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At a glance
What it is
Plans day hikes and overnight backpacking trips with trail selection criteria, distance and elevation analysis, gear checklists, and safety preparation sequences.
A skill is a written procedure a bot loads when a job calls for it. This one is a single file, SKILL.md, and the whole file is on this page.
The whole file, exactly as it downloads. Read it before you rely on it.
SKILL.md
312 lines · 2,591 words
Use this skill when:
User asks about planning a day hike or overnight backpacking trip
User wants help choosing a trail based on fitness level and preferences
User needs a gear checklist for hiking
Plans day hikes and overnight backpacking trips with trail selection criteria, distance and elevation analysis, gear checklists, and safety preparation sequences.
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Paste it into your agent's instructions (CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md or a custom GPT), or add it to a bot in Murage.
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Step 1
Send your Chief of Staff this message. It proposes the bot and its role first, and creates it when you say go.
Send this to Ember
“Create a bot that uses the Hiking Trip Planner skill, and show me the plan first.”
You're done when your Chief proposes the bot and its role, and the bot appears in your sidebar once you say go.
Step 2
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Step 3
You're done when the skill shows as on for that bot.
Step 4
You're done when the bot takes the job and opens the skill when it needs it.
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What it covers
When to Use
Process
Output Format
Rules
Edge Cases
Example
Hiking Trip Plan
User wants to plan a group hiking outing
User mentions trail selection, elevation gain, or difficulty ratings
Do NOT use when:
User asks about competitive trail running or race training (use beginner-running-plan)
User needs mountaineering or technical climbing guidance
User asks about long-distance thru-hiking logistics (multi-week trips)
User wants to compare and purchase specific gear brands (use outdoor-gear-selection-guide)
User asks about wilderness survival skills beyond standard hiking safety
Gather trip parameters. Ask the user for:
Trip type: day hike (under 8 hours) or overnight backpacking (1-3 nights)
Location or region (state, national park, or general area)
Group composition: number of hikers, ages, any children or dogs
Fitness level: sedentary (rarely walks more than 1 mile), moderate (walks 3-5 miles regularly), fit (exercises 3+ times per week), experienced hiker
Desired difficulty: easy (flat terrain, well-marked), moderate (some elevation, uneven terrain), strenuous (significant elevation gain, rough terrain)
Season and expected weather conditions
Any physical limitations or accessibility requirements
Select trail criteria. Based on user inputs, define the target trail profile:
Distance range by fitness level:
Sedentary: 2-4 miles round trip, under 500 ft elevation gain
Moderate: 4-8 miles round trip, 500-1,500 ft elevation gain
Fit: 6-12 miles round trip, 1,500-3,000 ft elevation gain
Experienced: 8-15+ miles round trip, 2,000-4,000+ ft elevation gain
Elevation gain per mile targets:
Easy: under 250 ft/mile
Moderate: 250-500 ft/mile
Strenuous: 500-1,000 ft/mile
Very strenuous: over 1,000 ft/mile
Trail surface considerations: paved, gravel, dirt, rocky, scramble sections
Water source availability: critical for trips over 4 hours or in hot weather
Trail traffic level: popular (well-maintained, easy to follow) vs. remote (navigation skills needed)
Estimate hiking time. Calculate expected duration using Naismith's Rule:
Base pace: 3 miles per hour on flat terrain
Add 30 minutes for every 1,000 ft of elevation gain
Add 10 minutes for every 1,000 ft of steep descent
Adjust for group: add 20% for groups with children, 10% for groups over 4 people
Add break time: 10 minutes per hour for day hikes, 15 minutes per hour for backpacking
Round up to nearest 30 minutes for the final estimate
Build the gear checklist. Generate a categorized gear list based on trip type:
Day hike essentials (the Ten Essentials framework):
Navigation: map of the area, compass or GPS device
Sun protection: sunscreen SPF 30+, sunglasses, hat
Insulation: extra layer appropriate to conditions
Illumination: headlamp with fresh batteries
First aid: basic first aid kit
Fire: lighter or waterproof matches (emergency use)
Repair tools: knife or multi-tool, duct tape
Nutrition: trail snacks (200-300 calories per hour of hiking)
Hydration: minimum 0.5 liters per hour of hiking, plus 0.5 liter reserve
Emergency shelter: emergency bivy or space blanket
Overnight additions:
Shelter: tent or hammock system with rain fly
Create safety preparation sequence. Build a timeline of pre-trip safety steps:
7 days before:
Check trail conditions and closures with the local land management agency
Review weather forecast for the trip dates
Confirm group members and share the plan
3 days before:
Charge all electronic devices
Check first aid kit supplies and replace expired items
