Backpacking Navigation #1 - Staying Found - CleverHiker.com

[@js5072]

I got lost in the woods for 3 days without food or water once (i didn't drink water because i didn't have a water filter or iodine and I didnt want to eat to reduce my internal water storage). I was stupid and let my dad carry the map and compass which he didnt know how to use but i did and I was trying to see how fast I could get to camp so I went way past my dad losing him. How I got lost was bushwacking and then there was a big storm. I couldnt find the trail. How i got out was just followed a river because water could mean people. Loggers found me. The worst part about being lost is the fear. My suggestion is if you get lost is don't panic, it will make your experience 100x easier to deal with which I didnt take the advice. I also suggest to always have your map and compass because you might find a weird looking mountain that will be on your map, its 100% worth the weight and investment. You should try to rationalize that as long as you have water, you can live without food for 30 days and by that time you should be found especially if you have a fire going in a place you shouldn't be. You should also give yourself breaks like make up games so you can feel better. I would play games like draw a circle and try to get a rock land in the center. You can prevent getting lost by just sticking to trails and never be more than 40 feet from it. Also, have a group with you, having resources to share and having each other is comforting.

[@davidbneils]

Very well done! The most important factor you shared is keeping a cool head and admitting when a mistake is made. Here are a few things you might want to add to your video: 1. Share a route AND itinerary with two contacts who know you well and know the area you are headed into. 2. Before leaving home take a close look at the map and see if it is possible to navigate out to a road simply by walking downhill. Rather than following a stream or river, where downfall is typically worse, I'd suggest following a finger ridge which is typically easier to navigate. I prefer to know that if I walk for X hours downhill, I will hit a road from anywhere in the area. Even if I lose my map, compass and other navigation equipment, I will always be able to determine whether I'm walking downhill. 3. Make sure you have the Ten Essentials and know how to use them. What's missing from most lists is having two contacts, sharing your route and itinerary with them and being clear on when you are returning and what to do if you don't return. 4. As an added measure of safety, I'd recommend carrying a SPOT or Garmin InReach unit and add your contacts to the list. Thanks again!

[@alexblue6991]

That exactly what happened to me and my wife went on a hiking we had been lots of times didn't take a compass because of the it started to heavy snowfall we got lost the trial was all covered with snow and followed the wrong track we ended up having to turn back goes to show don't get to confidant that you know the trail anything can happen

[@CleverHiker]

Good cautionary tale Alex, thanks for sharing

[@WR3ND]

This is a really good introductory guide. Thanks for putting it out there.

[@cardiacbob]

I keep a hank of trail marking tape and a sharpie in my possibles pouch and have used it to mark a trail and a camp or laager. It could help lost hikers also, esp. if they carry the sharpie to write on the tape.

[@elieuncle]

Love this videos from Collins, such a good production, to the point, very good presentation. I'm a late subscriber and unfortunately they haven't been producing much more content. Hope you guys are fine !

[@robbabcock_]

I realize this is an old video but adding a GPS unit to your kit is another very smart option! You don't want to overly rely on technology but as another tool in the toolbox GPS is a powerful aid. A standalone unit is only $100 and there are some good free or inexpensive apps for your smartphone. Terrain association, a topo map and a compass is generally all you need but there's little reason not to carry a GPS, too.

[@CleverHiker]

Great points rob. We like to hike with phone gps aps like TopoMaps+ and Gaia. Adds no weight and they are very helpful once you learn how to use them

[@s0nnyburnett]

Hiking in groups is tough for navigation. The bystander effect usually kicks in quick as everyone starts talking and following. Happens to me even when I'm stopping and checking for myself. Only takes one missed marker to confuse everyone.

[@CleverHiker]

+s0nnyburnett True. Good point.

[@surjitpuri4839]

I appreciate your adding pdf(written text) in your videos for easy understanding and passing it on the others

[@cardiacbob]

Good info. I remember the toughest land nav. course I tested on was the Army Infantry BNCOC course at Ft. Benning. I got turned around and didn't hit one of my points my pace count told me I was past my point. I felt the panic rising (it was a must-pass event), so I sat down and took a drink of water and ate a HOOAH bar... Then I retraced back to my last point and tried it again. I passed, but I had to run the last leg! Panic is the mind killer...

[@armorvestrus4119]

A watch has been a most useful tool for me on the trail. As with day hikes if I walk 2/12 hours I know it will take the same time to go back. Some people who do not mark time could end up walking out long after sunset and that is not good. A compass for me is like taking water never go without it.

[@MsNicolT]

this is my biggest fear

[@outdoorsywannabe1888]

I dont know how to read a backcountry map or use a compass 😬

[@nonination1]

Thank you for the video, Dave! I appreciate your calm and patient demeanor as well as your non judge mental attitude throughout your video series. Funny enough, I believe a couple friends and myself ran into you last summer doing the Mirror Lake loop in Oregon. I believe you were testing a camera bag. Any who, thanks again for the tips. I have now watched all your videos, taken some classes and am about to tackle the 250 mile Kungsleden Trail in Northern Sweden with my hike partner. Keep up the good work!

[@CleverHiker]

Nolan Rogerson Thanks Nolan! Yeah, that was me at Mirror Lake. I remember you guys for sure. Thanks for the support and best of luck on your trek in Sweden! That sounds so awesome!

[@Barefootjake]

Great video. Thanks for sharing and educating others.

[@CleverHiker]

Barefoot Jake Thanks Jake!

[@MARLEYFANcbr]

Great video it was quite helpful and covers a lot of good points for novice hikers like myself. Another good point is to look behind you to see what the trail looks in reverse if you need to backtrack or if is an "out and back trail" and after intersections. Marking your path helps too, ribbon is highly visible but is basically littering, piles of rocks or sticks is a better choice.

[@CleverHiker]

Rob Marley Thanks for the comment Rob!

[@MsAcreage]

Great video. I want to get out and the trail! Thanks a lot for this one and your others. Great quality! Jon

[@CleverHiker]

MsAcreage Thanks Jon!

[@calebhodson7421]

Dave this video looks like it was filmed at Smith Rock State Park. Is it easy to get lost their if you stick to the trails? I've never been and want to get away by myself.

[@CleverHiker]

Yup, some of the b-roll shots were filmed there. Very easy to stay found, no need for navigation, but it's beautiful.

[@calebhodson5122]

+Dave Collins (CleverHiker) Thank you for your comment Dave I really appreciate it. I've never been to Smith Rock before. I'm getting excited about going.

[@TrafficsKindaBad]

Sasquatch in the background at 5:42

[@mrbigolnuts3041]

Are those poles used for fighting off cougars?