How to Be a Good Teammate on Expedition

You want to know what makes an expedition run smoothly? It’s not the route, or the kit, or the guide (though those help). It’s the people. And more specifically, how they behave when things get tough.

If you’re heading out on expedition, one of the most useful things you can do is be someone the team can rely on. Not flashy. Not perfect. Just solid.

Here’s how.

Turn up prepared

Before you even arrive, you’ve already made choices that affect the group. Did you train? Did you test your kit? Do you know how to pack your bag, look after your feet, manage your food and water? If not, someone else will end up doing it for you. That’s not teamwork. That’s freeloading.

Sort your own problems first

Need to re-pack your bag? Feet getting sore? Dehydrated? Fix it before it becomes someone else’s issue. A good teammate takes care of their own admin, so they’re available to help others when needed. If you can’t look after yourself, you can’t support the team.

Don’t be late. Ever.

This one’s simple. When the group is ready to move, be ready. If you’re always the one holding things up because you didn’t pack properly, lost your gloves, or went for a wander—you’re going to burn goodwill fast. Get your act together and respect the group’s time.

Do the boring jobs without being asked

Wash the dishes. Fill the water bottles. Clean up camp. If you only pitch in when it’s fun or visible, people will notice—and not in a good way. Real teammates carry weight quietly. Do what needs doing. Every time.

Stay aware of the people around you

Is someone struggling? Quiet? Falling behind? Help. No drama, no fuss—just step in. Good teammates keep an eye on the group, not just themselves. You don’t have to be a hero. Just be someone who notices and acts.

Watch your mood

Bad moods spread. So does panic. So does complaining. If you’re feeling it, fair enough—it’s a tough environment. But manage your energy. If you need a breather, take one. Don’t drag the group down because you didn’t check yourself.

Speak up when it matters

Being a good teammate doesn’t mean being silent. If something’s wrong—navigation, safety, someone hiding an injury—raise it. Respectfully, clearly, and early. Good teams communicate. That includes the hard stuff.

Celebrate the wins

You don’t have to be over-the-top, but noticing when someone’s pushed through a hard day or stepped up makes a difference. Say it. Expedition morale is fragile. A bit of encouragement goes a long way.

Carry more if you can

If you’ve got energy, use it. If someone’s unwell or wiped out, take some of their gear. No need to make a show of it. Just help. Expeditions are shared effort. If you’re strong one day, someone else will be strong when you’re not.

Remember: it’s not about you

Your ego, your pace, your preferences—park them. You’re part of something bigger now. That means compromise, patience, and pulling your weight, even when no one’s watching. That’s what makes a good teammate.

You don’t need to be the fittest. Or the fastest. Or the most experienced.
Just be reliable. Be useful. Be kind when it counts.

That’s the person everyone wants on their team.