Being lost in the wilderness can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. However, staying calm and taking the right steps can help you get back to safety. In this blog post, we provide a survival guide with tips and strategies for staying safe and getting rescued. We also discuss how to prepare for the possibility of getting lost, the importance of carrying the right gear, and the value of learning survival skills.
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Lost in the wilderness – important steps to take
The good news is that it’s very difficult to get totally lost – that is, to have no idea of your general position. This is especially true if you’re a good navigator or a seasoned hiker. However, even the most experienced hikers sometimes lose track of their surroundings, whether because the route seems obvious, they think they have a good mental picture of the area, or they’re simply in a hurry. Yes, there is no shortage of reasons to get disoriented – and it doesn’t happen exclusively to beginners. So, what should you do if you get lost in the wilderness?
Assess the situation and determine your location
First and foremost, it’s important to stop and take a deep breath. Try to remain calm so you can properly think through your next steps. As long as you keep a positive attitude, you don’t need to panic – panic can lead to poor decisions and, in a survival situation, increases the risk of accidents. Next, work to determine your exact location. Look for any recognizable landmarks or features that can help you orient yourself and figure out where you are. If you have a map and compass, use them to get your bearings and plan a route home.
Photo by Camotrek
Once you have a general idea of your location, it’s time to start thinking about how to get back to civilization. The best option is to retrace your steps to a familiar point so you can get back on track. Another viable option, if you know the general direction of the nearest town, trailhead, or road, is to start walking that way. If you don’t know which way to go and aren’t in immediate danger, it’s usually better to stay put and wait for rescue than to try hiking out on your own. Additionally, moving without direction during extreme weather can be highly dangerous, putting you at risk of hypothermia. This can be a difficult decision to make, but wandering aimlessly only risks getting you more lost and exposes you to unnecessary danger.
Find shelter and take care of yourself
While you are waiting for rescue, focus on taking care of yourself. Try to find shelter and stay warm and dry. If you have an emergency shelter – great! If you only have a survival kit, use its contents to stay comfortable and safe. A survival kit contains essential items designed to help you survive an emergency. These kits typically include a knife, fire starter, first aid supplies, and water purification tablets. The exact items will vary based on your needs and environment, but the goal is the same: to give you the tools to survive until rescue arrives or you find your way back home.
A list of suggested items to include in your survival kit for hikingThe content of your survival kit can vary, but there are some key items to consider:
A good, sturdy knife is incredibly useful in a variety of situations, such as cutting rope, preparing food, or making tools.
A fire starter, such as a lighter or waterproof matches, can help you build a fire for warmth, cooking, and signaling for rescue. Windproof and waterproof storm matches are a great choice for bad weather. Another reliable option suitable for any weather is a flint starter, which has the advantage of long-term durability.
A first aid kit should include basic supplies for treating minor injuries, such as bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers. We prefer to build a custom kit, but for those who don’t have the time or desire to do it on their own, pre-assembled individual first aid kits (IFAKs) are widely available. The most popular is the traditional survival IFAK, but there are also emergency trauma kits for more serious injuries.
Water purification tablets can make contaminated water safe to drink – essential if you are stranded without access to clean water.
A compass can help you navigate and determine your location, even if you are unsure of your surroundings.
A map of the area you are hiking in can help you plan your route and identify potential hazards or landmarks.
A whistle is a must-have for signaling if you are lost or injured. Most people prefer using a traditional whistle for emergency signaling. However, there are other high-tech options like this one (simple electronic whistle) or the Nitecore NW30 emergency whistle. It is super easy to use and combines an electronic whistle with a 2000-lumen beacon light. The cool thing is that you don’t have to manually blow the whistle, saving you vital energy. Additionally, this whistle has an IP68 rating, which means that it’s sturdy and waterproof, making it usable in all weather conditions. Alternatively, some multi-tools like the ReadyMan EDC survival tool include an emergency whistle as part of their design.
An emergency blanket is a lightweight, compact item that provides warmth and shelter. It’s designed to help you retain about 90% of your body heat, preventing hypothermia – which can be life-saving. We highly recommend having a couple in your hiking pack.
It’s always a good idea to carry extra food and water with you on a hike, in case you are stranded for an extended period of time.
A flashlight or headlamp is essential for illuminating your surroundings and finding your way in the dark. Headlamps are especially popular among outdoorsmen because they offer a hands-free experience and usually come with multiple lighting modes.
