What To Do When You Become Lost While Backpacking
We all at one time or another have gotten off trail or lost if you want to call it that.
While I am backpacking I usually keep an eye on the blaze marks (trail markers) posted on the trees. Along with that I have an overview of where I have been and where I should be getting to in different stages. For instance I know that at the end of the day I need to be at XYZ campsite. But that is the whole day. Along the way I have some idea where I will be in the next 15 minutes and then 30 minutes and I keep adjusting it up. If in 15 minutes I should be crossing a creek and I am on top of a mountain - I need to stop.
You should never go any length of time without seeing a trail blaze. On most public trails you should never be out of sight of a trail mark. If a few minutes go by and you have not seen a trail mark...Stop! Look ahead. Are you on a trail or off in the bush? If you don't see any trail marks (blazes) do a turn around and slowly retrace your steps. It shouldn't take long before you are back on the trail with trail markers. What ever you do don't just keep walking without seeing a trail mark for long periods of time.
This should get you back on trail and believe me it still happens to me. Keep composed and go back until you find a trail.
Now if under some strange or outlandish circumstance you find yourself really lost. Stop and have a cup of water while sitting down. Don't panic! Breathe. If there is still plenty of daylight left position your self with surroundings using the sun as a crude compass. If you were heading North to South and you find yourself positioned heading West you need to make a 90 degree right turn in your heading and slowly, slowly begin to head North. You will be trying to find your way back to where you first got lost. It is always better to find your starting point than it is to find someplace you haven't been to yet.
Continue slowly North by North East observing the terrain for tips of where you began your trip. The main thing is to not panic. Consider the terrain again and if you find a town stop and reset your bearings. Do this with any visible knowledgeable landmark. Keep calm; don't panic. If it is nearing night or dark or the weather is about to change for the worse, prepare.
Sit down and prepare camp. Get your tent up, collect some fire wood and maybe if it is late cook yourself a dinner. Remember you have all you need on your back and the will to get you through this. Start your fire and read a good book which I hope you remembered to take along with you.
About The Author:All is not lost, you are still in the USA and hopefully you know how to take care of yourself for a few days. Again, I want to emphasize the importance of the flight plan. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Where you will be parking your car is another tip you need to get used to doing. It is far easier to spot a car along the road than to find a lone hiker in a woods. All you need to know about backpacking survival can be found at http://backpackingsurvivalkit.com. Larry Pitts has been a solo backpacker for the past 60 years and has a lot to share with you.
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