Many years ago I became disoriented / lost while hiking unfamiliar backcountry log trails on a cloudy sunless day. Once I realized I was in a bad way I immediately felt anxious and started walking at a very fast pace. Almost a trot. Fortunately, I had taken my Mom’s old lab dog Abby on the hike with me. The dog also sensed my nervousness as she would whimper as I talked aloud about my predicament. Finally, I gave up on myself and looked at the dog and said calmly, “Abby, lets go home, let’s go to the truck... c’ mon girl get goin.” She took control of the situation and in a more of a “ by way the crow flys” I followed her back to recognizable territory. I never told anyone, and to my knowledge, Abby never sold me out. ♥️ dog
Dogs are so intelligent! This is an awesome story and I WILL be bringing my doggo whenever I start hiking/backpacking :) Love that your dog never sold you out lol, we so don't deserve dogs, they're loyal to a fault and always let us try to figure things out at first but are ready to be super helpful when we're at a loss lol.
I had a similar situation. My friend and a friend I were legit lost!! Luckily, she brought her dog. That black lab led the way and got us back to the road.
I went on a day hike in the Adirondacks back in the late 80's. The hike was a 5 mile journey to a lake. We arrived at the parking lot around noon and set off on our hike. The trail was well marked with metal reflective trail markers. It was a beautiful sunny August day and the hike to the lake was pretty simple. We had brought some water, a couple of snacks, a towel and a 35mm camera. We didn't intend to stay at the lake very long but we didn't realize it would take us several hours to hike the 5 miles so we arrived at the lake in the late afternoon and only stayed for an hour. It being summer, we thought we had until 8 or 9 to get out of the woods before it was too dark to see. We didn't count on the fact that we were in the mountains and the sun sets behind the mountains much earlier. We very quickly found ourselves in a situation where it was too dark to see. After a few minutes of sheer panic we realized that if we used the flash on the camera the image would stay visible for a split second. So we would initiate the flash, then try to find the trail reflectors before the image faded. Step by step and flash by flash we managed to slowly find our way out of the woods. We got to the parking lot around 1 am but at least we didn't have to spend the night in the woods.
Most whustles are quite shrill and carry further than yelling. They also require less energy. All of us should aquaint ourselves with emergency signals. Not only in the case of if you are lost yourself, but to recognise the signal of someone else while you are out in nature. The common signal to keep in mind is a group of three. Three gunshots in succession, three blasts on a whistle; three fires, three blinks of a flashlight, etc. Also of note is the international signal of s.o.s. In morse code the letter s is dot dot dot. The letter o is dash dash dash. So the distress code sos would be dot dot dot dash dash dash dot dot dot.... With a whistle, blow 3 short blasts, 3 long blasts and 3 short blasts. If you hear that, someone needs help.
In nighttime...or at sea...a strobe light works better, the heli finds you! Battery works two days... I had a mountain accident...in 1993...no mobile phones those years!
I'm very glad you did this video. I was on a NASAR Search and Rescue (SAR) team for eleven years and taught a survival program to K-6 and scouts. There are a few things I could add, but to keep it brief, one is to wear (or have with you) a bright piece of clothing, such as a hat (e.g., hunter orange). It's easier for someone to see you. Thanks for sharing this.
Great video. I recommend always carry a compass even if you don't know exactly how to use it well. So if you find yourself off trail, stop, like you said. Hang something bright to mark the spot, then decide on a particular direction (bearing) on the compass and go that direction maybe 200 steps at a low energy pace. (maybe even just leave your pack there to conserve energy). If you don't find the trail, spin 180° and follow the compass straight back to your starting point. Then repeat this process at 90° or even 45° creating spokes of a wagon wheel, always returning to the spot (hub) you started. If you still haven't found the trail, repeat that same process only go maybe 300 or 400 steps this time. This should allow you to at least find the trail.
Great episode. I've followed your videos on all of your thru-hikes and greatly respect your hard-earned wisdom and knowledge. Thanks for sharing it with the world. I'm the author of Rich Johnson's Guide to Wilderness Survival (McGraw Hill) and The Ultimate Survival Guide Extreme Edition (Weldon Owen). My wife and I spent a year living in the wilderness with a three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son back in the day. And I spent part of my career as outdoor survival writer for Outdoor Life Magazine. I only mention this because I have enough personal experience to recognize the excellence of your advice and counsel to backpackers and hikers. Your gear reviews are excellent, and I have made several gear choices based on your reports. So, drive on and keep up the fantastic work. I live in the Pacific Northwest, and last year hiked most of the West Coast trail on Canada's Vancouver Island. Short trail by your standards, but a real obstacle course. I injured my knee and had to leave the trail about two-thirds of the way through, but loved the experience. Maybe someday I can go back and finish what I started. I'm going to be 73 in a few weeks, so the body is not what it used to be, but the spirit is still young.
I was a scout for years, a solitary bow Hunter, mushroom picker, fly fisherman and prospector. I’ve been misplaced many times in the woods, had darkness, severe weather and general arrogance born stupidity overtake me many, many times in the outdoors. Dixie has great advice here and the turning to look behind you is something I do a lot. The paying attention to long distance landmarks and what’s on your left and right helps too. Mostly, easier said than done, do not panic. If a bumble like me can survive all the times I’ve been misplaced or lost than you can too if you keep your wits about you. Thank you, Dixie, this is a great posting. 👍🏼❤️👍🏼 by the way, I always carry a compass. Be aware, however, that on rare occasions there are places that compasses will be confused by ground mineralization. There is a place, for instance, on the Oregon coast where it will lead you in circles. I never have figured out what is up with that place. I’m guessing it is a meteorite? Don’t know what, just know it does it.
I hiked with my four daughters when they were all ages Instructions: The moment you think you are lost Stop Go in the shade Drink and eat something Blow on your whistle The whistle travels very far Wait we will find you . I would then draw them the search circle If they have been lost for one hour, then we will search in the one hour radius of possible travel They must stay put or they make finding them much harder
And to think if you’d just had one boy you wouldn’t had to worry. 😮😆 I kid. They are lucky to have a dad care enough to show them. I did too. And I’d probably get lost before my sister.
About calling 911 with no service: all cell phone carriers are required to send through emergency calls such as 911, at least in the U.S. That means that as long as you are in range of a tower, even if it doesn't normally pass through calls for your carrier or if the cell phone has no carrier at all, the call will still go through.
Reading a map is an outdoors skill. If you plan to go to the woods, hiking, camping, then learning to read a topo map and use a compass is like learning to walk; just do it. You learn to talk, clean yourself, dress. Learn outdoor skills, read a map, use a compass, build a fire, a shelter, things to always carry. You wouldn’t go to work without clothes, skills to do your job, preparation. Ditto for the outdoors. BTW, don’t depend on electronic tools in the outdoors too much. Learn to do without them. Electronic tools aren’t reliable at best, worst case they get you into serious trouble. Remember, Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. Practice, practice, practice, perfect practice makes perfect. Texas
One of the most useful self-rescue techniques I've learned is the eight-point method, which is where carrying a compass can be useful even if you're not versed using it with a map.. As soon as you realize You are lost, create your stop point where you are, and stop and take stock. From that point, head out 50 to 100 paces in The eight major directional points. When you reach your pace count, stop and take a look. If it doesn't look familiar, immediately turn around and go back to your Center Point. Do the next one. It's usually impractical to do this exactly in this fashion, but it's easily modified if you understand the intent of the technique. This is especially useful if you're on trail and maybe there's a junction where you think you got turned around. Go down each trail from the junction a set number of feet, and if you don't recognize it immediately go back. This also applies if you just came back on trail from being off trail for a bathroom break. Go down the trail each direction and see if it looks familiar. If none of it looks familiar with any of the methods I described above, then you need to stay put unless you must move for safety or water etc. I have used this technique when I've gotten turned around at a complicated trail intersection with about six different trails/atv trail/old logging roads coming together. I think the worst method I've heard is where people think they should hike up hill to try to get a better signal for their cell phone or whatever. Unless you have a clear line of sight to a particular place, that's just a bad idea.
You've addressed one of my fears, getting back to trail after a potty break. Should you leave your pack trailside or take with you? With LNT principles having you venture pretty far from trail for this. My gut says don't leave your pack. What's the conventional wisdom?
Another idea is to take a spool of fishing line. Tie it at the start point. That way if you have to go more than what you can still see your start you can follow the line back. Most hardware stores have rolls of surveyor's tape, that bright pink or striped ribbon. Take a few feet of that and mark the spot you left the trail if you have to go take a break. Or use it to mark your start point.
A common habit years ago was to leave your hat where you left the trail or where you entered a cave. Use a compass to determine the direction that you were going and then just use the reverse direction to get back to trail. Spend enough time in the woods and learn to navigate by the sun. Good Luck, Rick
@@richardross7219 An alternative to that compass method is to not come directly back to the point you left the trail. Instead take a compass reading about 5 to 10 degrees from the compass heading that would take you to that point. Then when you get back to the trail you know which direction to go to get back to your starting point.
