PREPARE & STAY SAFE
Confidence starts before the trail.
A thoughtful plan, the right essentials, and a contact who knows where you’re going. Small steps make a difference.
A checklist for your next outing.
Tailored to your destination, dates, activities, and experience.
Leave a trip plan
Share your destination and return time with someone you trust.
- Check weather and local advisories
- Research wildlife and regional risks
- Know your group’s capabilities
- Set a check-in and turnaround time
- Download maps before losing signal
Know your next step
In an immediate emergency in the United States, call 911 if you have a signal. Share your location, the situation, and the number of people involved.
- Keep emergency contacts accessible
- Carry critical medical information
- Know your device’s SOS capabilities
- Follow local emergency guidance
GSA does not currently provide live emergency dispatch. These are general preparedness resources, not medical advice or a substitute for qualified local guidance.