First thing I do is do my homework—know the lay of the land, get the local vibe, check any warnings, talk to people who’ve been there. Then I pack light but smart—water, first aid, a map, a whistle, a phone with offline maps and maybe a solar charger. I never go solo, I’ve got a buddy or a guide who knows the area, and I let someone know where I’ll be and when I’ll return. If the vibe feels off, I back off. Trusting your gut, staying hydrated, keeping the line open for help—those are my three lifelines.