What to Do When You Find Yourself Lost in the Wilderness

Before venturing into the wilderness, it is crucial to prepare yourself adequately. Reading a few books and watching videos on bushcraft and survivalism can significantly enhance your chances of staying safe and navigating your way out of a challenging situation. Equipping yourself with essential skills will not only boost your confidence but also provide you with the necessary knowledge to survive in the wild.

Step-by-Step Guide to Managing a Wilderness Emergency

As soon as you realize you are lost, follow these steps:

1. Stay Calm and Assess Your Situation

Take a moment to sit down, breathe, and collect yourself. Take a snack or cup of tea and listen to the sounds of nature, such as birds, to help you focus. Avoid panicking, as this can exacerbate the situation and lead you to make poor decisions.

2. Reestablish Your Mental Geography

Think about how you got there and when you last knew your location. Can you trace your steps back to a point where you were certain of your whereabouts? Have any landmarks, such as a deformed tree or a large boulder, passed along the way? If you can remember a specific landmark or even a foot print, use it as a reference.

3. Utilize Technology

Check your phone for service. Attempt to call emergency services or friends and family. If you do not have service, look for higher ground or follow the general vicinity to see if you can find service. If all else fails, stay put and consider the following options.

4. Create a Plan for Rescued

If you are near water sources such as streams or creeks, consider following them to see if they lead to a river. However, this is not always recommended, especially if you are far from civilization. Your best bet is to stay put and create a shelter or camp to wait for rescue.

5. Prepare for an Uncertain Future

If you are stranded, create a shelter and ration your food supplies. Build a fire, and make it extra smokey if possible. The next few days, prepare for the possibility of rescue. If discovered, rescue teams can more easily detect smoke.

Preventative Measures for a Successful Trip

The best advice I could give anyone going into the wilderness is to inform someone of your itinerary and expected return date. Additionally, investing in a satellite phone like the Garmin In-Reach can be lifesaving. Proper preparation, such as knowing your route and carrying a map and compass, can significantly reduce your chances of getting lost. Learn how to read a topographic map and have one with you if possible, so you can find high elevated spots. Even experienced hikers can sometimes become lost, so it's always best to stay on the established path.

Remember, the key to surviving a wilderness emergency is to stay calm, assess your situation, and make informed decisions. With the right preparation and mindset, you can navigate your way back to safety.