Getting Lost While Hiking. How to prepare, prevent + survive

updated: july 2024

Getting lost on a hike has never seriously crossed my mind. Until it happened.

On one of our recent sunset hikes, we were basking in the beauty of peak fall foliage. Wanting to beat the nightfall, we left the gorgeous overlook in plenty of time and headed back to the trailhead.

We had a rough idea of where the trailhead was, but as the sky grew darker, we had increased difficulty locating the cut-through trail that would lead us back to the vehicle. As we hiked back and forth in search of it, our situation grew bleaker. Then came the realization…we were lost.

After a couple of hours of trampling through the pitch-black forest, we finally made it back to civilization. But, let’s be real, we could have avoided the whole ordeal if we had planned ahead.

Getting lost during a hike can be a scary ordeal, but it’s crucial to remain composed and take measures to ensure your well-being. Here are some steps to avoid getting lost and what to do when you realize you are lost.

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Prevent Getting Lost

The best option is to avoid getting lost (duh). To do that proactively-

• Plan your hike ahead of time. Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. 
• Have a map and compass (and know how to use them).
• Stay on the trail. Don’t wander off into the woods, even if you see a shortcut.
• Pay attention to your surroundings. Be aware of landmarks and note where you are on the map.
• Frequent Checks. Frequently check in with your map to know exactly where you are and double-check that you are still on track.
• Have a backup plan. Know what steps to take in the event you get lost.

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Getting Lost: Phase 1

If you end up in a situation and realize you are lost, the first steps to take are-

1. Stop and assess your situation. Don’t panic or continue wandering aimlessly. Take a moment to calm down and figure out where you might be.
2. Check your surroundings. Look for any landmarks or trail markers that can help you orient yourself. If you have a map and compass, use them to determine your location.
3. Retrace your steps. If you can, try to retrace your steps back to the last point where you were sure of your location. This may involve some backtracking, but it’s often the most efficient way to find your way out.

Getting Lost: Phase 2

If that doesn’t work, then it’s on to phase 2 of being lost-

1. Conserve your energy and stay hydrated. Don’t expend unnecessary energy by trying to bushwhack through dense vegetation. Sit down, rest if needed, and ration your water supply.
2. Signal for help. If you have a whistle or other signaling device, use it to attract attention. You can also build a fire or use a mirror to reflect sunlight.
3. Stay put if night falls. If darkness falls and you’re still lost, it’s generally safer to stay put rather than try to hike in the dark.
4. Find a sheltered spot. This could be under a tree, in a ravine, or under a rock overhang.
5. Prepare for the weather. Dress appropriately for the conditions and carry a raincoat or poncho in case of rain. If it’s getting cold, insulate yourself with extra layers of clothing.

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The Rule of 3

In the event of an emergency, it’s important to be prepared and have a plan in place. To keep things straightforward and help you stay focused on what’s most important, consider these four basic rules to guide your actions.

In general, the human can survive for:

• 3 minutes without breathing (asphyxiation, blood loss)
• 3 hours without shelter in an extreme environment (exposure)
• 3 days without water (dehydration)
• 3 weeks without food (starvation)

In an emergency, secure the item you can’t go without for the shortest time, and work your way down the list.

Shelter

In bitterly cold temperatures and wet, chilly environments, it’s crucial to protect yourself from the wind, precipitation, and the ground. By staying warm, you can avoid the risk of hypothermia. Similarly, in searing heat, taking shelter from the sun is a top priority.

How your body loses and gains heat:

• Radiation (sun, fire, body)
• Convection (hot and cold wind)
• Sweat (heat loss through evaporation)
• Conduction (sleeping on snow)
• Breathing (heat loss)
• Drinking (heat gain/loss)

Water

Water is a crucial commodity, as it is involved in many of the body’s processes and is essential for our survival. It’s important to treat questionable water, but in an emergency situation, drinking contaminated water is preferable to dying of thirst. Avoid water sources that have clear signs of toxicity, such as the absence of vegetation and dead animals. Your water needs will vary depending on environmental conditions and your level of activity.

When temperatures are soaring, it’s important to take care of yourself. Consider resting during the day and traveling at night when the heat has subsided. If you’re dehydrated, avoid exerting yourself, and be mindful that dehydration can impair cognitive function.

It’s just as important to stay hydrated in cooler climates. To ensure your body can function properly, it’s crucial to maintain your body temperature. Do not consume snow (it will lower your body temperature) unless you are unable to melt it with fire. As a last resort, you can consume snow for hydration.

Food

Our bodies are designed to store fat in preparation for short periods of food scarcity. In most short-term survival situations, sourcing food is not a critical concern. Individuals lost in the wilderness often panic because of the fear of running out of food. However, if you’re stranded in a remote location with no hope of being found for weeks or months, then food becomes a top priority.

While it’s important to ration your food, remember that finding food is not the most critical aspect of wilderness survival. Your body will naturally consume itself, and it’s unlikely that your calorie intake will match your output. So, don’t waste energy trying to locate food. Instead, focus on conserving your body’s energy reserves. Your top priorities should be staying put, building a shelter, finding water, and signaling for help or attempting self-rescue.

Signaling

While first aid and shelter should take priority during an emergency, signaling for help is also crucial. You never know when an opportunity to signal someone could arise, so always be prepared. Look for high ground if there are cell towers nearby to send an emergency text. Signal fires, mirrors, and whistles are also effective ways to attract attention. Anything that stands out, like a pack cover tied to a tree, an open area with your backpack, or a large signal on the ground made from branches, will increase your chances of being found.

In an emergency, avoid yelling for help, as it doesn’t carry far and can drain your energy. Instead, use a whistle and signal in blasts of three, as this is a universal distress signal. However, if there’s no chance of anyone coming to your aid, it’s important to have a plan to walk out on your own.

Final Thoughts on Getting Lost

It’s never a pleasant experience to get lost in the woods, even if only for a short time. It’s useful to have this information available just in case. It’s always better to be over-prepared when going into the woods. So kick back, relax, and enjoy your hike, knowing that you are fully prepared for any emergency that may come along!

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