How to Survive – Day Hikes

The reason most day-hikers become lost in the woods is due to a lack of preparedness and their thinking that they are just out for a quick day hike. The day-hikers account for approximately 80% of lost hikers each year in North America. How do you avoid becoming a statistic and avoid the day-hiker syndrome? Read my list of the two most important things you can do to avoid becoming a statistic.

1. Bring enough gear and the appropriate clothing in case of an emergency

Carry enough gear to take care of the “Big 5″ survival priorities: shelter, water, fire, medical, and signaling. You must be prepared with a daypack of quality survival gear to handle being stranded in the cold (or heat) for a minimum of 72 hours.

2. Leave a detailed travel plan with a dependable friend or family member

Leave a note indicating where you will park and hike. Also leave an approximate time of when you will return home, and then work out a response plan with your significant other/friend. For example, my wife and I have a two-hour window worked out. If I say that I will be back at 6 P.M. and then 8 P.M. rolls around without me returning, then she is my safety net back home who can make a call for help.