Many years ago we had a comedian in our country, and he told people that, when he was hiking, he always had a deck of cards with him, because, if he got lost, he sat down and started playing solitaire, and soon someone will interupt him, claiming the club of nine could be put on spade of ten
Having even just a wrist compass and just taking a bearing before you leave trail so you can shoot a back azimuth on your way out can be a huge help. As long as you know more or less the direction you were coming from, you can use the trail as a handrail to get back on track, even if you don't end up exactly where you left the trail. If you left your pack on the side of the trail, you might have some wandering up and down trail to find it again, but at least you'll be back on trail. You can also use streams, rivers, ridges and roads as handrails, as well. All a handrail is is a nigh impossible to miss terrain feature that you can use to figure out where you are and be able to follow it to a known-ish point. If you review the terrain along the trail before you set out (or keep a GPS or map on hand), you'll be able to identify terrain features along your path that you can use to figure out where you are and how to get back on trail.
this past Saturday, I went on a hike alone and really had to go. It's a trail that generally always connects to my alltrails app. So i stepped off the trail to find a pee spot, started to pull down my pants and do my thang and I could see hikers coming. So I quickly ran in the other direction....and the damn hikers showed up again...so I ran in a different direction. Finally peed, and went to go back to the trail only to realize I was all turned around and didn't know where the trail was. My alltrails app wasn't connecting and I started to panic. I started walking towards the sound of water when I heard voices. So I followed the voices instead and luckily found a horse trail... Admittedly so, I am new to hiking and haven't learned a whole lot about navigation. This video came at a great time
Danielle one of the best things you can do is watch basic navigation videos on the internet. Buy a Suunto compass. There are many videos on UA-cam that explain how to use this compass with & without a map. I practice using mine every hike I go on just to build my confidence in knowing I can find my way back to the trail should I get off it......like for a potty stop! Happy hiking!
@@oned6264 I've recently delved into getting into navigation and using a compass. Almost at ground zero knowledge level outside of knowing the coordinates of the sun rising and setting. There are SO many confusing videos out there. I've noticed there is an order of operations (at least for my brain) for things to start clicking and making sense. I suggest Uber newbies start with (topo) map reading 1st, getting familiar with all the Norths (magnetic, grid, true), then move onto compass anatomy and use. Focus on the baseplate compasses, NOT lensatic ones. That foundation will give sense to the specifics of setting and using declination in navigating and getting/setting degree bearings. Also, the language can be confusing because the more military minded will use "azimuth" in place of "bearing" and other interchangeable words when referencing something. After a long while and many, many good and terrible videos, I started to finally get a sense and things started to click. It was incredibly frustrating, BUT really exciting once I started to understand.. I wish someone had offered me that learning framework advice before I went on this meandering journey. I have since created a sequentially themed navigation playlist with the most understandable (to me) videos as a newbie. It allows me to go back to watch and refresh. It's really easy to forget certain particulars. I recommend saving and creating your own playlist as you go. Here's mine if anyone is interested: ua-cam.com/play/PLLJxBPQ7kuG_AVLeovDZfog7bgIMKEoGH.html
@@wmluna381 thank you for your response to my comment on the compass and navigation. The more information you can get the better. I will save the link you incorporated for future reference. Happy hiking (and don’t forget the compass!). 🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🇺🇸👊🏻
I’m so glad to hear that I’m not the only one that has gotten lost. I was so embarrassed. My first day hike in Florida and it was 98 degrees. I did well until I wanted to try another trail and couldn’t find my way back to the original trail. I found my way out to the road and was 2 miles away from my car. Being a newbie, I didn’t read my map right. I definitely learned a hard lesson. At lease I had carried enough water and carried a filter system like you had suggested on prior videos.
Another method is to take out your playing cards, which you should always have, and begin a game of solitaire. Very soon, someone will come by to tell you how to play and you can ask them for directions.
As a woman, all I have to do is Take the card pack out of my bag and in under 5 seconds a dude bro will come by to explain to me everything that's wrong with my setup. 🤭
On your phone: offline maps do work with the GPS in your phone...no need for being in reach...of a cell network! Even compass function and height do work!
Good tip on teaching children that it’s ok to talk to the rescuers even though they are strangers. There was a boy lost in the mountains here in Utah awhile back. It took awhile to find him because, it turned out, he kept hiding from the search and rescue teams.
Having been lost before, I make a habit of downloading the maps onto my phone beforehand, studying them, and inputting the GPS coordinates of the destination. Having a compass and map as backup is also a good idea
I'm 70 and usually hike alone. I never go out without my Inreach for both me and for my family's comfort. I even take it on vacation. You never know when you'll be out of cell phone range and need to send a text message or email. Last year I was on St Helena Island in the south Atlantic and it was my main method of communication with my family back home. Well worth the cost.
The three top lessons when lost I received from my parents were: (1) Don't be, it could kill you (2) Stay put if lost and (3) the path of the sun and moon in the northern hemisphere. They also taught me "Polaris" for night navigation if the moon was new or set, but staying put was more important at night. News reports from my area of children missing during camping hikes seemed almost weekly during the summer.
This was great information. Thank you for putting this out. Can’t stress enough about learning orienteering. REI offers classes. Several UA-cam videos. Just my two-cents lol
Request: Could you please make a video on cleaning your gear? My backpack straps took on a surprising fragrance 😅 (as a new hiker, it took a while to find it lol) I realized I don't know how to clean my new gear...
Cutting tool Cumbustion Container Cover Cordage With this two forms of navigation, a first aid kit, and a way to signal (bright colors, whistle) mirror only works if plane is coming from opposite hemisphere; from the south if your north, from the north if your south, large signal fire is always the better choice. Stay safe out there everyone! Bring your survival gear, and know how to use it. Your low pack weight won't matter if your dead
dixie, this advice is all spot on. i spend a lot of time in the woods and not so much time on trails. i can use a compass and i can perform a resection if i have to (which, if you don't speak compass, is when you sight objects with your compass and triangulate your location). i go out sometimes with the intent of thrashing around off trail to PRACTICE finding my way back. i want to stress some of the points you already made. 1) STAY PUT. most people become lost surprisingly close to a trail. i was part of a cold weather search and rescue once in which a woman got lost on a trail, never made her stated destination, and then started wandering. she was found on the third day six miles from the trail because a search dog IN TRAINING had a handler who trusted his instinct. 2) CARRY A WHISTLE. even if you know where you are, this can save your life. one time i needed a medical extraction and although the rescuers had my coordinates, it was very helpful to them to have me blow my whistle. i had radio contact with them and they still followed the whistle blasts to get to me. 3) HAVE A PLAN B, C, and D. be detailed in your safety plan that you leave for your safety buddies. - i will be parked at (trailhead name) on (road) - i expect this trip to take me (number) hours. - if something unexpected comes up or i take a side trip, i may reasonably take an additional (number) hours. - if i hit bad conditions and cannot go forward, my plan is: - the cell reception in the area where i am traveling is (good? bad? only available at a certain location?) - in case things go sideways, i have this kind of gear. (rescuers will want to know if you have lights or water filtration or can make a fire) -if you do not hear from me by (time), start paying attention. if you do not hear from me by (time), alert rescuers that i may be in trouble. if you do not hear from me by (time), send rescue. rescuers would rather know that a call might be coming later and be prepared. they do not mind one bit having your safety buddies call and say "it's ok. everybody's safe" that all maybe sounds complicated or unnecessary, but it can save your life. i was out on rough terrain one day in temperatures around zero and my safety buddies noticed that my beacon hadn't moved in a while. "are you ok?" they texted. "yep. having lunch". if i had been in trouble, i would have been rescued right quick.
The stages of alerting rescue is really clever. I like the "I may be in trouble" versus "send rescue". I agree it's more likely that rescue personnel would rather get a "cancel that" call rather than a "scramble everything for a severely overdue emergency" call. So many good tips in your comment. Thanks
Wishing theres a way to save youtube comments. This seems essential for rough hiking. I am still just hiking State Parks well known to me, but this could save my butt someday
Very thorough and informative. Years of experience being shared here! For me, I also stop and look back to see from were I have come, so when I realize I'm off trail and can back track. Thanks!!!
Lots of good advice. I hike with my 8 year old granddaughter quite a bit for 4 years now. She is excellent reading a trail map and following the blazes. On thing I didn't tell her about is if we separate and she can't find me. Your great tips will be passed on to her. Thanks again!
Great video Dixie! Always concerned about the ultralight hikers, so many I've talked to have no clue what to do when it comes to survival. You covered all the basics! One thing is learn how to track people and animals. I learned to find my kids on trail if ever separated. This can be used to get you back to where you need to be.
