Hiking can be an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise, but it can also be dangerous if you get lost. In this blog post, we will give you some tips on surviving if you get lost while hiking. Stay calm and try to orient yourself by locating landmarks or following trails.
If you’re still lost, find a spot to wait for help and signal for help using something bright like a shirt or jacket. Drink plenty of water and eat fruits or salt-free snacks to keep your energy up without dehydrating you. According to modernman.com, which specializes in Phoenix hiking tours, “You should NEVER be on that mountain without food and water.” when talking about their Scottsdale hiking experiences.
Don’t Panic – Take A Deep Breath And Stay Calm
If you panic, you will only make the situation worse. Stay calm and try to think clearly to follow the other tips on this list.
Panicking would only set off your cortisol and stress hormones, triggering the “fight or flight” response. This will only make you more anxious, and it can even lead to making poor decisions. So, if you find yourself in a situation where you are lost while hiking, the first step is to take a deep breath and try to stay calm. This will allow you to think more clearly to follow the other tips on this list.
Try To Orient Yourself By Locating Landmarks Or Following Trails
If you have been paying attention to your surroundings, then this tip should be easy enough to follow. If you can locate landmarks or follow trails, then the chances are good that you will be able to find your way back to safety.
Of course, this is not always possible. If you are in an area with no landmarks or trails, then you will need to rely on the other tips on this list.
But if you do have landmarks or trails available, then use them to your advantage. Try to orient yourself by locating landmarks or following trails. This could be the key to finding your way back to safety.
If You’re Still Lost, Find A Spot To Wait For Help And Signal For Help Using Something Bright Like A Shirt Or Jacket
We’ve seen 127 hours and other hiking horror or survival movies, and not everyone goes through such horrific experiences. But without considering the extremes, focus on things you can control.
If you find yourself lost, the best thing to do is to stay in one place. This will make it easier for rescuers to find you. If possible, find a spot with some sort of natural shelters like a cave or large rock formation. This will protect you from the elements and make it easier for rescuers to spot you.
Once you have found a spot to wait for help, the next step is to signal for help. Try to wear something bright like a shirt or jacket so that rescuers can see you from far away. You can also use mirrors or flashlights to reflect light and signal for help.
In addition, if you have a cellphone with you, try to call 911 or send a text message to let rescuers know your location.
If you find yourself lost while hiking, the best thing to do is to find a spot to wait for help and signal for help using something bright like a shirt or jacket.
Drink Plenty Of Water And Eat Fruits Or Salt-Free Snacks To Keep Your Energy Up Without Dehydrating You
It is important to stay hydrated when you are lost, especially if it is hot outside. Drink plenty of water and try to eat fruits or salt-free snacks to keep your energy up.
Dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, and even hallucinations. So, it is important to drink plenty of water and eat foods that will help keep your energy up without dehydrating you.
In addition, avoid drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee or soda as they can further dehydrate you. Stick with water and salt-free snacks to help keep your energy up while you are lost.
Be Careful Not To Wander Off The Path Or Into Dangerous Areas
If you are lost, it is important to avoid wandering off the path or into dangerous areas. This will only make it harder for rescuers to find you and could potentially put you in danger.
Sure, you’re lost and don’t know what’s dangerous and what’s not, but it’s still important to be careful. If you can, stay on the path or in an open area. And if you do need to venture off the path, be sure to tell someone or leave markings of where you’re going first.
