Group Trip Agreement

To make sure we are all on the same page and stay safe out there in the backcountry, I need everyone to check out two quick documents before we head out.

1️⃣ The Trip Agreement & Waiver: This just lays out our basic trail rules—like the "fix your own rig" policy, spotting liability, and handling recovery or emergency costs if something crazy happens. You can review it and just reply to this thread with "I read and agree" to sign off.

2️⃣ Confidential Medical & Emergency Info: Since we will be far out of cell service, I want to make sure first responders have what they need if there's a medical emergency. This part is completely private. Please print it out, fill it out, and slide it into a sealed envelope with your name on it. I’ll collect the envelopes at the trailhead. If we don’t use them, you get them back unopened at the end of the trip to destroy! - Alternatively put this into a sealed envelope within your vehicle glovebox and let me know.

Let me know if you have any questions or need me to send over the documents again. Let’s get ready to hit the dirt! 🛞🔥

This Agreement is entered into voluntarily by and among the undersigned participants (collectively referred to as "Participants" or "Trip Mates") for the overlanding and off-roading trip listed above.

1. Express Assumption of Backcountry Risks

I understand and acknowledge that overlanding, off-roading, and remote camping are inherently dangerous activities. I am voluntarily participating in this trip with full knowledge of the risks involved, which include, but are not limited to:

• Rough, unpredictable, and rugged terrain, including steep inclines, drop-offs, and washouts.
• Vehicle instability, mechanical failure, tire blowouts, and vehicle rollovers.
• Environmental hazards such as extreme weather, wildfires, rockfalls, and hazardous wildlife.
• Travel to remote backcountry areas with little to no cellular service and significantly delayed emergency or medical response times.

I explicitly assume all risks—both known and unknown—associated with this trip, including the risk of property damage, severe personal injury, or death.

2. Vehicle Damage & "Fix Your Own Rig" Policy

• Self-Responsibility: I agree that I am solely financially responsible for my own vehicle, equipment, and personal belongings.
• Spotting and Recovery: If another Participant assists me by providing trail-spotting, navigating, winching, or vehicle recovery guidance, I accept that they are doing so as a casual courtesy.
• Release of Liability: I hereby release all other Participants from any liability for property damage to my vehicle or gear, even if caused by the ordinary negligence of a fellow Participant while spotting, guiding, or assisting me.

3. Remote Recovery & Towing Costs

I recognize that vehicle recovery in remote areas of California (such as BLM land or National Forests) can be exceptionally expensive.

• If my vehicle suffers a mechanical breakdown or becomes stuck, the group will make reasonable, safe efforts to assist with trail-side recovery.
• If a professional off-road recovery service, flatbed tow truck, or specialized transport is required, I assume 100% of the financial burden for my vehicle. I will not ask or expect my Trip Mates to pay for my vehicle’s retrieval.

4. Medical Emergencies & Evacuation Expenses

In the event that I suffer a medical emergency on the trail and cannot communicate:

• I authorize my Trip Mates to secure emergency medical treatment, contact Search and Rescue (SAR), or arrange emergency evacuation (including helicopter life-flight).
• I agree to be solely responsible for all financial costs associated with my medical care, ambulance transport, or emergency wilderness evacuation. I release my Trip Mates from any financial liability arising from these emergency actions.

5. Driving and Vehicle Operation

• Licensed & Insured: I certify that I hold a valid driver’s license and that my vehicle is covered by automotive insurance satisfying at least the minimum liability requirements of the State of California.
• Vehicle Swapping: If I voluntarily choose to drive another Participant’s vehicle, or allow another Participant to drive my vehicle, any resulting damages or insurance claims will be handled directly between those specific parties, entirely independent of the rest of the group.

6. California Law and Severability

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California. If any portion of this Agreement is found by a court to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining sections will continue in full legal force and effect. This agreement covers claims of ordinary negligence but does not waive claims arising from gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Confidential Emergency Medical & Contact Profile

(Print individually—one sheet per participant. Fill out and place in a sealed envelope or vehicle glovebox)

1. Participant Identification

• Full Legal Name: ______________________________________________________
• Date of Birth: ______________________
• Primary Phone Number: ________________________________________________
• Vehicle Info on Trip (Year, Make, Model, Color): _______________________

2. Primary Emergency Contacts

Contact 1 (Main):

• Name: ___________________________________________________________
• Relationship: ____________________________________________________
• Phone Number(s): _________________________________________________

Contact 2 (Alternative):

• Name: ___________________________________________________________
• Relationship: ____________________________________________________
• Phone Number(s): _________________________________________________

3. Medical Profile (For First Responders & Search & Rescue)

• Blood Type (If known): ___________
• Severe Allergies (e.g., bee stings, penicillin, latex, specific foods):
  ___________________________________________________________________________
  ___________________________________________________________________________
• Current Medications (Crucial for first responders, especially blood thinners, insulin, or heart medications):
  ___________________________________________________________________________
  ___________________________________________________________________________
• Critical Medical Conditions / History (e.g., asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, cardiac history, severe joint issues):
  ___________________________________________________________________________
  ___________________________________________________________________________
• Medical Devices (e.g., pacemaker, epi-pen in vehicle, inhaler):
  ___________________________________________________________________________

4. Health Insurance Information (Optional)

• Insurance Provider: ___________________________________________________
• Policy / Group Number: _______________________________________________

AUTHORIZATION FOR EMERGENCY RELEASE

By signing below, I certify that the information provided is accurate and voluntary. I authorize my trip mates to hand this document directly to emergency medical technicians, doctors, or Search and Rescue personnel if I am incapacitated or unable to communicate during the trip.

Participant Signature: _________________________________________

Date: ______________