How To Avoid Getting Lost While Backpacking

If you?ve decided to go backpacking, hiking, and camping somewhere fairly close to home but in the ?back country? (out in the wild), there are a few tips and guidelines you should follow in order to avoid getting lost. Getting lost may seem like a mere inconvenience, but you really can put yourself in a life-threatening situation.

First, while some avid backpackers prefer to go alone to just enjoy nature and solitude, it?s best to take somebody with you in case you run into trouble and need help?or if you do happen to get lost, you can work together to avoid panic, and keep warm, fed, safe, and sheltered.

Second, make sure somebody (a close relative or friend) back home knows where you?re going and for how long you?ll be gone. Even just a general guideline of the area in which you?ll be backpacking and your estimated time of return (?We should be back by the end of the weekend,? for example), will make a big difference for your rescuers in being able to locate you faster should you get lost.

Next, take along a detailed map of the area. An updated topographical map of the area in which you?ll be backpacking, and specifically the trails you?ll be hiking and the sites in which you may decide to camp, will make a big difference in ensuring you don?t get lost. However, make sure you can understand and properly read the map before you embark on your backpacking-in-the-wild adventure. If the area and trails are fairly established, you can easily find maps at park services, ranger stations, and likely on the trails themselves. Maps can also be located online, and use Google Earth to locate a particularly ?wild? patch of land.

Just as important as a detailed map of the area is a compass. You must make sure you know how to use one though. It will not be much good to you if you happen to get yourself lost out in the wild. However, make sure you use your compass right from the moment you enter the wild back country, as it will help you to stay on course and help you avoid getting lost in the first place. A GPS can also come in handy?if you can afford it, that is. However, like a compass, a GPS is only effective if you use it as you go, rather than just pulling it out as soon as you happen to think you might be lost. Don?t forget back-up batteries!

Finally, as you?re backpacking, take keen notice of your surroundings?watch for specific landmarks you can use as a guide if you happen to go off trail or get lost, and you need to backtrack.

Mark Hammond is the marketing manager for National Hotels - a UK Hotel Directory and Travel Resource