I’ll preface this with I’m a 911 dispatcher and we have text to 911 capability in our county. In regards to 911 you can also try to text 911 (no spaces or dashes). If you’re in an area that has text to 911 this could be an option if you can’t get a call out at all. I’d recommend sending all of your details in one message instead of trying multiple small messages. It might even be a good idea to have a message saved to your notepad (on your phone) that you just have to add your location to then just copy and paste everything to a text message. Include details such as your emergency contacts, your personal description (skin, hair, eyes, clothing, height, gender) as well as your name, date of birth, and drivers license number including the state. The drivers license would allow for first responders to have a picture of you. Don’t send any emojis, pictures, or video to 911 as the system doesn’t support them and could cause confusion. It’s also a good idea to send your phone number and service provider because dispatch can contact the service provider and request to ping your location for a latitude and longitude. I hope this extra information helps.
Stay put - I think that's among the best of tips to follow when disoriented or lost. Sit down, take a break, brew a cup of coffee or tea, and let go of some of the anxiety and apprehension that goes along with being lost. Chances are, you're not as lost as you might think. If you were on a well-used trail (like the AT), sooner or later someone will come along within sight or earshot. Having a means to signal others is an important consideration. I once had to use a small military surplus signal mirror to get help from some folks who were around 2 miles away - too far to yell or whistle. They saw the flashes, recognized the SOS, and came to help me. There are ways to determine direction by the movement of shadows on the ground or using the hour and minute hands of an analog watch. Familiarity with the use of a compass and maps (especially topographical maps) is a good skill to have. Most of us won't perish for lack of knowing exactly where we are for a few hours. Calm down, take stock of your situation, think things through, make a plan, and then proceed to follow it.
HEY DIXIE! I am loving the channel as I’m transitioning to backpacking from other types of camping. I would LOVE a video on back packing “safety techniques”. You mentioned techniques fording rivers several time, and (on this video) about being lost, there have been videos on bear safety etc, But would you consider like a “Safety techniques/precautions new hikers should know” video? I would love it! You’re the actual best and can’t wait for more videos!
Hey Dixie I have been following your channel for some time now. I am also in SAR here in Maine. I was peripherally involved in he Geraldine Lagay searches, if you are unaware of this situation take some time and read "When You Find My Body". I am extremely happy to view this video, I would add that learning to use a map and compass should be a critical skill. Ms Largay died less than 200 yards from the AT, and on a stream that would have lead her to an ATV track in view of the AT crossing. Just setting a bearing on a Baseplate Compass when one leaves the trail to visit the "green room" will give a direction back. This simple skill would have prevented tragedy those few year ago. CB Spady
Thank you Dixie great video. One thing I would like to add is to always turn and face where you’ve came from when you walk off trail to go to the bathroom. This way you won’t get turned around and lose sight of where you came from.
Don't think I've missed a single one of your videos counting all thru hikes as well, but as far as informative this is the best and most important for a new hiker to know. In my humble and not so much a hiker yet opinion......
Hey Dixie! Long time no message! 😉Once again a great video. Must say I have never been "Lost" a fearsome confused form time to time but never lost.... Trekking poles are getting a good work out these days! I take a small amount of flagging tape to use if I need to go "Off trail" to take care of some recycled Mountain House meals from the night before. That way I can find my way back to the trail.
And even if you happen to not see people for an hour in the woods, they're only a few miles (kilometres) across, so just keep walking in a straight line and you'll emerge into somewhere where you can see civilisation!
Good advices. Looking behind you to imprint the scenery in your mind is highly underestimated. I used to do that early when I was a teenager. It is especially useful to do that after going through a fork in the path so that you'll remember if you came from the right or left part of the fork.
Another great informative video Dixie. I have a Suunto compass that I carry on every hike. Even ones I’m familiar with. I practice taking a bearing off the trail, hiking out on that bearing until I can no longer see the trail behind me or about 100 paces. Then I reverse the bearing 180 degrees and follow that back to the trail. Builds confidence in using the compass. Also as stated in these comments; DON’T PANIC!! Stop, take a couple of deep breaths and THINK.
Good video! I learned from the death of Faye Hanson in Victoria BC to make sure you have a minimal survival kit with you even for a short hike. So I honor her with a survival blanket, whistle/compass, fire source, knife, cording. and headlamp, mirror. Thankfully never have had to use it. But a short hike can turn accidentally tragic in a split sec.
Dixie this is awesome information an spot on as a former Scoutmaster the only thing I would add is more focus on maps and compass. The term used is orientation training and anyone heading out on a wilderness trail should not go until they have taken a orientation class. They usually don't cost that much and can be done in a day. As Dixie stated preparation and prevention is better than getting yourself into serious trouble and not have the skills to get out. A compass and map is cheap insurance to keep out of a life threatening situation. A lot of people have died in the wilderness because they didn't have a compass or the skill to use it. Electronics can fail out in the woods but a quality compass will never fail.
I took my 12 yr old son and a friend of his hiking...they ran ahead as kids do. I'm hiking along and hear him yelling...from across the other side of a steep ravine, he'd missed a turn. BUT he did what I'd taught him, STOP! So many people forge ahead, getting more lost! He yelled out, I heard him, met back up, no problem!
More than once i was glad i did this and i was able to find my way back to a trail . This is my trick/systeem to find your way back in the wilderness . i use this all the time when i go off trail to check out a new route or check out/find a brook/river or when a trail splits off. When ever i get to a point where i have to chose which way to go , or the path would not automatically be clear to me, or i have to go off trail (which you should not do if possible) . I make a marker/arrow from sticks or stones or what ever i can use that stays put ,if need be i carve it in to the ground or rock. The arrow always point to the way i'm coming from. So if i lose my way , i turn around and start following the arrows back. If i don't see a marker just follow the path most logical to me. When it's really not clear or doubtfull if you can find your marker when you place it, use your compass (yes i always have one on me when on a hike) and make a note on a peace of paper. This can be a pain but if i feel there is a change i could get lost, its absolutely worth the trouble. When you go on long hikes often you know when to listen to your instinct, when you get the feeling "hmm something tells me i could get lost here" doing this could save your life.
I was following my dog on trail in a bad lightening storm. The sheepish look on his face when he realized we were lost made me laugh out loud even though I was scared.
Good stuff! I am paranoid and take 3 pieces of navigation. Phone with map of trail. Garmin Fenix with map/gps (Use this exclusively) and finally paper map and compass. Finally, InReach. Love this device. I used it on my last big journey to give my wife check-in/check-out status messages each day. If I forgot, she could text me. Made sure she was comfortable. But most importantly, if anything did go sideways, she would know and could take action (if somehow I could not initiate the SOS button). Yea, paranoid. Oh, and I should mention the Fenix and InReach are not cheap. And, for my last trip, it was not a trail traversed by thousands, some tricky areas, and easy access points to civilization were not an option.
Lots of good stuff in here. Thank you for posting. I'll add, knowing the map goes far beyond knowing bailout points. If you get lost/disoriented and can't find the trail after a proper search of your area, know your safety bearing and how to use a manual compass (yes, always bring one) to find a bearing. If you are hiking near a road or highway, know what direction from the trail you need to hike to get to it. Is there a major city or town? You may wind up bushwhacking for a couple days depending on where you are, but that may be the safest option. If you find yourself off trail, and have no phone, no beacon, and no help coming, you'll still be able to head toward safety.
You are my favorite female hiker in the world! Darwin is my favorite male! Between both of you I feel secure about everything and anything i need to know about... well, literally EVERYTHING OUTDOORS!! THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU! YOUR THE RADDEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD!!!!
This is hilariously correct in correspondence with a recent event of my life! I just got back from hiking the Buffalo National River Trail (BRT) in Northern Arkansas. It was just my friend and I and we planned on making the extremely strenuous 39 miles in 4 days. Yet not all was well. Water sources were scarce and the heat was nearly 100 degrees! Service was nonexistent and in our firsthand account, we started to get extremely dehydrated. Another factor that made things worse is the trails are not marked and extremely overgrown, and where they are visible, it is steep, rugged, and always next to a cliff(BRT is nearly 500 feet above the river basin continually!) Massive downed trees were blocking the trails for hours on end as the park service seemed to have a full lack in attempting to keep clean the trails. We eventually came upon a still pond with a lonesome deer swimming in it and we took my life straw and drank from its green waters. Yet we were past the point of relief. We became dizzy and sore and somehow found a 1 sq foot of area (after some funny testing with where it worked;) to get cell service. We called a ranger station and told them of our predicament, but as expected, they did nothing. We walked for another 12 hours only moving 8 miles to a campground that had very little service and no people. We were not slow, but because the terrain is simply heinous and almost sickening, it took that long. Guaranteed the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.
