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By: Maria Jeffs

Any backwoods camper or backpacker needs to be prepared for the inevitable possibility of becoming lost in the wilderness. Keep these tips in mind to deal with the situation if it does really happen.


Camping and hiking are wonderful ways to get close to nature. Adventuring in the wilderness is uplifting and refreshing. However, there are something important things that every camper should be aware of on a camping trip in the great outdoors.


If you're heading off into a remote area, there is always the possibility that someone, adult or child, will get lost. Prepare everyone in your party ahead of time with the do's and don'ts of navigation in the wilderness.


Someday you WILL become lost if you wander the backwoods long enough. The important thing is to be prepared when it does happen.


Have you ever heard the old adage, "Indian no lost; teepee lost." Be at home in the woods, and you'll never be truly lost. A night in the woods can't be too uncomfortable if you know how to deal with the situation.


Standard advice to a lost person: Don't panic. Everyone feels some trepidation, but never loose your sense of reason. Stop and listen to common sense. Don't let fear take over your sensibilities. Even experienced woodsmen have been lost, and panicked, then lost their life after becoming disoriented, losing their reasoning abilities to panic.


Instruct children what to do if they should become separated from you. Give everyone a whistle to hang around their neck. Teach a child that if he becomes lost, people will be looking for him, and not to hide from the "strangers" that are trying to help. Of course, they should know to be cautious around strangers at all other times. A recent boy scout who was lost in a Utah wilderness, stayed hidden for several days while searchers combed the woods around him!


Make sure your child understands that he shouldn't keep wandering when separated. Stop and wait for someone to come, instead of wandering farther away from the searchers.




Never head into the woods with out the basics along with you. Bring a map, compass, matches, and knife on every hike. You never know when something unpredicted will happen.


Bring along a compass and map of the area in which you are traveling. In these days of technology, a GPS is indispensable on wilderness backpacking and camping trips.


Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. If you do this, rescuers will know where to start looking.

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