✅ Hike Logbook Requirements for the BIG 4 Quest
When completing your hike, you must produce a detailed, well-structured hike logbook. Below is a clear checklist of what must be included.
✔️ Summary
In short, your hike logbook must show:
👉 Responsible planning
👉 Proper route analysis & safety considerations
👉 Environmental awareness
👉 Strong leadership & record keeping skills
The logbook is both a planning document AND a final record of the hike.
Please get in touch with the 1st Graaff-Reinet Troop Scouter by email,
Below is a consolidated, easy-to-use breakdown:
📘 1. Logbook Structure & Presentation
Your logbook must include:
✔️ Cover Page
- Attractive cover (photo recommended)
- Your name & troop name
- Start & end points of hike
- Dates of the hike
✔️ Index / Table of Contents
- All sections with page references
📖 2. Planning & Background Information
✔️ Hike Introduction
- Why did you choose this hike
- Purpose of the hike in relation to your advancement
✔️ Hiking Party Details
- Names of Scouts attending
- Their ages, rank/advancement level, experience, fitness/ability
✔️ Objectives
- What your patrol should learn or gain
- Why did you choose this route
- Expected benefits for participants
✔️ Area Information
- Details about the mountain/nature reserve
- Maps to the starting point
- Directions & access details
✔️ Transport Details
- Names of drivers (as per permit)
- Contact details
- Copies of driver’s licence(s)
🗺️ 3. Route Description & Map Work
✔️ Route Description
- Full description of your entire route
- Overnight stops (if any)
- Day-by-day breakdown
✔️ Maps
- Full map(s) with the route clearly marked
- Elevation profile preferred (colour recommended)
✔️ Leg-by-Leg Breakdown (≤ 3 km per leg)
For each major leg, include:
- Time estimate
- Distance
- Terrain description (uphill/downhill, technical sections)
- Expected water points
✔️ Overnight Stops
- Description & location
- Facilities or conditions
✔️ Emergency Exit Routes
- Marked clearly on the map
- When and why each exit route would be used
✔️ Time Log (Estimated)
- Times, distances, and estimated duration for each leg
- Use of Naismith’s Rule; explanation required
🌿 4. Environmental & Safety Considerations
✔️ Fauna & Flora
- Description of animal & plant life in the area
- Pictures recommended
- Highlight endangered species
- Identify dangerous animals & precautions
✔️ Weather Forecast
- Weather forecast and synoptic chart (within 5 days of hike)
- Updated no more than 24 hours before the hike
- Explain how you confirmed safe conditions
- Pre-hike weather report must be included in the final logbook
🎒 5. Equipment & Kit Lists
✔️ Personal Kit List
- Including personal pocket first aid kits
✔️ Patrol Kit List
- What each member carries (shared equipment)
✔️ Survival Kit List
- Must not exceed 500g
🍲 6. Menu & Budgeting
✔️ Menu & Recipes
- Ingredients for each meal
- Dietary considerations (if any)
✔️ Budget
- Complete cost breakdown:
- Meals
- Permits
- Transport
- Accommodation if applicable
📝 7. Final Documentation (After the Hike)
Typical reporting includes:
- Final time log (actuals vs estimates)
- What went well / what went wrong
- Learning and reflection