Even survivalists with the best intentions, who really seem to know their way around a campfire, trail, and have everything they should in their backpack, can find themselves in jeopardy.

It does not necessarily have to do with expertise, although we always recommend that a novice go with someone who has hit the wilderness trails a time or two previously, but just bad timing. A hiker can suddenly find himself with a broken compass or even an unfortunate fall that leaves him injured.

Search and rescue teams get varying stories from lost campers and hikers, those they have recovered, as to how they got lost in the first place. Just as a FYI, when a hiker starts out in a vehicle, leaving it back at a camp grounds or the like, authorities will always start there first, at the car.

Because of this fact it is always an excellent idea to leave an extra copy of your wilderness itinerary in the vehicle. This way the searchers have a starting point. If the plan is especially well done they can track you with it much faster and easier.

Go to page two to read more and also see a Hiking Plan template that just might save your life!

Next Page »