Cameron Akins I grew up around there - - about 40 miles. Tough area. We used to ginseng hunt around that area. Thankful your trip ended on a positive note.
I’ve set my pack down to go potty and got disoriented. So now I keep my pack with me. Especially elk hunting. I’ve also seen where people leave their pack by the trail to potty and make an arrow to know which way to go when they come back. I’ve also scratched messages in the trail or made arrows both hunting and backpacking. Sometimes when the sun goes behind a cloud everything looks different.
If you decide to camp off trail and aren't super confident in the woods,, buy push pins. The flat metal pins and push them in the back of trees as you go, so when you need to find your way back to the trail, you can follow the metal tacks back.
It's always a pleasure and a joy to watch your videos. The latest and greatest in hiking. One of the favorite things is your handed-down heritage sayings. "The devil's beating his wife with a frying pan" for when it rains in the sunshine. Bring out all you know on these sayings. They all have much wisdom in them. The "Mummy" story was a fantastic classic!
My first night on AT just north of Springer, woke up middle of night to pee. Stumbled out, took a leak, turned around and fog was so thick I couldnt see my camp. Stumbled around in shorts for at least an hour, luckily had a headlamp. Somehow stumbled into trail probably a eighth mile away and made it back to my camp. Very scary, haven't been back since.
Wow what a perfect video. I'm re-watching the series LOST right now and had a low key panic attack a few nights ago thinking about my planned '21 trip and imagining worst case scenarios (mainly involving snow and losing the trail). Hopefully this video will help some of those lingering thoughts!!..
I recently became lost with my girlfriend from relying too much on GPS. She was ready to panic, but I was prepared and remained calm. We didn't have to camp that night, but just knowing I was prepared kept me calm enough to find our car and get back to the hotel. My redundant item is firestarting materials. I have a Bic lighter, prepacked tinder and sap I gathered, and 3 total ferrous rods. Oh, and some tinderhoof mushroom I gathered too.
Don't rely on phones! A lot of Brits have been on the hills recently because they are taking hols at home. They are unprepared and calling Mountain Rescue when their phone batteries are on 《5% which is useless, because rescuers cannot call back.
Excellent video! I'm going to take my grandson on a backpacking trip this year, focusing on survival skills. We backpack every year but it's time to teach him these skills...this video gave me more information to focus on...thankyou!
I know it isn't totally LNT, but if you're with a group and get to a junction of trails you can leave a "trail text" by drawing an arrow, or anything recognizable, in the direction you went. That way if you end up going the wrong way someone will know.
I was taught in a hunter safety course if you are lost you do what Dixie said but its an acronym Stop Think Observe Plan and if you have a whistle/gun/ or something loud use that device to give 3 bursts of sound in succession. If someone hears you they are supposed to respond with 2 loud sounds in succession. At least that's what they taught me.
FRS two way radios are usefully if you get lost or separated from your group. If someone knows that you are caring one and what channel you will use. (there are 14 channels) The range is 1-5 miles. If search and rescue has an FRS radio on an aircraft the range can be 10-30 miles. Height increases range. Independant of cell networks, FRS radios are inexpensive. lightweight and available at most big box stores.
I have many fears. One of them is becoming lost and unable to get safe. I carry an orange bandana. The idea is to tie it to a tree and walk in a circle to better scope out the area, always keeping the bright orange in your sites to get back to the lask known. I use white gear, and always stop to look back and really look at the trail-it looks nothing like it did going the other direction.
If You have Sun, no compass, but you want to go a general compass heading . Use a stick, stick it in the ground firm. Place a small rock at the top shadow end of the stick . Wait 30 minutes or longer if you like. Place a different small rock at the top of the shadow of the stick. Take the stick and draw a line between both rocks. The first rock is West, the second rock is East. You can now make a North/South line buy making a + sign. It’s easy to estimate compass headings. Each of the 1/4 cross section points is 90°. You can even estimate N,NE,E,SE,S and so on by bisecting the 1/4 sections with another cross making the sections 1/8.
Great video on important topic. I am VERY big plan and prepare even the half day hikes. The plan includes sending my “anchors” a trip plan with a description of the routes/trails I am taking, area emergency contacts, my vehicle and more. My duty is to stick to it. Second, use my sat messenger (SPOTX) every trip, just to test and assure my family and anchors. It gives them a last good known location or if I turn up missing or late. I also have a way to communicate change of plans.
Hi Dixie, I've had some good times being lost, I did a 450 mile hike last year, 90 miles of it I was lost. While lost I met great people who really helped me.
i carry a compass and a backup compass just to make sure of accuracy. This is on top of a map and a gps. I also have a garmin, the bigger one. Got lost once dayhiking with very little supplies, great learning lesson. Never been lost since.
Every county has a search and rescue and every search and rescue is looking for volunteers. You will learn a lot by becoming a volunteer that will help you in your backpacking. REI has training for compass and map reading as does search and rescue. Everything Dixie went over is great info to take to heart and listen to the video more than one time.
Very good video. A lost kid hiding from searchers has happened. Those little five in one whistles are great for kids but put the kid's arm through the cord so that they can't be strangled by it. Put a small knife, candle, a hard candy, and strike anywhere matches in the whistle body. Then, tape it closed. Wrap 25' of mason string around the outside and secure it with tape/ When hikers are older, use a waterproof neck pouch(for cell phones) to carry a complete 10 essentials survival kit. I have found that the HeatSheet survival blanket is the best. It is bigger(5' x 8'), tougher, and quieter than mylar blankets. Good Luck, Rick
Awesome & practical advice.. I'm preparing for a hike and I know most of our trails here in Canada are not marked very well.. so glad you put this video together :)
The best thing is to develop the skills and carry the gear such that getting lost is no longer an immediate problem and can instead be viewed as a happy little accident that showed you more of the world
Playing MineCraft has helped me and my kid Orient. Also, corn mazes. They have found the way out more often than me. In fact we watched a guy freak out in a corn maze. He had never been lost before and he was running THROUGH the Maze Walls. A real eyeopener.
Lots of great advice!I I have carried and or worn a bright colored t-shirt and or reflective vest like construction workers wear especially n a forest where every thing looks a like and because i hike alone. (I highly recommend that kids wear these t-shirts). I have also used bright colored flagging tape to put on thr trail behind me when i came to a trail junction where every thing looks a like. A hiker could also take photos of the back trial on a smart phone.
Good advice, especially trail names! Leaving your info on a stuff sack or something in case you're found is a good idea. You can also pre-write an SOS sign on your ground sheet or something big.
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Many years ago I became disoriented / lost while hiking unfamiliar backcountry log trails on a cloudy sunless day. Once I realized I was in a bad way I immediately felt anxious and started walking at a very fast pace. Almost a trot. Fortunately, I had taken my Mom’s old lab dog Abby on the hike with me. The dog also sensed my nervousness as she would whimper as I talked aloud about my predicament. Finally, I gave up on myself and looked at the dog and said calmly, “Abby, lets go home, let’s go to the truck... c’ mon girl get goin.” She took control of the situation and in a more of a “ by way the crow flys” I followed her back to recognizable territory. I never told anyone, and to my knowledge, Abby never sold me out. ♥️ dog
Same thing, only my savior was a large old tired horse who just wanted more oats.
Dogs are so intelligent! This is an awesome story and I WILL be bringing my doggo whenever I start hiking/backpacking :) Love that your dog never sold you out lol, we so don't deserve dogs, they're loyal to a fault and always let us try to figure things out at first but are ready to be super helpful when we're at a loss lol.
I had a similar situation. My friend and a friend I were legit lost!! Luckily, she brought her dog. That black lab led the way and got us back to the road.
Wonderful story. Good thing you did not bring a cat
I was saved by a packmule in the Fitzpatrick wilderness.
I went on a day hike in the Adirondacks back in the late 80's. The hike was a 5 mile journey to a lake. We arrived at the parking lot around noon and set off on our hike. The trail was well marked with metal reflective trail markers. It was a beautiful sunny August day and the hike to the lake was pretty simple. We had brought some water, a couple of snacks, a towel and a 35mm camera. We didn't intend to stay at the lake very long but we didn't realize it would take us several hours to hike the 5 miles so we arrived at the lake in the late afternoon and only stayed for an hour. It being summer, we thought we had until 8 or 9 to get out of the woods before it was too dark to see. We didn't count on the fact that we were in the mountains and the sun sets behind the mountains much earlier. We very quickly found ourselves in a situation where it was too dark to see. After a few minutes of sheer panic we realized that if we used the flash on the camera the image would stay visible for a split second. So we would initiate the flash, then try to find the trail reflectors before the image faded. Step by step and flash by flash we managed to slowly find our way out of the woods. We got to the parking lot around 1 am but at least we didn't have to spend the night in the woods.
