Hike Safe: Avoid Being Lost and Cold

The National Park Service reports that of all their search and rescue missions each year, approximately half of those are in search of day hikers or overnight campers. Most people don’t expect that anything could go wrong on a short trip. But often times, even during a day trip through the woods, a hiker can become disoriented and lose track of where their camp is located. Mike Marcon, wilderness survival expert offers some useful information that you should keep in mind whenever you are going out for a trek in the woods.

• Always tell someone you where you are going. If you are hiking alone, you should inform someone of your plans including when you plan on returning.
• Leave something behind that indicates to rescuers what time you left and what direction you headed in.
• Always dress properly. Clothing is your first source of shelter in the wilderness.
• Carry a space blanket with you, which can be used to keep warm and protect against elements.
• A flint bar will allow you to start a fire to stay warm and avoid hypothermia.

Check out our wilderness survival guide for more info on how to keep yourself safe when out in the woods.