How to avoid a 127 Hours situation When you go on that much-awaited trekking trip, make sure you follow a checklist so you can come back safe

For a hardcore traveller, the Oscar-nominated film 127 Hours could have been a lesson in travel tips. If you think about it, the film probably may have been made on that thought. It at least taught you never ever to go tripping without telling anyone! Recently however Concord-based Amos Wayne Richards, who broke his leg, crawled for four days across the Utah desert, after being inspired by the movie, which portrayed climber Aron Ralston who cut off his own arm to save himself after being trapped by a boulder in the same canyon. Richards, who was stranded in a desert without a mobile phone service, survived on only two protein bars and rain water before he got rescued by Canyonlands National Park Rangers. To avoid a similar situation, we give a few guidelines you might want to keep in mind before packing your trekking bags

l Inform somebody. It might feel adventurous to take off with telling a soul, but that's not the smartest thing to do! Let somebody be aware of whereabouts in case you're taking too much time to return home.
l Send copies of your itinerary to friends and family members. It will help in tracking you if any sort of mishap occurs.
l Get GPS now! Follow the map of the trekking course you're taking in order to avoid dangerous routes on the way.
l Please carry proper equipment and not fake ones. You already know what your trekking equipments would be. Still, carry ropes in abundance and, yes, a reliable Swiss Army Knife.
l Pack a network booster. In case of an emergency, you might want to call friends and family.
l Always stock up on extra dry foods, chocolates, protein bars and enough water.
l Lastly, as adventurous as you might want your trip to be and crave an adrenaline rush, try to skip dangerous hikes if alone. You know you want to come back home safe.