There's a story that someone once asked Daniel Boone if he'd ever been lost. He said, "No, but once I was a mite confused for 3 days"
Most whustles are quite shrill and carry further than yelling. They also require less energy. All of us should aquaint ourselves with emergency signals. Not only in the case of if you are lost yourself, but to recognise the signal of someone else while you are out in nature. The common signal to keep in mind is a group of three. Three gunshots in succession, three blasts on a whistle; three fires, three blinks of a flashlight, etc.
Also of note is the international signal of s.o.s. In morse code the letter s is dot dot dot. The letter o is dash dash dash. So the distress code sos would be dot dot dot dash dash dash dot dot dot.... With a whistle, blow 3 short blasts, 3 long blasts and 3 short blasts. If you hear that, someone needs help.
In nighttime...or at sea...a strobe light works better, the heli finds you! Battery works two days... I had a mountain accident...in 1993...no mobile phones those years!
Learn the acorn top whistle skill, it can save your life.
I'm very glad you did this video. I was on a NASAR Search and Rescue (SAR) team for eleven years and taught a survival program to K-6 and scouts. There are a few things I could add, but to keep it brief, one is to wear (or have with you) a bright piece of clothing, such as a hat (e.g., hunter orange). It's easier for someone to see you. Thanks for sharing this.
Great video. I recommend always carry a compass even if you don't know exactly how to use it well. So if you find yourself off trail, stop, like you said. Hang something bright to mark the spot, then decide on a particular direction (bearing) on the compass and go that direction maybe 200 steps at a low energy pace. (maybe even just leave your pack there to conserve energy). If you don't find the trail, spin 180° and follow the compass straight back to your starting point. Then repeat this process at 90° or even 45° creating spokes of a wagon wheel, always returning to the spot (hub) you started. If you still haven't found the trail, repeat that same process only go maybe 300 or 400 steps this time. This should allow you to at least find the trail.
GPS make hiking fun as well.
bright piece of clothing? pretty close to that at 10:10 !
Great episode. I've followed your videos on all of your thru-hikes and greatly respect your hard-earned wisdom and knowledge. Thanks for sharing it with the world. I'm the author of Rich Johnson's Guide to Wilderness Survival (McGraw Hill) and The Ultimate Survival Guide Extreme Edition (Weldon Owen). My wife and I spent a year living in the wilderness with a three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son back in the day. And I spent part of my career as outdoor survival writer for Outdoor Life Magazine. I only mention this because I have enough personal experience to recognize the excellence of your advice and counsel to backpackers and hikers. Your gear reviews are excellent, and I have made several gear choices based on your reports. So, drive on and keep up the fantastic work. I live in the Pacific Northwest, and last year hiked most of the West Coast trail on Canada's Vancouver Island. Short trail by your standards, but a real obstacle course. I injured my knee and had to leave the trail about two-thirds of the way through, but loved the experience. Maybe someday I can go back and finish what I started. I'm going to be 73 in a few weeks, so the body is not what it used to be, but the spirit is still young.
I was a scout for years, a solitary bow Hunter, mushroom picker, fly fisherman and prospector. I’ve been misplaced many times in the woods, had darkness, severe weather and general arrogance born stupidity overtake me many, many times in the outdoors. Dixie has great advice here and the turning to look behind you is something I do a lot. The paying attention to long distance landmarks and what’s on your left and right helps too. Mostly, easier said than done, do not panic. If a bumble like me can survive all the times I’ve been misplaced or lost than you can too if you keep your wits about you. Thank you, Dixie, this is a great posting. 👍🏼❤️👍🏼 by the way, I always carry a compass. Be aware, however, that on rare occasions there are places that compasses will be confused by ground mineralization. There is a place, for instance, on the Oregon coast where it will lead you in circles. I never have figured out what is up with that place. I’m guessing it is a meteorite? Don’t know what, just know it does it.
I hiked with my four daughters when they were all ages
Instructions:
The moment you think you are lost
Stop
Go in the shade
Drink and eat something
Blow on your whistle
The whistle travels very far
Wait we will find you
.
I would then draw them the search circle
If they have been lost for one hour, then we will search in the one hour radius of possible travel
They must stay put or they make finding them much harder
And to think if you’d just had one boy you wouldn’t had to worry. 😮😆 I kid. They are lucky to have a dad care enough to show them. I did too. And I’d probably get lost before my sister.
About calling 911 with no service: all cell phone carriers are required to send through emergency calls such as 911, at least in the U.S. That means that as long as you are in range of a tower, even if it doesn't normally pass through calls for your carrier or if the cell phone has no carrier at all, the call will still go through.
We rely too much on technology nowadays. Always a good idea to carry a paper map and a reliable compass, AND KNOW HOW TO USE IT.
Reading a map is an outdoors skill. If you plan to go to the woods, hiking, camping, then learning to read a topo map and use a compass is like learning to walk; just do it. You learn to talk, clean yourself, dress. Learn outdoor skills, read a map, use a compass, build a fire, a shelter, things to always carry. You wouldn’t go to work without clothes, skills to do your job, preparation. Ditto for the outdoors. BTW, don’t depend on electronic tools in the outdoors too much. Learn to do without them. Electronic tools aren’t reliable at best, worst case they get you into serious trouble. Remember, Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. Practice, practice, practice, perfect practice makes perfect. Texas
Amen!
One of the most useful self-rescue techniques I've learned is the eight-point method, which is where carrying a compass can be useful even if you're not versed using it with a map.. As soon as you realize You are lost, create your stop point where you are, and stop and take stock. From that point, head out 50 to 100 paces in The eight major directional points. When you reach your pace count, stop and take a look. If it doesn't look familiar, immediately turn around and go back to your Center Point. Do the next one. It's usually impractical to do this exactly in this fashion, but it's easily modified if you understand the intent of the technique. This is especially useful if you're on trail and maybe there's a junction where you think you got turned around. Go down each trail from the junction a set number of feet, and if you don't recognize it immediately go back. This also applies if you just came back on trail from being off trail for a bathroom break. Go down the trail each direction and see if it looks familiar. If none of it looks familiar with any of the methods I described above, then you need to stay put unless you must move for safety or water etc. I have used this technique when I've gotten turned around at a complicated trail intersection with about six different trails/atv trail/old logging roads coming together.
I think the worst method I've heard is where people think they should hike up hill to try to get a better signal for their cell phone or whatever. Unless you have a clear line of sight to a particular place, that's just a bad idea.
You've addressed one of my fears, getting back to trail after a potty break. Should you leave your pack trailside or take with you? With LNT principles having you venture pretty far from trail for this. My gut says don't leave your pack. What's the conventional wisdom?
Another idea is to take a spool of fishing line. Tie it at the start point. That way if you have to go more than what you can still see your start you can follow the line back. Most hardware stores have rolls of surveyor's tape, that bright pink or striped ribbon. Take a few feet of that and mark the spot you left the trail if you have to go take a break. Or use it to mark your start point.
Jim Staton 2200 miles of fishing line? 🤯🤣
A common habit years ago was to leave your hat where you left the trail or where you entered a cave. Use a compass to determine the direction that you were going and then just use the reverse direction to get back to trail. Spend enough time in the woods and learn to navigate by the sun. Good Luck, Rick
@@richardross7219 An alternative to that compass method is to not come directly back to the point you left the trail. Instead take a compass reading about 5 to 10 degrees from the compass heading that would take you to that point. Then when you get back to the trail you know which direction to go to get back to your starting point.
Old Joke - If you're lost, just start talking about politics. Someone will show up to argue with you...
😂 truth
Or say controversial fandom phrases:
"The last Airbender film was better than the movies" *is immediately found and beaten senseless*
Zapporah Mann 😂😂😂😂
haha
Many years ago we had a comedian in our country, and he told people that, when he was hiking, he always had a deck of cards with him, because, if he got lost, he sat down and started playing solitaire, and soon someone will interupt him, claiming the club of nine could be put on spade of ten
Having even just a wrist compass and just taking a bearing before you leave trail so you can shoot a back azimuth on your way out can be a huge help.
As long as you know more or less the direction you were coming from, you can use the trail as a handrail to get back on track, even if you don't end up exactly where you left the trail.
If you left your pack on the side of the trail, you might have some wandering up and down trail to find it again, but at least you'll be back on trail.
You can also use streams, rivers, ridges and roads as handrails, as well.
All a handrail is is a nigh impossible to miss terrain feature that you can use to figure out where you are and be able to follow it to a known-ish point.