A personal locator beacon is a device that can send a distress signal to rescue teams, who can then locate you and provide assistance if you are lost or in trouble. |
If you don’t have a survival kit, look for natural resources. For example, you can use leaves and branches to create a shelter or look for edible plants. While it’s important to conserve your energy and avoid unnecessary exertion, do prepare for the night by finding shelter and building a fire.
Signal for help and wait for rescue
If you are unable to find your way back to civilization on your own, you may need to rely on rescue teams to find you. Remember that wandering around only increases the size of the search area. So, it is best not to move far unless you are facing an immediate natural hazard. Examples of such hazards include lightning, wildfire, rockfall, avalanche, and flash floods.
Use a personal locator beacon to signal for help
If you have a personal locator beacon (PLB), use it to signal for help. A personal locator beacon is a portable device that sends a distress signal to a satellite, which alerts search and rescue teams to your location and dispatches assistance. PLBs are commonly carried by hikers, climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts for emergencies. To use one, simply activate it and wait for help to arrive. PLBs are intended for life-threatening situations only and should never be used for non-emergencies.
Make yourself visible to rescue teams
If you don’t have a PLB, focus on making yourself visible. Look for an open area – a place that searchers may be able to see from the air – and build a signal fire (if you can).
For daytime signaling, add green leaves, damp wood, or pine branches to create thick smoke. If you have a piece of rubber (like a shoe sole or a tire strip), burning it produces dense, black smoke that stands out against natural surroundings – this is a well-known survival trick. Just be careful not to breathe the fumes directly. At night, the flame itself is your best bet. Remember: smoke is more visible during the day, while flames stand out after dark.
Building a fire in the wilderness is an important survival skill to have if you get lost or stranded. There are several reasons why a fire can be useful in these situations:
- A fire can provide warmth, especially at night or in cold weather. This can help prevent hypothermia, which can be life-threatening.
- A fire can provide light, which can help you see your surroundings and navigate your way out of the wilderness.
- A fire can help you signal to potential rescuers. The smoke from it can be seen from a distance, helping to attract the attention of people who are looking for you.
- A fire can help you cook food and purify water, making both safe to consume.
- A fire can provide a sense of security and comfort. In a survival situation, it can help you feel less alone and more in control.
Photo by arodsje
A mirror can reflect sunlight to signal to potential rescuers. Rescue mirrors are even better because they can have a sighting hole that lets you focus on a target. You can also make noise by shouting, blowing a whistle, or banging on a pot.
One way to use a mirror is to hold it in front of you and angle it to reflect sunlight. This can help attract the attention of rescuers who may be nearby and looking for you. Alternatively, you can use the mirror to flash Morse code signals by reflecting light in a series of short and long flashes. This can help you communicate with potential rescuers, even if they are too far away to see or hear you directly. To use this method, you will need to know the Morse code for the letters of the alphabet and numbers. You can then spell out messages using the flashes of light from the mirror.
How to prepare for the possibility of getting lost in the wilderness
In addition to these steps, there are a few other things you can do to prepare for the possibility of getting lost in the wilderness.
Carry the right gear
First, make sure you have the right gear to stay safe and comfortable. Depending on the specific conditions of your trip, you may need different types of equipment. However, your kit should always include a map and compass, a survival kit, and a personal locator beacon or whistle. If you aren’t accustomed to navigating by the stars, consider bringing a GPS device to help guide you through the wilderness.
Let someone know your plans
It is generally a good idea to let someone know your plans before a hike, especially if you are going alone or into a remote area. This ensures that help can be sent if you don’t return on time or run into trouble.
Here’s why this simple step is so important:
- It helps rescue teams locate you faster. If someone knows your planned route and expected return time, they can alert authorities the moment you’re overdue – speeding up the search.
- It gives you and your loved ones peace of mind. KKnowing that someone is watching out for you eases anxiety for everyone while you’re out on the trail.
- It provides a backup if you can’t call for help yourself. Whether you change your route, face an emergency, or are unable to use your phone or PLB, your contact person can relay your last known location and plans to rescuers on your behalf.
Learn survival skills and knowledge
Finally, make sure you have the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and survive in the wild. This might include taking a wilderness survival course, practicing with a knowledgeable friend, or reading some great books on wilderness survival.
Conclusion
Being lost in the wilderness can be a frightening experience, but staying calm and taking the right steps can help you navigate out of a difficult situation and back to safety. Remember to stop and assess the situation, try to determine your location, and take care of yourself while you wait for rescue. With a little luck and some careful planning, you can make it out of the wilderness and go back to civilization.
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