How Not To Get Lost and What To Do If It Happens

The document offers comprehensive guidelines on how to avoid getting lost in the outdoors and what to do if one finds themselves lost. It emphasizes the importance of proper preparation, including carrying maps, compasses, and informing others of one’s plans. The author also highlights techniques for navigation, signaling for help, and safety tips to manage emergencies effectively.

1. “I have never been lost. But I was bewildered for three days once.” Daniel Boone

2. The best way to deal with getting lost is to not get lost in the first place. While I’ve done a lot of land navigation, both day and night, and spent considerable time working off of maps during training and on deployments, there have been times when I’ve gotten ‘confused’. My experience is that once I got lost, it could easily escalate into something worse, unless I follow some guidelines.

3. As with all aspects of preparation and survival there are numerous variables. We should be properly prepared before any trip with the correct supplies to keep from getting lost such as GPS with applicable map tiles loaded, paper map backups (including in your car), a compass, signal mirror, whistle, signal panel and more.

4. Know how to us a map and compass. Remember, a compass can’t tell you which way to go if you don’t have an idea where you are. Your local REI store runs courses on basic land navigation. There is no substitute for actually getting out there and actually doing it. I have another free slideshow on maps and also one on GPS.

5. A big key when off-road is to know what is your ‘safe’ direction with what I call a ‘guard rail’. That’s the direction where you will eventually hit a known line, whether a road, rail-line, river, etcetera (the guard rail) which will let you know where you are. Then you also need to know whether to turn left or right on that limit to get to safety

6. Have enough food and water for whatever activity you plan, plus extra. Always have a paper map and compass. You can lose your GPS/phone or the battery might die.

7. Short Cuts Are Rarely Ever Short and Can Be Deadly

8. Let someone know where you’re going. What your plan is. When you expect to be back. An important key is to tell them after what time, without hearing from you, they should notify help. I do this even if just heading out for a bike ride or run. I use Road ID when I go for hikes/bikes/runs where there is cell phone coverage. I check in with my SPOTX satellite messenger when going on longer or overnight trips. If I change plans for any reason, I update my contacts for both.

9. At a trailhead it pays to leave a note inside your car/truck window, facing out, with information on what your plans on. When you expect to be back. I’ve checked trucks and cars at trailheads and most are unmarked. I know there might be a fear that someone would break in to the car, but weigh that against not making it back?

10. Fill out wilderness permits and check in at Ranger Stations. Make yourself noticeable. A couple was left behind on a scuba trip because they kept to themselves, didn’t interact with others and no one missed them on the trip back.

11. Download the contour map for your area for free, then print it out, or order the map sheets. A link for USGS free downloadable topo maps is on my web site in the pop up. I also have a series of National Geographic area specific maps for various National Forests and Parks Map

12. Location Apps There are several topo map Apps you can get. I’ve used a number over the years but the best one I’ve found is Gaia. The basic app is free. The premium is definitely worth it. One useful thing to using any map app is to download the map tiles you want to use beforehand (when you’re out in the wilds with no signal) and you learn how to use the app. They also send interesting email updates on various outdoor activities that are very informative from outdoor experts.

13. To the left is an example of some of the many maps you can download and use. You can have multiple maps on screen at the same time, adjusting them as you need. In this case, I have the US Forestry Service Map at max along with USFS roads and trails along with public lands. I can bring up hidden layers as needed. Also note the Historic Topo for 1930 which is fun to play with. You also have National Park Service Visitor, topo maps, streets maps, weather and more. There are dozens of different types of maps available to premium members.

14. While we rely on GPS there are many emergencies where that might not be available. In that case, a compass is invaluable. I have the one below tied of to my survival vest. Compass

15. I carry a SpotX 2 Way Satellite messenging system. While going to Hole in the Rock in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, my clutch began to burn out. 120 miles from the nearest civilization. Luckily I managed to sustain in third gear out of there but it made me consider the situation. There are places all over the country, including in the Smoky Mountains, with no cell coverage. I view this as a potentially life-saving investment. It will give me my grid location so that, in fact, I will never be actually “lost”. Also peace of mind as my family can get hold of me any time and I can update them on my progress.