If you review the terrain along the trail before you set out (or keep a GPS or map on hand), you'll be able to identify terrain features along your path that you can use to figure out where you are and how to get back on trail.
this past Saturday, I went on a hike alone and really had to go. It's a trail that generally always connects to my alltrails app. So i stepped off the trail to find a pee spot, started to pull down my pants and do my thang and I could see hikers coming. So I quickly ran in the other direction....and the damn hikers showed up again...so I ran in a different direction. Finally peed, and went to go back to the trail only to realize I was all turned around and didn't know where the trail was. My alltrails app wasn't connecting and I started to panic. I started walking towards the sound of water when I heard voices. So I followed the voices instead and luckily found a horse trail... Admittedly so, I am new to hiking and haven't learned a whole lot about navigation. This video came at a great time
Danielle one of the best things you can do is watch basic navigation videos on the internet. Buy a Suunto compass. There are many videos on UA-cam that explain how to use this compass with & without a map. I practice using mine every hike I go on just to build my confidence in knowing I can find my way back to the trail should I get off it......like for a potty stop! Happy hiking!
@@oned6264 I've recently delved into getting into navigation and using a compass. Almost at ground zero knowledge level outside of knowing the coordinates of the sun rising and setting.
There are SO many confusing videos out there. I've noticed there is an order of operations (at least for my brain) for things to start clicking and making sense.
I suggest Uber newbies start with (topo) map reading 1st, getting familiar with all the Norths (magnetic, grid, true), then move onto compass anatomy and use. Focus on the baseplate compasses, NOT lensatic ones.
That foundation will give sense to the specifics of setting and using declination in navigating and getting/setting degree bearings.
Also, the language can be confusing because the more military minded will use "azimuth" in place of "bearing" and other interchangeable words when referencing something.
After a long while and many, many good and terrible videos, I started to finally get a sense and things started to click. It was incredibly frustrating, BUT really exciting once I started to understand..
I wish someone had offered me that learning framework advice before I went on this meandering journey.
I have since created a sequentially themed navigation playlist with the most understandable (to me) videos as a newbie. It allows me to go back to watch and refresh. It's really easy to forget certain particulars.
I recommend saving and creating your own playlist as you go. Here's mine if anyone is interested:
ua-cam.com/play/PLLJxBPQ7kuG_AVLeovDZfog7bgIMKEoGH.html
@@wmluna381 thank you for your response to my comment on the compass and navigation. The more information you can get the better. I will save the link you incorporated for future reference. Happy hiking (and don’t forget the compass!). 🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🇺🇸👊🏻
I’m so glad to hear that I’m not the only one that has gotten lost. I was so embarrassed. My first day hike in Florida and it was 98 degrees. I did well until I wanted to try another trail and couldn’t find my way back to the original trail. I found my way out to the road and was 2 miles away from my car. Being a newbie, I didn’t read my map right. I definitely learned a hard lesson. At lease I had carried enough water and carried a filter system like you had suggested on prior videos.
Hi Dixie, I was going to suggest this when you did your top 10 video for backpacking gear. A SIGNAL MIRROR is on every backpacker list.
I remember the Aaron episode. Scary!
Another method is to take out your playing cards, which you should always have, and begin a game of solitaire. Very soon, someone will come by to tell you how to play and you can ask them for directions.
As a woman, all I have to do is Take the card pack out of my bag and in under 5 seconds a dude bro will come by to explain to me everything that's wrong with my setup. 🤭
Good advice. Covered a lot of ground. Key for me is don’t panic, have a plan, and stick to it.
On your phone: offline maps do work with the GPS in your phone...no need for being in reach...of a cell network! Even compass function and height do work!
Yes like wikiloc
Osmand is also a nice app for offline maps on Android.
Good tip on teaching children that it’s ok to talk to the rescuers even though they are strangers. There was a boy lost in the mountains here in Utah awhile back. It took awhile to find him because, it turned out, he kept hiding from the search and rescue teams.
Having been lost before, I make a habit of downloading the maps onto my phone beforehand, studying them, and inputting the GPS coordinates of the destination. Having a compass and map as backup is also a good idea
the group I usually hike with, we all stop at every intersection in order to stay together
Thank you for teaching ways to prevent getting lost. This really is a case where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
As you mentioned, whistles require less energy than screaming. They’re also potentially much louder.
Excellent tip about turning around and taking note of how objects and scenery look from the opposite direction.
I'm 70 and usually hike alone. I never go out without my Inreach for both me and for my family's comfort. I even take it on vacation. You never know when you'll be out of cell phone range and need to send a text message or email. Last year I was on St Helena Island in the south Atlantic and it was my main method of communication with my family back home. Well worth the cost.
The three top lessons when lost I received from my parents were: (1) Don't be, it could kill you (2) Stay put if lost and (3) the path of the sun and moon in the northern hemisphere. They also taught me "Polaris" for night navigation if the moon was new or set, but staying put was more important at night. News reports from my area of children missing during camping hikes seemed almost weekly during the summer.
This was great information. Thank you for putting this out. Can’t stress enough about learning orienteering. REI offers classes. Several UA-cam videos. Just my two-cents lol
Request: Could you please make a video on cleaning your gear?
My backpack straps took on a surprising fragrance 😅 (as a new hiker, it took a while to find it lol)
I realized I don't know how to clean my new gear...
The "LOST" intro with your LOGO = GOLD!
Sadly I thought of Geraldine Largay while watching this video. I hope your points prevent others from such a terrible fate.
I just googled her. Yes, such a sad story and she was found not very far from the trail.
Cutting tool
Cumbustion
Container
Cover
Cordage
With this two forms of navigation, a first aid kit, and a way to signal (bright colors, whistle) mirror only works if plane is coming from opposite hemisphere; from the south if your north, from the north if your south, large signal fire is always the better choice.
Stay safe out there everyone! Bring your survival gear, and know how to use it. Your low pack weight won't matter if your dead
dixie, this advice is all spot on.
i spend a lot of time in the woods and not so much time on trails. i can use a compass and i can perform a resection if i have to (which, if you don't speak compass, is when you sight objects with your compass and triangulate your location). i go out sometimes with the intent of thrashing around off trail to PRACTICE finding my way back.
i want to stress some of the points you already made.
1) STAY PUT. most people become lost surprisingly close to a trail. i was part of a cold weather search and rescue once in which a woman got lost on a trail, never made her stated destination, and then started wandering. she was found on the third day six miles from the trail because a search dog IN TRAINING had a handler who trusted his instinct.
2) CARRY A WHISTLE. even if you know where you are, this can save your life. one time i needed a medical extraction and although the rescuers had my coordinates, it was very helpful to them to have me blow my whistle. i had radio contact with them and they still followed the whistle blasts to get to me.
3) HAVE A PLAN B, C, and D. be detailed in your safety plan that you leave for your safety buddies.
- i will be parked at (trailhead name) on (road)
- i expect this trip to take me (number) hours.
- if something unexpected comes up or i take a side trip, i may reasonably take an additional (number) hours.
- if i hit bad conditions and cannot go forward, my plan is:
- the cell reception in the area where i am traveling is (good? bad? only available at a certain location?)
- in case things go sideways, i have this kind of gear. (rescuers will want to know if you have lights or water filtration or can make a fire)
-if you do not hear from me by (time), start paying attention. if you do not hear from me by (time), alert rescuers that i may be in trouble. if you do not hear from me by (time), send rescue. rescuers would rather know that a call might be coming later and be prepared. they do not mind one bit having your safety buddies call and say "it's ok. everybody's safe"
that all maybe sounds complicated or unnecessary, but it can save your life.
i was out on rough terrain one day in temperatures around zero and my safety buddies noticed that my beacon hadn't moved in a while. "are you ok?" they texted. "yep. having lunch".
if i had been in trouble, i would have been rescued right quick.
The stages of alerting rescue is really clever. I like the "I may be in trouble" versus "send rescue". I agree it's more likely that rescue personnel would rather get a "cancel that" call rather than a "scramble everything for a severely overdue emergency" call. So many good tips in your comment. Thanks
Wishing theres a way to save youtube comments. This seems essential for rough hiking. I am still just hiking State Parks well known to me, but this could save my butt someday
@@defeater5497 Take a screenshot with your cell phone or computer desktop. I do that all the time.
There are apps to do this as well.
Very thorough and informative. Years of experience being shared here!
For me, I also stop and look back to see from were I have come, so when I realize I'm off trail and can back track.
Thanks!!!
Lots of good advice. I hike with my 8 year old granddaughter quite a bit for 4 years now. She is excellent reading a trail map and following the blazes. On thing I didn't tell her about is if we separate and she can't find me. Your great tips will be passed on to her. Thanks again!
Great video Dixie! Always concerned about the ultralight hikers, so many I've talked to have no clue what to do when it comes to survival.
You covered all the basics!
One thing is learn how to track people and animals. I learned to find my kids on trail if ever separated. This can be used to get you back to where you need to be.
These are exactly some of the pro tips I need. My dad always said “wherever you go, there you are”. In those terms you are never lost.
