Even some of the best hikers may become too lenient and get lost in the woods, especially in unfamiliar areas. This is why whether you’re a frequent hiker or out on your first solo adventure, make sure you follow these survival tips before you get lost in the woods
1. Don’t Panic
Panicking when you’re lost in the woods makes you look like a chicken running around with its head chopped off. It should be the last thing you should get into given the situation.
With that in mind, the next tip should be your perfect response.
2. Stop and think
When you’re in a panic, your brain stops working, too. Thus, fear sets in and you can’t help making bad actions and judgment.
Stop what you’re doing at the moment and on that note, the acronym STOP really works well.
Sit. Stop what you’re doing and have a drink because a refreshing drink will help calm you down.
Think. Evaluate your situation so you can determine if you’re really lost or only feeling lost.
Observe. Look around you and evaluate the treats in your surroundings.
Plan. After determining your situation, you can now plan your next move or action.
3. Head for higher ground
Your next mission is to head for higher ground, here you can have a better view of the landscape which may help you find the direction you should be heading to or even get a phone signal in order to call for help.
4. Build a shelter
If it's getting late, it is advisable you begin scouting out or building a place you can rest for the night.There are a number of ways to make a shelter when you’re lost in the woods but for us, the simpler the better.
If you have brought a tarp along with you, then you have all you need for a shelter, indeed. The main goal is to protect you from harsh winds or rain that might fall at night because getting lost is one thing but catching a cold or a flu at that might spell doom.
5. Fire
Next to your shelter is building a fire. It will help get you food and water and will keep you company in the dark, too. It will also help keep you safe from wild animals.
Your survival kit should have a fire-starting kit , but if you don’t there are a number of primitive ways to start a fire. It will be challenging, though, but then you can practice fire-starting as a survival skill.
6. Water
You can survive without water for three days but at the end of the second day, you’ll feel disoriented and unable to function and think properly. There are several ways to find water out in the woods than in the desert so, learn how to find water out there here. But if you spot a river while you are on higher ground then your plan should be to navigate your escape route to be close to it all the time. That way, you are never shot of drinking water.
7. Mark your trail
As soon as you start your journey, keep in mind anybody can get lost in the woods, so go on a survival and preparedness mood at the onset. With that in mind, be conscious of your surroundings and start marking your trail.
You can break some tree branches or tie flaggings in the branches so you can find your way back using these markings. You can also use a stick to draw a line along the way. But if you didn't do any from the onset there is still no problem, just start doing it immediately. This way you can easily know if you are walking round in circles.
