Guys, I'm genuinely shaken up right now. I've been seeing way too many news stories about hikers going missing in the wilderness lately, and it's absolutely gut-wrenching.
So many girls are jumping on the casual day hiking and local mountain climbing trend on weekends, thinking “getting lost is something that could never happen to me”. But more often than not, accidents happen from a single moment of carelessness, or one bad split-second decision.
Today I've put together the life-saving rules that should be hardwired into every hiker's DNA. These are non-negotiable for new hikers, and they will literally save your life in a crisis.
Pre-Trip Prep: Stop Risks Before They Start
❶ Download offline trail maps from hiking apps BEFORE you go! This lets you track your location in real time even with zero cell service, so you never stray off the trail.
❷ Stick to the buddy system NO MATTER WHAT! Never hike alone, even on the most well-established trails. Hiking with an experienced buddy instantly cuts your risk in half.
❸ Send your full itinerary (including your exact route and expected return time) to a friend or family member who's staying behind — this is your ultimate safety backup plan.
❹ Never skimp on your gear! Water and food are non-negotiable basics, but a hat, whistle, first-aid kit, and emergency thermal blanket are absolute life-saving essentials. Don't head up the mountain missing even one of these.
If You Do Get Lost: Do This to Maximize Your Survival Chances
❶ The FIRST STEP is ALWAYS to STAY PUT. DO NOT WANDER. Staying calm and in place boosts your survival rate by more than 10x compared to aimlessly wandering to “find your way”.
❷ Once you're calm, cross-check your trail map with nearby landmarks. If you can safely retrace your steps back the way you came, do so immediately. If you can't find your path, stay where you are — NEVER head into unmarked, unknown terrain.
❸ During the day, use rocks or branches to mark out an SOS signal, or build 3 fires in a triangle (the international distress signal). At night, flash a light source continuously to maximize your chances of being spotted by rescuers.
When it comes to hiking in the wilderness, safety always comes first.
Tag your hiking buddy who's always dragging you into the mountains, and all your mountain-loving besties to read this!