Don’t Get Lost: 7 Ways to Stay Found

We’ve seen an increase of hikers getting lost this summer throughout the US. It hasn’t been hikers alone, but a number of their stories have stood out due to the fact that too many are still missing. Though any of us can get lost, it’s good to learn and understand some of the common ways it happens over and over again.

We’ll share 7 easy ways to avoid getting lost. We’ll also include a few ways to help yourself if you find yourself lost.

1. Know your limits. Knowing your physical and mental limits can be a big challenge for people, including me. It can be fun to push ourselves and “go for it”. However, have an honest discussion with yourself about your fitness, age, level of skill and experience.

Increase your skills and experience’s gradually! So, instead of signing up for a 7-day mountain backpacking trip, hike a handful of times at a local state park or on a nearby trail system where you can increase your skills and test your gear. Also consider that as you age, (me!) you may need to adjust in mileage, expectations or time. It doesn’t mean you can’t do something, it just means you need to adapt to do it the best for YOU.

2. Tell someone where you’re going. This seems easy to do, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do it. Many figure, “well, I’m just going out for the afternoon and will be back by dinner”. Whether it’s for a day hike or trail run tell someone where you’re going and roughly when you expect to return. For longer trips, leave an itinerary home with an emergency contact. Even if your plans change, someone knows your approximate last location. Psst…download our easy to fill-in Itinerary below.

3. Check current conditions. Before leaving home check current conditions. What is the current weather? What is the forecast for the next few hours or days? Are any trails closed or has a bridge washed out? Finding out the weather is pretty easy. Contacting a local ranger station or park office is a great way to discover any conditions you should be aware of. If they’re not available, some online forums can provide insight too. Just be aware that conditions in some places, like mountains or on lakes can change rapidly. You may experience hot temps that cause heat-exhaustion leading to confusion and getting off-course, or worse.

4. Download or print out a map. Always. Look it over before you leave so you understand the symbols and features. In a pinch, take a photo of the map at the trailhead if there is one. Finally, carry a compass and understand the basics of using it through classes with REI or your local orienteering club.

Some of our favorite mapping apps! They will all work offline once your map is downloaded. Some require a subscription or fee.

• Gaia GPS maps cover hiking, hunting, backpacking, offroad, backcountry skiing and fishing.

• Guthook maps cover world-class hikes, wilderness regions, and trails from all over the world.

• AllTrails maps for hikers, bikers and trail runners. Requires subscription.

• The National Park Service these maps are FREE and cover all US National Parks including trail information, tours, amenities, accessibility, what to see, things to do, park news and more.

5. Avoid going alone. This is a hot topic that many have an opinion about! Some of you, myself included, enjoy solo adventures. There is nothing wrong with that however, the risks increases significantly by doing something solo. It requires more careful planning and consideration and way less risk taking. The majority of people that go missing are out doing their thing solo.

So what can you do? Be more modest in estimating what you can accomplish - distance, miles and skills, especially if you haven’t trained for the task or have a much experience with the gear you’re using. Go slower, be more aware of your surroundings, stop and think about how you feel physically so that you’re not getting behind on food or water, which often leads to confusion.

If you are hiking with another person or group, stay together. Always. Don’t separate because you want to hit that summit and your partner does not. Either do it together or don’t do it at all.

6. Have a turn around time. While it’s super satisfying reaching your goal, have a turn around time or stopping point and stick to it. What are your non-negotiable’s? Figure these out before you even leave your home. If you’re in a group, follow these same tips.

7. Carry the 10 essentials. This includes having enough gear, food and water for a night or two spent in the woods - even if your on a day-hike. A cheap, emergency bivy or blanket can keep you warm and dry. Toss in a candy bar for high calories. Bring extra clothing for weather conditions that could pop up. Always carry water. Many people who get lost are day hikers out for a short adventure, lasting under 4 hours and therefore they don’t carry much besides a water bottle - if that. Carry the essentials!

Angela carries 2 liters of water on a dry section of the John Muir Trail in California.

But if you do find yourself lost…

Have a signal. For longer trips, carry a personal locator beacon. They aren’t super cheap, and have a month to month subscriptions, but they may prevent a full-on rescue. Garmin InReach plan allows you to text emergency personal so that they can either help you self-rescue (find the trail!) or send out help. The benefit of this feature is that they may not have to send out unnecessary resources, providing you with the best response for your particular situation. For example, you may be 5 days into a backpacking trip and you find yourself off-trail and lost. You can hit the SOS button and the responder will be able to determine your location and text you through your InReach while providing key details for you to find your way back on trail.

At minimum carry a whistle as the sound will carry farther than your voice. Having along bright gear, like a tent or jacket will also keep you visible to others who may be able to help. Carrying along a signal mirror is another way to alert help.

Stop, take a minute. It’s easy to panic if you’ve ever found yourself lost. Anyone recall getting lost in the grocery store as a kid? Sit down where you are. Take a drink and have a snack. Relax until your heart rate lowers. Don’t move unless conditions become dangerous and wait for help or others to come along. Observe your surroundings. Consult your map only if you’re confident in reading it and getting yourself back to a known point or feature, like a lake or trail junction. Be careful as people tend to get themselves into more trouble continuing to move.

Protect yourself. If you happen to be carrying a full backpack, then you have many options for staying safe, warm and dry. If not, hunker down under a tree or a large rock. Covering yourself with leaves will help insulate from the cold. Seek natural, shady areas if it’s hot or use a jacket as shade. Don’t stay hidden too long if people are out looking for you.

Be alert to simple mistakes. Simple mistakes can landslide into disastrous decisions. Pay attention to how you’re feeling physically and mentally. Stop every couple of hours to “check in” with your bodies. Are you too hot? Getting chilled? Address any minor thing that seems to be flaring up.

You burn a lot of calories outdoors, so having enough food and snacks will not only keep you strong, but will keep you from becoming confused and making mistakes. Eat more - more often than you think you probably should. Carry enough water. For a half a day in most places, that could be 2-5 liters. Include electrolyte powder or tablets so that your heart and muscles work great.

Make a plan. Come up with a flexible plan or two. After observing your surroundings, weather patterns, your level of energy, comfort and time of day, think about what you can do to help yourself. Come up with plan that helps you for the next hour, continuing to adjust and make new plans as necessary. If you’re not confident in moving based on your assessments, then it’s better to stay put.

PREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE….

Our maps safely enclosed in a waterproof bag attached to our canoe pack on a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota.

Disclaimer: Some of the information presented here may or may not be accurate or up to date. It is important for you to plan and prepare for your own adventure. You’re responsible for your own safety. Taking the time to prepare increases your odds of success!