Pre-Departure Preparation

This chapter provides guidance on pre-departure preparation. Pre-departure personal preparation is often perceived as episodic, ad hoc, and exceptional. It should be continuous, iterative, and routine. Detailed core packing and task lists are critical. The burden of compiling such lists has its rewards—decreased packing mistakes, decreased stress, and increased familiarity with the gear. You don’t really know your gear until you know its features and faults, and can find it in the dark, in the cold, and in a hurry. Disciplined personal preparation confers this ability upon the provider.