Verify vehicle parking requirements (permits, fees)
1 day before:
File a trip plan with someone not on the hike (route, expected return time, emergency contacts)
Check final weather forecast
Pack all gear and verify water and food quantities
Set a turnaround time: the latest time to turn back regardless of progress
Define turnaround rules. Establish non-negotiable turnaround criteria:
Turnaround time reached (set at 50% of available daylight for day hikes)
Any group member shows signs of heat exhaustion, hypothermia, or altitude sickness
Weather deteriorates beyond safe conditions (lightning within 6 miles, visibility under 100 feet)
Trail conditions are materially worse than expected (washouts, downed trees blocking route)
Water supply drops below 0.5 liters per person with no refill source ahead
## Hiking Trip Plan
### Trip Overview
| Parameter | Value |
|--------------------|--------------------------------|
| Trip type | [Day hike / Overnight] |
| Location | [Trail name and area] |
| Distance | [X miles round trip] |
| Elevation gain | [X ft total] |
| Estimated duration | [X hours including breaks] |
| Difficulty rating | [Easy / Moderate / Strenuous] |
| Group size | [X hikers] |
| Season | [Season and expected weather] |
### Trail Selection Criteria
- Distance range: [X-X miles based on fitness level]
- Max elevation gain: [X ft based on difficulty]
- Surface type: [paved / dirt / rocky]
- Water sources: [available / carry all water]
- Trail traffic: [popular / moderate / remote]
### Estimated Timeline
| Time | Activity |
|----------|---------------------------------------|
| [HH:MM] | Depart trailhead |
| [HH:MM] | Reach [landmark 1] |
| [HH:MM] | Break at [location] |
| [HH:MM] | Reach [turnaround point / campsite] |
| [HH:MM] | Begin return / set up camp |
| [HH:MM] | Return to trailhead |
| [HH:MM] | **Turnaround time (non-negotiable)** |
### Gear Checklist
#### Navigation & Safety
- [ ] [Item 1]
- [ ] [Item 2]
#### Clothing & Insulation
- [ ] [Item 1]
- [ ] [Item 2]
#### Food & Water
- [ ] [Item 1 with quantity]
- [ ] [Item 2 with quantity]
#### [Overnight: Shelter & Sleep]
- [ ] [Item 1]
- [ ] [Item 2]
### Safety Protocol
#### Pre-Trip (7 Days Out)
- [ ] [Action 1]
- [ ] [Action 2]
#### Pre-Trip (1 Day Out)
- [ ] [Action 1]
- [ ] [Action 2]
#### Turnaround Rules
1. [Rule 1]
2. [Rule 2]
3. [Rule 3]
### Emergency Information
- Trip plan filed with: [Name, phone number]
- Nearest emergency services: [Location]
- Emergency contact: [Name, phone number]NEVER recommend a trail distance or elevation gain that exceeds the user's stated fitness level by more than one category
ALWAYS include turnaround time and turnaround rules in every hiking plan
ALWAYS include water quantity calculations based on trip duration and conditions
Calorie estimates for snacks must use 200-300 calories per hour of active hiking as the baseline
Water estimates must use 0.5 liters per hour as the minimum baseline, increasing to 0.75-1.0 liters per hour in temperatures above 80F or at elevations above 7,000 ft
Gear checklists must follow the Ten Essentials framework as the minimum for every day hike
Overnight trip plans must include water treatment method, not just water quantity
Time estimates must use Naismith's Rule with adjustments for group composition
NEVER suggest hiking alone in remote areas without explicit acknowledgment of additional solo hiking risks
Safety preparation must include filing a trip plan with a non-participant
If the user mentions children under 10, reduce recommended distance by 40% and elevation gain by 50%
If the user mentions dogs, note leash requirements and water needs for the animal (dogs need approximately 1 oz of water per pound of body weight per day of active hiking)
Complete beginner who has never hiked: Recommend a 1-3 mile round trip on a well-maintained, popular trail with under 300 ft elevation gain. Suggest going on a weekday or early morning to avoid crowds. Include a note about breaking in footwear at least 1 week before the hike with shorter walks.
Hiking with young children (under 6): Reduce distance to 1-2 miles maximum. Plan for frequent stops every 15-20 minutes. Recommend trails with interesting features (streams, rock formations, wildlife viewing areas) to maintain engagement. Estimate pace at 0.5-1 mile per hour. Include child-specific gear: child carrier for under-3, extra snacks, extra water, change of clothes, sun hat.
Hot weather hiking (over 90F): Double the water estimate to 1.0 liter per hour minimum. Recommend starting before 7 AM or after 4 PM. Include electrolyte replacement in the gear list. Reduce distance recommendation by 25%. Add heat exhaustion warning signs to the safety protocol: headache, nausea, dizziness, excessive sweating followed by dry skin.
Winter or cold weather hiking: Add cold-weather gear to checklist: insulated layers, waterproof outer shell, hand warmers, traction devices (microspikes) if ice is possible. Reduce available daylight calculation. Note that cold weather increases calorie burn by 10-40%. Increase food recommendations accordingly. Water still freezes: insulate water bottles or use an insulated hydration bladder.
