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1. Let someone know before you go
You should have a responsible adult as a home contact, and let a local authority (such as police, ski patrol, alpine resort management, or park ranger) know as well. Do not forget to check in when you return safely.
2. Stay mobile
Your party’s mobility is the key to many things: to keeping your schedule, to seeing more sights, to flexibility, and to being able to move out of danger. Keep yourself fit; a journey is always far more enjoyable if you're not gasping for breath. Blisters and unfitness are two obvious hazards to your mobility.
3. Learn about the area
Know the conditions and environments you are likely to face. Be prepared for any major or minor hazards, such as hypothermia, river crossings, or leeches, you will face.
4. Know first aid
Carry a first aid kit appropriate to the group, and have the skills to use it.
5. Remember why you're there
You may be out for fitness, enjoyment, comradeship, challenge, or whatever. Maximise opportunities to engage in those pursuits.
6. Tread softly
Minimise your impact on the environment. Carry out all of your rubbish. Light fires only if essential. Minimise the spread of root rot.
7. Stay together
Keep together as a cohesive party; the slowest walker should walk at the front, and someone should be appointed tail-ender to round up stragglers. Do not split the party unless both halves have the skills and equipment to operate independently.
8. Know your limitations
Know your own capabilities and those of your party, and do not exceed them. Do not get carried away with what you think you should be able to do.
9. Carry things you need
Leave gear you don't need at home, but don't compromise safety. Leave behind gear for comfort before leaving behind safety gear. Know how to use your gear properly. When trying new gear or new techniques, experiment first on shorter walks in less extreme environments. Have the skills to repair broken gear.
10. Stay warm in cold conditions
Layer your clothing to keep warm. Seek shelter from wind and rain whereever possible. Conserve warmth whereever you find it; for example, unused warm water left over from dinner could be used to start the next snow-melting operation.
Over-reliance on electronic devices is a potential cause of problems for a party which does not have the equipment and skills to do without that device. An obvious example of this is a party which sets off with a map and GPS but no compass or spare batteries. You should never rely solely on electronic devices if the safety of your party could be compromised by the failure of the device to work properly.
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