Don't Burn Yourself Out

Around 2,000 people get lost in the woods every year. 

We all believe we’re not going to be one of those unfortunate souls…but none of us can ever be 100 percent sure.

Here are some survival strategies you need to know to avoid getting into this precarious situation in the first place...

If you’re not too experienced with hiking or backpacking, there’s no shame in scheduling a tour with a guide, which is also a great way to learn the ropes before venturing out on your lonesome.

While this tip is optional for easier hiking treks, it’s a requirement for all other times. There...

This is a great tip if you’re a beginner. It’s an even better idea to stay close to your home on your first hiking adventure. While it might not be as exciting as heading deep into the wilds, this is a great way to learn basic navigation skills in a safe environment.

Please remember to tell all your relations about your trip and carry your essential travel gear with you on the trail. These two preventative tips, along with the strategies listed above, could well prove critical in “surviving to tell the tale.” 

Surviving when you do get lost involves a little preparation. Always, always make sure you have the backpacking 10 essentials with you when you go out hiking or backpacking:

• Water purifier
• Extra food and bottled water
• Firestarter (matches/lighter)
• First Aid Kit

Survival experts recommend that people who are lost in mountains or forests travel downhill. In most wildlife areas, it should take you no more than 20 hours of walking downhill to reach a town or city, or at least a road or established trail.

Since most cities in the past were built near b...

You can only survive three days without water. This timeframe, however, could be even shorter if you’re hiking in humid environments. 

On most trips, you’ll likely have brought H2O with you, but packing a water purifier such as the lifestraw could help save your life by all...

Make sure you are ready to signal potential rescuers. This could take many forms, such as blowing a whistle, flashing a mirror (or shiny metallic object) or even spelling “help” on the ground in an open area.

If lost in the mountains, you should use the appropriate signals to alert mountain...

You should know how to read scales on a map. The most common map is 1:25,000, which means one centimeter on the map translates to 250 meters on the ground. You should also be able to identify features on the map and understand contouring, both of which can help you navigate terrain safely.

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Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for any and all traces of humans. Whether it’s some trash left behind by a non-practitioner of LNT, a trail or pathway, camping sites, or the sounds of people talking.

If you can’t determine your location or navigate your way back to civilization, then you a...

The most important thing before going on a hike is to let friends and family know where you’re going and for how long. Leave them a map of your planned route and any other pertinent information about your trip, i.e. direction of travel, parking location. This way, if you don’t return within the t...

The onset of hypothermia is usually gradual, so you have to watch yourself carefully before the debilitating symptoms take hold of you.

Hypothermia produces symptoms such as extreme shivering, weakened pulse, delirium, and poor balance. It’s far easier for you to contract hypothermia at nig...

Food is important for giving you the energy you need to create and maintain your shelter, or to hike out to safety. Take stock of the food you’ve brought with you and work out how to stretch out your supply for as long as possible.

Reserve your energy only for necessary tasks. With more ene...

Now that you know the greatest risks to your safety, it’s time to learn how to keep yourself going while waiting on help while out in the wild.

You need a cool head now more than ever. If you’ve never practised meditation before, now is as good a time as any to begin. Sit down and ...

In order to effectively ward off hypothermia, you need to create a reliable source of fire and find a good shelter.

Besides a cave (uninhabited, of course), the best shelter for a cold night in the woods is a tent. If you don’t have a tent and can’t find a safe cave, then try to set up cam...

Once your mind is calm, observe your surroundings and try to get an idea where you’re located. Try and mentally retrace your steps. 

If it is safe to do so, then climb to the highest elevation possible to better assess your location. If such a venture will take significant time or energy, o...

Do's:

• Tell someone at home where you’re going beforehand.
• After you realize you’re lost, follow the STOP protocol and prioritize your needs.
• Travel downhill and follow streams towards possible human habitations.
• Stay in open areas and use all si...

Once you realize you’re lost, the first things you need to do are stop, relax, and think about your situation carefully. Excessive anxiety will only cloud your judgment and drain your energy.

The STOP method helps you remember what to do after you realize you’re lost. These letters...

Cramps are an early warning sign that you’re dehydrated. As these symptoms appear, try to find a shaded area and drink purified water.

Once you start to experience symptoms like nausea, clammy hands, or a fast pulse, you must lie down in the shade, sip a drink slowly, and sprinkle cool wate...