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Every have one of those trips when, after arriving at the campsite and unpacking, you realize you forgot something important? You smack yourself along the side of your head and say, “Jeez. How could I forget that??!!” It happens to everyone at some point. Even to me. That’s why many years ago I started using a checklist. I have several, but for this column I want to impress upon you the value of developing and using a checklist. One is enough, though it can be rather comprehensive. The benefits of using a checklist are very clear: You’ll depart confident that you remembered to pack everything you were supposed to, and your packing goes quicker. A checklist brings order to your packing, so you’re not scrambling around haphazardly. Create Your ChecklistYour checklist need not be fancy. Create a list in Word or Excel, and print it out before each trip. Having the file on your computer allows you to quickly add or change items as needed before or after each trip. That keeps you from having to develop a new list before each trip. Merely open the existing file, make any changes that come to mind, and print it out. It’s that simple.The format is totally up to you. It can be a simple list with checkboxes before the items so you can check off each item. One page will be easier to use, so if need be, create two (or more) columns to accommodate all your items. Group your items into categories to make it easier to review them. Some suggestions for categories include:
Some categories could be seasonal. A Winter category, for example, might include snow shovel, snow chains, and other relevant gear. Don't have a checklist yet? Start one by visualizing yourself in the situation. Take for example, Camping. Write the heading and list all the items you can think are needed to establish shelter and bedding for a comfortable night. Visualizing pounding in the stakes - put a hammer on the list. Are your tent stakes and poles bundled with the tent? If not, put them on the list. Update Your List | ||
In this area you will also record supplies that need replacing. During the course of your camping trip, you may run out of salt, pepper, coffee, Band-aids, or other basics. Jot a note in the open section of your checklist. That will save you from having to dig through your supply boxes or camp box later to determine what needs replenishing. After arriving home, pull up the file on your computer and make the necessary changes. Then your checklist is ready to go for the next trip. Final ThoughtsThe key is to use the checklist. Print it out before each trip, and review it item by item as you are packing. Don’t gloss over this step because you’ve used the list several times already. The point is to keep you from forgetting items. If you don’t pay attention to your list, you’ll forget something. Then you’ll be kicking yourself.Another important point is that you don’t check off an item until it’s in your vehicle. All too often we see an object (perhaps in the garage) and think, “OK, it’s in.” We assume we’ll toss that into the vehicle in a moment. Well, you know what happens? Yep. We forget. Remember: Nothing gets checked off until it’s in the vehicle. Over time a checklist will become as much a part of your supply kit as a tent and sleeping bag. You’ll become so accustomed to using a checklist that you won’t feel comfortable packing your vehicle without it. Believe me; a checklist adds tremendous peace of mind to the trip. Develop and use a checklist for your vacations. # # # # # |
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Related Articles from Badlands Off-road Adventures |
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Did you miss the previous article? |
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Advanced Beginner Clinic June 12
The clinic is held in the El Paso Mountains near Mojave CA. The goal is to help you get a "better feel" for tire placement and to visualize the obstacles as they move into your blind zone. You will gain more behind the wheel experience combined with picking lines. The difficulty level is one step higher than the basic class and you can expect some pin striping. More Details... You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Basic2 |
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Rocks Clinic June 18
The Class will be in Johnson Valley. This is an introduction to Rock crawling but it is not on "baby" rocks. We take out time and stress careful wheel placement. We use spotters for difficult sections. You learn by inspecting the obstacle and predicting the line; by watching others try their line; by experiencing it yourself; and by the coaching. We recommend you repeat the training several times. You will be much more relaxed the second time over the same obstacles and you will pick up on little details missed the first time. More Details... You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Rocks |
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Free Customer Appreciation Event & trail Ride
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I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
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Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult
terrain and adverse driving conditions.
Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.
Copyright 2011, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.
| Back | | Phone 310-374-8047 |
