The Boy Scouts’ motto is the right one. Anyone setting out on a journey or planning an expedition should follow it by discovering as much as possible about the situations likely to be faced and the skills and equipment called for. It is the most basic common sense to prepare yourself, to take appropriate gear and to plan as carefully as possible.
Your kit could make the difference between failure and success, but, especially when backpacking, many people initially take too much and have to learn from bitter experience what they really need and what they could have done without. There is no fun in struggling with a huge pack full of unnecessary items while wishing that you had a flashlight or can opener with you. Getting the right balance is very challenging.
Make sure that you are fit enough for what you plan to do. The fitter you are, the easier and more enjoyable it will be. If you are going hill-walking, for instance, take regular exercise beforehand and wear in your hiking boots. Walk to and from work with a bag weighted with sand and get your muscles in condition!
Mental fitness is another factor. Are you sure that you are up to the task, have prepared enough and have the equipment to accomplish it? Eliminate any nagging doubts before you set out.
Always prepare contingency plans in case anything goes wrong. Things rarely go quite according to plan. What will you do if you are prevented from achieving your objective? What will you do if a vehicle breaks down, or if weather conditions prove to be more difficult than anticipated. If in a party, how will you regroup if separated? What happens if someone becomes sick?
Health Checks
Have a thorough medical check and ensure that you have all the necessary injections for the territories through which you intend to travel. There are vaccinations against yellow fever, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, smallpox, polio, diphtheria and tuberculosis, and an anti-tetanus injection is a must.
Allow plenty of time for jabs – the full anti-typhoid protection requires three injections over the course of Six (6) months. If you or the group are traveling through a malarial region, take an adequate supply of anti-malaria tablets. You must start taking them Two(2) weeks before your journey, so that resistance is in the system before you arrive in the risk area, and should keep taking them for a month after your return.
Go to the dentist and get your teeth inspected. Teeth that normally do not hurt can cause considerable pain in cold climates. The point here is to at least start out in good condition.
Make up a medical kit that will cover all your likely needs, and if traveling with a group, ensure that any particular individual needs are met.
If a potential member of the group is not fit, should they be dropped from the party? This is a difficult decision amongst friends, but one that must be made for the long term best interest of the group. Also, consider the ability of each member of the group to deal with the challenge of the hardships that are likely to be encountered as well as the risk and endurance requirements that need to be met.
Stress often brings out the unknown side of a person and in planning any expedition some form of solid selection process needs to be applied when choosing your companions.