I’ll preface this with I’m a 911 dispatcher and we have text to 911 capability in our county. In regards to 911 you can also try to text 911 (no spaces or dashes). If you’re in an area that has text to 911 this could be an option if you can’t get a call out at all. I’d recommend sending all of your details in one message instead of trying multiple small messages. It might even be a good idea to have a message saved to your notepad (on your phone) that you just have to add your location to then just copy and paste everything to a text message. Include details such as your emergency contacts, your personal description (skin, hair, eyes, clothing, height, gender) as well as your name, date of birth, and drivers license number including the state. The drivers license would allow for first responders to have a picture of you. Don’t send any emojis, pictures, or video to 911 as the system doesn’t support them and could cause confusion. It’s also a good idea to send your phone number and service provider because dispatch can contact the service provider and request to ping your location for a latitude and longitude. I hope this extra information helps.
This is in the U.S.? First I've heard. No need to say the county, but in what state?
Stay put - I think that's among the best of tips to follow when disoriented or lost. Sit down, take a break, brew a cup of coffee or tea, and let go of some of the anxiety and apprehension that goes along with being lost. Chances are, you're not as lost as you might think. If you were on a well-used trail (like the AT), sooner or later someone will come along within sight or earshot. Having a means to signal others is an important consideration. I once had to use a small military surplus signal mirror to get help from some folks who were around 2 miles away - too far to yell or whistle. They saw the flashes, recognized the SOS, and came to help me. There are ways to determine direction by the movement of shadows on the ground or using the hour and minute hands of an analog watch. Familiarity with the use of a compass and maps (especially topographical maps) is a good skill to have. Most of us won't perish for lack of knowing exactly where we are for a few hours. Calm down, take stock of your situation, think things through, make a plan, and then proceed to follow it.
That LOST intro sound was SO nostalgic. We have to go back!
HEY DIXIE! I am loving the channel as I’m transitioning to backpacking from other types of camping. I would LOVE a video on back packing “safety techniques”. You mentioned techniques fording
rivers several time, and (on this video) about being lost, there have been videos on bear safety etc, But would you consider like a “Safety techniques/precautions new hikers should know” video? I would love it! You’re the actual best and can’t wait for more videos!
Hey Dixie I have been following your channel for some time now. I am also in SAR here in Maine. I was peripherally involved in he Geraldine Lagay searches, if you are unaware of this situation take some time and read "When You Find My Body". I am extremely happy to view this video, I would add that learning to use a map and compass should be a critical skill. Ms Largay died less than 200 yards from the AT, and on a stream that would have lead her to an ATV track in view of the AT crossing. Just setting a bearing on a Baseplate Compass when one leaves the trail to visit the "green room" will give a direction back. This simple skill would have prevented tragedy those few year ago. CB Spady
Thank you Dixie great video. One thing I would like to add is to always turn and face where you’ve came from when you walk off trail to go to the bathroom. This way you won’t get turned around and lose sight of where you came from.
Don't think I've missed a single one of your videos counting all thru hikes as well, but as far as informative this is the best and most important for a new hiker to know. In my humble and not so much a hiker yet opinion......
Heyyy Dixie,
I've been using your videos for quite a few years now. Thank you for your videos ❤️
Awesome! Thank you for being here
Hey Dixie! Long time no message! 😉Once again a great video. Must say I have never been "Lost" a fearsome confused form time to time but never lost.... Trekking poles are getting a good work out these days! I take a small amount of flagging tape to use if I need to go "Off trail" to take care of some recycled Mountain House meals from the night before. That way I can find my way back to the trail.
Wel that is positive about Holland you really cannot get lost really there are people everywhere.
That’s why I hiked the Pieterpad first 😆.
And even if you happen to not see people for an hour in the woods, they're only a few miles (kilometres) across, so just keep walking in a straight line and you'll emerge into somewhere where you can see civilisation!
It's also not very hilly so you don't have to choose up or down hill :-D
@@Nynke_K That "walk in a straight line" is the hard thing!
Good advices. Looking behind you to imprint the scenery in your mind is highly underestimated. I used to do that early when I was a teenager. It is especially useful to do that after going through a fork in the path so that you'll remember if you came from the right or left part of the fork.
Another great informative video Dixie. I have a Suunto compass that I carry on every hike. Even ones I’m familiar with. I practice taking a bearing off the trail, hiking out on that bearing until I can no longer see the trail behind me or about 100 paces. Then I reverse the bearing 180 degrees and follow that back to the trail. Builds confidence in using the compass. Also as stated in these comments; DON’T PANIC!! Stop, take a couple of deep breaths and THINK.
I love all your tips..specially the children tips..Thank you.
Yay! Thank you
Good video! I learned from the death of Faye Hanson in Victoria BC to make sure you have a minimal survival kit with you even for a short hike. So I honor her with a survival blanket, whistle/compass, fire source, knife, cording. and headlamp, mirror. Thankfully never have had to use it. But a short hike can turn accidentally tragic in a split sec.
Dixie this is awesome information an spot on as a former Scoutmaster the only thing I would add is more focus on maps and compass. The term used is orientation training and anyone heading out on a wilderness trail should not go until they have taken a orientation class. They usually don't cost that much and can be done in a day. As Dixie stated preparation and prevention is better than getting yourself into serious trouble and not have the skills to get out. A compass and map is cheap insurance to keep out of a life threatening situation. A lot of people have died in the wilderness because they didn't have a compass or the skill to use it. Electronics can fail out in the woods but a quality compass will never fail.
I took my 12 yr old son and a friend of his hiking...they ran ahead as kids do. I'm hiking along and hear him yelling...from across the other side of a steep ravine, he'd missed a turn. BUT he did what I'd taught him, STOP! So many people forge ahead, getting more lost! He yelled out, I heard him, met back up, no problem!
I bought the AT guide on Guthook today. I will be buying paper maps and a compass later. I've been dreaming for years, now it is time to plan.
More than once i was glad i did this and i was able to find my way back to a trail . This is my trick/systeem to find your way back in the wilderness . i use this all the time when i go off trail to check out a new route or check out/find a brook/river or when a trail splits off.
When ever i get to a point where i have to chose which way to go , or the path would not automatically be clear to me, or i have to go off trail (which you should not do if possible) .
I make a marker/arrow from sticks or stones or what ever i can use that stays put ,if need be i carve it in to the ground or rock.
The arrow always point to the way i'm coming from.
So if i lose my way , i turn around and start following the arrows back.
If i don't see a marker just follow the path most logical to me.
When it's really not clear or doubtfull if you can find your marker when you place it, use your compass (yes i always have one on me when on a hike) and make a note on a peace of paper.
This can be a pain but if i feel there is a change i could get lost, its absolutely worth the trouble.
When you go on long hikes often you know when to listen to your instinct, when you get the feeling "hmm something tells me i could get lost here" doing this could save your life.
I was following my dog on trail in a bad lightening storm. The sheepish look on his face when he realized we were lost made me laugh out loud even though I was scared.
Sure you'll be up to some great hikes this year. Can't wait. Enjoy your view of the world. Appreciate it.
Spot on with suggestions, tips and experiences 💞
GREAT ADVICE!! I ALSO highly recommend Dave Canterbury 10 C's of survival.
May be my favorite logo placement ever.
Good stuff! I am paranoid and take 3 pieces of navigation. Phone with map of trail. Garmin Fenix with map/gps (Use this exclusively) and finally paper map and compass. Finally, InReach. Love this device. I used it on my last big journey to give my wife check-in/check-out status messages each day. If I forgot, she could text me. Made sure she was comfortable. But most importantly, if anything did go sideways, she would know and could take action (if somehow I could not initiate the SOS button). Yea, paranoid. Oh, and I should mention the Fenix and InReach are not cheap. And, for my last trip, it was not a trail traversed by thousands, some tricky areas, and easy access points to civilization were not an option.
Didn't hear it mentioned, but if you build a fire, make sure you do it correctly by clearing as much around the fire pit as possible.
Lots of good stuff in here. Thank you for posting. I'll add, knowing the map goes far beyond knowing bailout points. If you get lost/disoriented and can't find the trail after a proper search of your area, know your safety bearing and how to use a manual compass (yes, always bring one) to find a bearing. If you are hiking near a road or highway, know what direction from the trail you need to hike to get to it. Is there a major city or town? You may wind up bushwhacking for a couple days depending on where you are, but that may be the safest option. If you find yourself off trail, and have no phone, no beacon, and no help coming, you'll still be able to head toward safety.
You are my favorite female hiker in the world! Darwin is my favorite male! Between both of you I feel secure about everything and anything i need to know about... well, literally EVERYTHING OUTDOORS!! THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU! YOUR THE RADDEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD!!!!
This is hilariously correct in correspondence with a recent event of my life!
I just got back from hiking the Buffalo National River Trail (BRT) in Northern Arkansas.
