Keeping a Hiking log for Scouts (and non Scouts) (a google doc hike log template)

Copy this Google Doc Hike Log Template to your own Google Doc or start a real Log Book with pen and paper. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KAQCEQ8oGVn9e8eqW35JnDmGn8Umg4Vzv3R9V-Kszv4/edit?usp=sharing

This Template is based on the Scouting Ireland Hillwalking Skills Hillwalking-Logbook.pdf resource.

Keeping a hiking log.

As part of hike review and hiking skills we keep a personal hike log. 

This is especially important when you lead hikes.

It's good to do the hike log when it is fresh in your mind.

Why keep a hike log?

 We keep logs of hikes (and other activities) to help review them and learn from them.

 A log is also necessary for the higher Hiking skills levels with Scouting or Mountaineering Ireland.

You might already have a traditional pen and paper log book.

 If you don't already have one you should start one. 

 Using a hardback A4 sized book is a good idea but other sized books work as well.

 If you like drawing pictures and maps you can include these and you might prefer to use a sketch pad.

 Or you might prefer to keep an electronic log of hikes.

What should go in a hike log ? 

 See the Scouting Ireland Hiking skills team Hillwalking-Logbook.pdf resource which can be found here:

  https://www.scouts.ie/Adventure-Skills/Hillwalking/Overview-Hillwalking/ 

  https://rscottjones.com/how-to-keep-track-of-your-hikes-using-google-forms/

  https://www.mountaineering.ie/ Mountaineering Ireland Training Mountain Skills Scheme

Mountaineering Ireland have a Digital Log that can be filled in online.

  But you need to be a member to use it.

  https://www.mountaineering.ie/membersandclubs/dlogguide/

Hike number and Title, Date, Location, Map name/number,

Number in Party, Leader,

Weather,

Coordinating start/end location and lifts/meeting up,

Distance, Time, Height gain and loss.

Route Notes:

 Add text of or a link to or picture of route card.

 Type of trail (e.g. forest trails, mountain side, bog, wet/dry, rock, on road, country paths)

 Name of ways or trails used or national park.

Other Observations:

 Your personal rating of the hike 

 How did that feel? Max effort/moderate/easy/hard/tired/hot/cold/wet/dry ?  

 Links to photos/blog post

 Wildlife encountered

 Add sketches or pictures or wildlife, trees and plants, mountains and landscape

Sketch Map:

 Draw a sketch map of the route on the back 

 Sketch map or map picture or link to GPS trace map etc.