16. What To Do If You Get Lost

17. Should you stay or should you go? For most situations, it’s best to stay in place. If you are injured, don’t exacerbate your injury by moving. Search and Rescue will start at the last known place you were or where they think you are. Moving could take you out of the likeliest search area. If you’re lost and don’t have a plan, you will get further lost.

18. LOOK BEHIND YOU WHEN TRAVELING SO YOU KNOW THE ROUTE BACK

19. Search and Rescue is usually free. The reason for that is often these teams are made up of volunteers. More importantly, they don’t want people to hesitate to call. When in doubt, Call 911 because most teams work through the local sheriff’s office. Remember, a text has a better chance getting through than voice if your signal is shaky. Conserve your phone’s battery as much as possible. If you make contact, set up a time to check in so you can turn the phone off in between.

20. The key rule to follow is STOP: STOP THINK OBSERVE PLAN

21. STOP: As soon as you suspect you are lost immediately STOP. Many people panic and while in that panic make the situation worse. Panic is your greatest threat.

22. THINK: How did you get here? What landmarks do you remember? Which way did you turn if you left an established trail? What direction? Do not move until you have a specific reason.

23. OBSERVE: Which direction is north? Do you have boundaries such as a river, mountain range, road, etcetera that you know for sure are in a certain direction? If you are on a trail or road stay on it. Roads and trails are built to take advantage of the easiest route. While you might think taking a “shortcut” cross-country might save time and distance, it won’t.

24. As a last resort, follow drainage downhill. Streams run into rivers and there is usually civilization along rivers. However, depending on terrain, this might not be possible. Also, try not to get wet, especially if the temperature will drop, as hypothermia is deadly. Can you follow your own trail back to the last known spot? Footprints? Broken branches?

25. PLAN: Before moving make sure you have a plan. Think the plan through. Are there other options? If you are not confident in your plan, stay in place. Don’t move at night.

26. Don’t move at night. When we were heading toward the Grand Canyon, my wife said she thought people probably fell into it. When we got there, I saw she was right. Anyone who has been on patrol at night can tell stories of the cat eyes on the back of the cap of the patrol member right in front disappearing as they fell off a ledge or cliff.

27. Signal for help: Cell phone. Satellite messenger. Mirror or anything reflective. The universal distress signal comes in threes: three blasts on a whistle. Make a smoky fire. Green leaves and grass help. Rubber makes black smoke. Flame at night is a signal. A VS-17 panel or bright clothing can be used to signal. To aim a mirror, hold it in the palm of your hand. Extend the other hand with two fingers forming a V in the direction you want to signal. Angle the mirror so that the reflected light passes through the V.

28. If you must self-rescue: Rest when you feel tired. Don’t push it too hard so that you become exhausted. You can’t hike and easily digest food at the same time. Eat and then rest. Stay hydrated. Mark your trail as you move, so at the very least, if need be, you can get back to where you started.

29. WHAT TO TEACH CHILDREN TO DO IF THEY GET LOST: Make sure your child knows both parent’s full name, phone number and address. Memorizing key phone numbers is a skill all of us need to practice. Have your child practice calling your phone.

30. WHAT TO TEACH CHILDREN TO DO IF THEY GET LOST: Teach your child how to ask for help. While we emphasize ‘never talk to strangers’ tell them who it is best to ask: police, a mother with a child, a store salesperson with a name tag, a security guard.Tell them not to go looking for you if they become detached. It is best they stay in place and you find them.

31. More Free Information I’ve put all the links to free apps, all gear mentioned and web pages on my web site at www.bobmayer.com Go to the GEAR page There are also free books on my web site, updated daily.

32. New York Times bestselling author, a graduate of West Point and former Green Beret. He commanded a Green Beret A-Team and also served in a variety of other positions. He was a certified instructor at the JFK Special Warfare Center & School which trains Green Berets and also runs the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) school. www.bobmayer.com