It was just my friend and I and we planned on making the extremely strenuous 39 miles in 4 days. Yet not all was well. Water sources were scarce and the heat was nearly 100 degrees! Service was nonexistent and in our firsthand account, we started to get extremely dehydrated. Another factor that made things worse is the trails are not marked and extremely overgrown, and where they are visible, it is steep, rugged, and always next to a cliff(BRT is nearly 500 feet above the river basin continually!) Massive downed trees were blocking the trails for hours on end as the park service seemed to have a full lack in attempting to keep clean the trails. We eventually came upon a still pond with a lonesome deer swimming in it and we took my life straw and drank from its green waters. Yet we were past the point of relief. We became dizzy and sore and somehow found a 1 sq foot of area (after some funny testing with where it worked;) to get cell service. We called a ranger station and told them of our predicament, but as expected, they did nothing. We walked for another 12 hours only moving 8 miles to a campground that had very little service and no people. We were not slow, but because the terrain is simply heinous and almost sickening, it took that long. Guaranteed the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.
Cameron Akins I grew up around there - - about 40 miles. Tough area. We used to ginseng hunt around that area. Thankful your trip ended on a positive note.
Barb Shubert Agreed! I can’t imagine being lost there without water...
Good tips. This is one of the reasons I study the map before hiking. Knowing where things are before you go can save a life. Maybe your own.
Good info thanks Dixie ... Loved the thunder in the background :))
First thing, don't panic
Second thing...don’t panic....third thing, you get the idea.
...and always bring a towel.
@@Ichinin when all else fails, pan galactic gargle blaster soothes much.
I was going to ask if this was an homage to Douglas Adams or Patrick McManus?
Never seen so many “hitchhiker “ references. Thanks
Love your videos! I'm headed on my first thru hike the colorado trail in July. Im super excited your videos helped inspire me.
I’ve set my pack down to go potty and got disoriented. So now I keep my pack with me. Especially elk hunting.
I’ve also seen where people leave their pack by the trail to potty and make an arrow to know which way to go when they come back. I’ve also scratched messages in the trail or made arrows both hunting and backpacking. Sometimes when the sun goes behind a cloud everything looks different.
I think I may stash a few fluorescent ribbons in my hip belt pocket to use as markers.
If you decide to camp off trail and aren't super confident in the woods,, buy push pins. The flat metal pins and push them in the back of trees as you go, so when you need to find your way back to the trail, you can follow the metal tacks back.
It's always a pleasure and a joy to watch your videos. The latest and greatest in hiking. One of the favorite things is your handed-down heritage sayings. "The devil's beating his wife with a frying pan" for when it rains in the sunshine. Bring out all you know on these sayings. They all have much wisdom in them. The "Mummy" story was a fantastic classic!
My first night on AT just north of Springer, woke up middle of night to pee. Stumbled out, took a leak, turned around and fog was so thick I couldnt see my camp. Stumbled around in shorts for at least an hour, luckily had a headlamp. Somehow stumbled into trail probably a eighth mile away and made it back to my camp. Very scary, haven't been back since.
Great advice ....so many things that can go wrong best to preplan as much as possible....Thanks for the great bits of info!
Wow what a perfect video. I'm re-watching the series LOST right now and had a low key panic attack a few nights ago thinking about my planned '21 trip and imagining worst case scenarios (mainly involving snow and losing the trail). Hopefully this video will help some of those lingering thoughts!!..
I recently became lost with my girlfriend from relying too much on GPS. She was ready to panic, but I was prepared and remained calm. We didn't have to camp that night, but just knowing I was prepared kept me calm enough to find our car and get back to the hotel.
My redundant item is firestarting materials. I have a Bic lighter, prepacked tinder and sap I gathered, and 3 total ferrous rods. Oh, and some tinderhoof mushroom I gathered too.
I didn't get a notification for this one. I wonder why. I'm glad I finally saw it. This was an interesting one. Could save a few lives.
Don't rely on phones!
A lot of Brits have been on the hills recently because they are taking hols at home.
They are unprepared and calling Mountain Rescue when their phone batteries are on 《5% which is useless, because rescuers cannot call back.
Excellent video! I'm going to take my grandson on a backpacking trip this year, focusing on survival skills. We backpack every year but it's time to teach him these skills...this video gave me more information to focus on...thankyou!
I know it isn't totally LNT, but if you're with a group and get to a junction of trails you can leave a "trail text" by drawing an arrow, or anything recognizable, in the direction you went. That way if you end up going the wrong way someone will know.
I was taught in a hunter safety course if you are lost you do what Dixie said but its an acronym
Stop
Think
Observe
Plan
and if you have a whistle/gun/ or something loud use that device to give 3 bursts of sound in succession. If someone hears you they are supposed to respond with 2 loud sounds in succession. At least that's what they taught me.
FRS two way radios are usefully if you get lost or separated from your group. If someone knows that you are caring one and what channel you will use. (there are 14 channels) The range is 1-5 miles. If search and rescue has an FRS radio on an aircraft the range can be 10-30 miles. Height increases range. Independant of cell networks, FRS radios are inexpensive. lightweight and available at most big box stores.
I have many fears. One of them is becoming lost and unable to get safe. I carry an orange bandana. The idea is to tie it to a tree and walk in a circle to better scope out the area, always keeping the bright orange in your sites to get back to the lask known. I use white gear, and always stop to look back and really look at the trail-it looks nothing like it did going the other direction.
I tend to get more disoriented towards high noon in the summer. East and west seem flipped sometimes when you are under canopy.
If You have Sun, no compass, but you want to go a general compass heading . Use a stick, stick it in the ground firm. Place a small rock at the top shadow end of the stick . Wait 30 minutes or longer if you like. Place a different small rock at the top of the shadow of the stick. Take the stick and draw a line between both rocks. The first rock is West, the second rock is East. You can now make a North/South line buy making a + sign. It’s easy to estimate compass headings. Each of the 1/4 cross section points is 90°. You can even estimate N,NE,E,SE,S and so on by bisecting the 1/4 sections with another cross making the sections 1/8.
Great video on important topic. I am VERY big plan and prepare even the half day hikes. The plan includes sending my “anchors” a trip plan with a description of the routes/trails I am taking, area emergency contacts, my vehicle and more. My duty is to stick to it. Second, use my sat messenger (SPOTX) every trip, just to test and assure my family and anchors. It gives them a last good known location or if I turn up missing or late. I also have a way to communicate change of plans.
Hi Dixie,
I've had some good times being lost, I did a 450 mile hike last year, 90 miles of it I was lost. While lost I met great people who really helped me.
i carry a compass and a backup compass just to make sure of accuracy. This is on top of a map and a gps. I also have a garmin, the bigger one. Got lost once dayhiking with very little supplies, great learning lesson. Never been lost since.
Every county has a search and rescue and every search and rescue is looking for volunteers. You will learn a lot by becoming a volunteer that will help you in your backpacking. REI has training for compass and map reading as does search and rescue. Everything Dixie went over is great info to take to heart and listen to the video more than one time.
Very good video. A lost kid hiding from searchers has happened.
Those little five in one whistles are great for kids but put the kid's arm through the cord so that they can't be strangled by it. Put a small knife, candle, a hard candy, and strike anywhere matches in the whistle body. Then, tape it closed. Wrap 25' of mason string around the outside and secure it with tape/
When hikers are older, use a waterproof neck pouch(for cell phones) to carry a complete 10 essentials survival kit. I have found that the HeatSheet survival blanket is the best. It is bigger(5' x 8'), tougher, and quieter than mylar blankets. Good Luck, Rick
Thanks for making such an informative video. I hope this really helps some people prepare. Always enjoy your videos.
Good content as usual Dixie. The first step always is to stop, deep breaths and take stock of what you have and what was your last known position. ATB
Awesome & practical advice.. I'm preparing for a hike and I know most of our trails here in Canada are not marked very well.. so glad you put this video together :)
The best thing is to develop the skills and carry the gear such that getting lost is no longer an immediate problem and can instead be viewed as a happy little accident that showed you more of the world
Guthook has been a life saver for me.
So much Wisdom... Priceless Free Advice.
Playing MineCraft has helped me and my kid Orient. Also, corn mazes. They have found the way out more often than me. In fact we watched a guy freak out in a corn maze. He had never been lost before and he was running THROUGH the Maze Walls. A real eyeopener.
Lots of great advice!I I have carried and or worn a bright colored t-shirt and or reflective vest like construction workers wear especially n a forest where every thing looks a like and because i hike alone. (I highly recommend that kids wear these t-shirts). I have also used bright colored flagging tape to put on thr trail behind me when i came to a trail junction where every thing looks a like. A hiker could also take photos of the back trial on a smart phone.
Good advice, especially trail names! Leaving your info on a stuff sack or something in case you're found is a good idea. You can also pre-write an SOS sign on your ground sheet or something big.