For any back country hunt. Scout! Know where alternate shelter areas are. Some camps are great for the hot day, but when the wind and rain/snow storm hits, know where to get out of the weather if you need to. Alternate camps. (someone might take the one you want) Know where other populated camps are. If you're going solo, if something should happen, those guys might be able to save your life. Know where good water sources are. I went in last year with 20oz of water, knowing that my first hop destination has a good creek only four miles in. Train yourself to run on less water. Keep just enough in you to not get muscle cramps. So many people think that they have to keep drinking all the way. You don't. You can drink too much!, and... Why carry it? No, don't get dehydrated! But learn that balance. I'll take my water filter and fill that 20oz bottle as I go as long as I know there's water on my route. That 5 minute downtime resting by the creek or pond filling a bottle is good for your body too. Take that oportunity to snack and stretch your muscles. Know your equipment. Create spread sheet of all the contents of your pack. Weigh them all. know what you want with you, and what you need with you. The two lists are often different. Go light, but go safe.
-Steve
