Lost on the Trail
If you ever get lost while hiking, you might be tempted to panic and immediately wander in search of a way out, but doing this may only make your situation worse. Instead, stay calm, practice smart strategies, and make sure to prepare thoroughly beforehand. Here are five life-saving tips to keep in mind if you ever stray off the trail.
1. Collect Cues from Your Surroundings
As soon as you realize you're lost, start collecting cues from your surroundings to get a feel of where you are and to help jog your memory later on. Maybe it's an odd-looking tree, a fork in the path, or a river that runs through the trail. Whatever helps you remember, keep a mental note of it or jot it down somewhere.
2. Leave Marks to Help You Trace Back
Even if you didn't leave any marks at the beginning of your trek, start now. This way, if you ever venture out and round back to where you're stuck now, you'll instantly recognize it as somewhere you've been before. Tie a ribbon to a branch, write something in the dirt, or leave a flashlight or personal item you're fine with abandoning.
3. Always Carry a First-Aid Kit
Always remember to pack a first-aid kit with you when you're going out hiking. You never know if you'll need it and when it'll come in handy. If you or anyone in your group gets injured, you'll at least have disinfectant, ointment, and bandages to wrap things up before you get actual medical assistance.
4. Climb to a Higher Surface
If the trail allows, try climbing to a higher surface and see how the route weaves below you. Take photos so you have references to come back to. If you've accidentally split off from your group, climbing to a higher level may let you see where everyone else is on the path, and you can signal them your location.
5. Don't Split Up
Don't split from your group to try to find a way out that way. You may all end up becoming separated from each other and lose all sense of direction, which will only make the situation worse. Keep close together—there's strength in numbers.