High altitude hiking (above 8,000 ft): Recommend acclimatization: arrive at altitude 1-2 days before a strenuous hike if traveling from near sea level. Reduce distance estimates by 20% and increase water to 0.75 liters per hour. Note altitude sickness symptoms: headache, nausea, shortness of breath disproportionate to exertion. Turnaround rule: descend immediately if any group member shows altitude sickness symptoms.
Solo hiking: Include additional solo-specific safety steps: share real-time GPS location with an emergency contact, carry a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger for remote areas, avoid trails with technical scramble sections. Note that solo hiking in remote areas carries substantially higher risk.
Input: "I want to plan a day hike for this Saturday. I'm in the Denver, Colorado area. It'll be me and my partner -- we both exercise regularly but haven't done much hiking. It's early October."
Output:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Trip type | Day hike |
| Location | Front Range trails near Denver, CO |
| Distance | 5-7 miles round trip |
| Elevation gain | 1,000-1,500 ft total |
| Estimated duration | 3.5-4.5 hours including breaks |
| Difficulty rating | Moderate |
| Group size | 2 hikers |
| Season | Early October -- expect 40-65F, possible afternoon showers |
Distance range: 5-7 miles (fit but new to hiking -- moderate tier with slight reduction)
Max elevation gain: 1,500 ft (moderate difficulty, accounts for altitude adjustment)
Surface type: Dirt and rocky -- standard Front Range conditions
Water sources: Carry all water (most Front Range day hike trails lack reliable water sources in October)
Trail traffic: Popular to moderate -- well-marked trails recommended for first hikes
Altitude note: Denver-area trailheads start at 5,500-8,500 ft. If you are visiting from a lower elevation, choose a trailhead below 7,500 ft and allow 1 day for acclimatization
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Depart trailhead (early start for best weather) |
| 8:45 AM | Reach midpoint landmark -- 10-minute break |
| 9:30 AM | Reach turnaround point or summit |
| 9:45 AM | Begin return |
| 11:15 AM | Return to trailhead |
| 12:00 PM | Turnaround time (non-negotiable) |
Trail map (downloaded offline -- cell service unreliable on many Front Range trails)
Headlamp with fresh batteries
Basic first aid kit
Emergency space blanket
Lighter or waterproof matches
Multi-tool or knife
Moisture-wicking base layer top
Insulating mid-layer (fleece or light puffy jacket -- October mornings are cold at altitude)
Windproof and water-resistant outer shell
Hiking pants or athletic pants (no cotton)
Wool or synthetic hiking socks
Broken-in hiking shoes or trail runners with ankle support
Sun hat and warm beanie (temperature swings are large in October)
Gloves (lightweight)
2 liters of water per person (4 liters total)
Trail mix or energy bars: 3-4 per person (800-1,200 calories total)
Electrolyte packets: 1 per person
Small lunch or substantial snack for the turnaround point
Sunscreen SPF 30+ (UV is stronger at altitude)
Sunglasses with UV protection
Check trail conditions on the local ranger district or trail-reporting community
Review the 10-day weather forecast for the specific trailhead elevation
Confirm Saturday availability for both hikers
File trip plan with a friend or family member: trail name, trailhead location, expected departure and return times, vehicle description
Check final weather forecast -- postpone if thunderstorms are forecast before noon
Pack all gear and verify water and snack quantities
Charge phones fully
Eat a high-carbohydrate breakfast by 6:30 AM
Do a 5-minute gear check at the trailhead
Confirm turnaround time: 12:00 PM regardless of progress
Turn back at 12:00 PM regardless of how far you have hiked
Turn back immediately if either hiker experiences headache with nausea or dizziness (possible altitude sickness -- descend to lower elevation)
Turn back if thunder is audible or lightning is visible -- descend below treeline immediately and avoid ridgelines
Turn back if water supply drops below 0.5 liters per person with more than 2 miles remaining
Trip plan filed with: [Name and phone number -- fill in before Saturday]
Nearest emergency services: [Varies by trailhead -- look up closest hospital to your chosen trail]
In case of emergency: Call 911. Most Front Range trailheads have cell service at the parking area even if coverage is intermittent on the trail
SKILL.md
312 lines · 2,591 words
The text of SKILL.md is shown as it downloads, under the Apache-2.0 license, by Ferrox Labs. The license is the one in the file's own frontmatter.
Your new bot
Hiking Trip Planner bot
Waiting in your sidebar once you say go.
Cook system: stove, fuel, pot, utensils, food for each meal plus one extra meal
Water treatment: filter, purifier, or chemical treatment
Clothing: complete change of base layer, camp shoes
Hygiene: toilet trowel, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer
Morning of hike:
Eat a high-carbohydrate breakfast 1-2 hours before start
Confirm trail conditions have not changed overnight
Do a 5-minute gear check at the trailhead before departing
No account needed · Runs on the AI plan you already pay for