Pretrip meeting
One feature of ANUMC trips not shared by some other university outdoors clubs is a preference for holding pre-trip meetings. These are typically held in the week preceding the trip. Their functions vary but may include:

• Going through details of the plan. Get out your map, if appropriate, and show where you'll be going.
• Arranging a time and place to meet, and transport.
• Explaining basics of what to take, especially for beginner trips.
• Arranging tent, stove groups, etc. for overnight trips.
• Everybody gets to meet their partners in adventure before the trip. You get another layer of checking there's no unsuitables.

Plan what you need to cover and write this down so you don't have to sort out forgotten details at the last minute via email. Have a clear idea of what participants must bring. Ask about the experience of participants. Don't assume someone knows what to pack for this trip even though they may be experienced in another area.

Time

• Allow extra time for unplanned occurrences, breaks, setting up camp etc.
• Consider the latest possible time you can leave and safely complete the trip, so that you don't wait too long for anyone who doesn't show up.
• When planning the route, bear in mind you may have to consider alternatives if it looks like you won't have enough time

Dates and party sizes

• Try to minimise clashes with other trips. Also check whether the venue is being used by another large party. For example mountain biking areas around Canberra often host races on the weekends.
• Consider the likely weather conditions.
• Beginners trips and large trips are harder to manage than small trips with experienced people.

Environment

• Some national parks have strict regulations regarding group sizes, fires and other environmental impacts. For example, Nadgee NP has a limit on the number of walkers allowed in the park at any one time.
• Check whether you will need permits or permission to cross private land
• Make sure you have all of the maps you 'll need
• If you are unfamiliar with the place you're going or not experienced enough with the equipment you'll be using, arrange for an experienced person to come along on your trip

Fitness/Experience

• Bear in mind that the group cannot go faster than the slowest person. Make sure the pace you intend to go matches the rating you give the trip.

Water

• Check maps for water sources and potential upstream pollution (e.g. farmland)
• Ask people and check bushwalking websites for current water availability.

Safety

• Consider the worst-case scenarios, e.g. hypothermia, accidents, lost member. Think about how you would manage these situations and whether you can take any measures to prevent these occurring.
• Make sure the safety person is contactable over the dates of the trip and knows your plan.