Survivorman | Masterclass | Trail Navigation

[@marykladouris1794]

Years ago went for a hike in Sequioa National Park, the Little Baldy Trail map indicated it was roughly 4 miles round trip. The trailhead was marked with a deteriorating wood sign and unfortunately the sign was positioned pointing left bound when it should have directed us to the right at the fork. We hiked for about 3 hours into deep wilderness at which time we realized that we should have already arrived at the summit and back to where we started. We hadn’t used any trail marking-flagging tape and knew we were lost and we did begin to panick as the sun started to set. However, we made a u-turn and hiked back on the path we started on. It was almost completely dark when we arrived at our parked vehicle. We were completely exhausted but safe not to mention grateful that we found our way back. Great lesson was to always use flagging tape when hiking trails. Les, I appreciate you sharing your wilderness survial wisdom. Thank you! 💜✌🏽

[@staroceans8677]

I concur. Les is an exceptional resource and a valued mentor to everyone. Been following him since the beginning and he's taught me volumes. With regards to the tape, I would even go a step further if possible, and that is to get something that's reflective. That would assist if you've a flashlight to see even better, especially if dusk or night approaches.

[@Jack-Noch]

Hei Les Stroud!! Long time fan here!! Just wanted to thank you for all the good times and all the wisdom you have shared with the world!! Skål from Norway!

[@jonclark598]

Orient the flagging tape knot in the direction you came. this also works for when you're suppose to turn. I will try the 2 tree flags where your supposed to turn, but again orient the knots to indicate which direction to turn. Great video!!!

[@journeyman7189]

Excellent advice Les.Good to show no matter the level of experience, anyone can get turned around. Nate

[@shyamlynn243]

Thanks Les, it's crazy how easy it is to get lost or at the least turned around even in familiar territories. Thank you for posting and sharing your experiences and knowledge!

[@adrian4397]

I was just watching a directors commentary vid and this was uploaded. Sweet!

[@bahjinelson3986]

Thank you for making this video. It's very easy to get lost in the forest especially if you let your guard down because "I have a good sense of direction". Nope. I've been lost twice in mountain forests. Five friends of mine, at least 4 of whom are very competent, have been lost; two while skiing, two hiking, and one snowmobiling. One of them did require search and rescue. One had his headlamp turn on in his bag and it was dead when he needed it. He spent the night out there and, when he woke, saw he was four feet from a sheer cliff. I've had my tracks in the snow erased in under an hour. The two times lost for me I had missed my turn. I paused, relaxed a minute, decided to slowly backtrack and found the trail. Sometimes, after a junction or poorly defined area, I will stop, turn around, and mentally map what the area looks like from that angle.

[@morgancameron8793]

Plain and simple...you're the very best.

[@rogerblaber6256]

Terrain where you have to watch your footing closely can also cause you too lose the trail. I was scouting for new snow shoe trails this past winter & basically plowing through a swampy area that was full of downed willows that were constantly tripping me up. I had checked a satellite map before I went out & knew I was going to cross an old cutline that was over grown but still should be obvious. While watching my footing so closely I went straight across that cutline without noticing. I was using a GPS map on my phone so was able to get back on course & obviously could have just followed my trail in the snow back in this case but just the same, slow down & take time to look at your surroundings. When flagging I also look back at my last flag to be sure I can clearly see it from the next one I am placing.

[@RUNUP519]

Having excess ribbon always pointed the same side of the tree can also add as a direction up and down the trail you make.

[@danimal029]

That was one of the most informartive videos I have seen in a while.

[@ktownc936]

Hiking sliver peak in Ontario with a friend last October. There were yellow and red leaves everywhere, the trail almost non existent. The trail was very wet from massive rainfall days before. We were coming back as the sun was setting and ended up going down the many trail looking ravines created by the rain fall up there for half hour. No trail markers in sight. We ended up back tracking instead of cutting across which was the right decision and I will never let my guard down on a trail ever again. It's a story I will remember forever.

[@oscarcarrillo7859]

Great information. When you want to go hiking by yourself or friends and family. Thanks Less.

[@markhudspeth8503]

Maybe a part two on your off grid cabin someday? Really enjoyed it years ago. Enjoyed your show/channel for years. Kansas USA

[@antionio77db]

Your back thank god in your own channel.

[@moosemaimer]

I climbed a trail once where for long sections, the only way you knew you were still on the trail was because the trees were 4ft apart instead of 3ft, with any kind of blazes next to nonexistent. I can't even remember how many times I would get four or five steps off the trail and be completely hemmed in, and have to turn around and try to guess where to go next. That was a long day.

[@derekpospisil747]

Everything you said is 100% correct. Just like you, I got lost a few dozen yards off the AT. I got cocky since I'd been in the area before, state game land next to a military base. Took a side trail that should have been a short cut. Lots of clear open areas and 6" of snow on the ground everything looked like a path, Far apart orange marking tape, but also pink tape for making trees for cutting. I started panicking, forgot to pay attention to the sun and which way was north, took paths of least resistance, told myself "just go downhill and you'll hit the road". Found a creek at least, but wound up falling in when trying to cross on a log. Here's the kicker: I had a dry bag and small survival kit, but it was from summer, so I had to walk out in shorts and short sleeves shirt.

[@Ronnie-NE-Fishin]

You actually saved my ass in my own back yard when I was a kid I grew up on a 100 acre farm and thought I knew every inch of it until I got caught out after dark and crashed my atv and it was rendered immobilized well I figured if I left the trail I’d find another time ail and save myself a long walk since I was hurt not badly but enough for a 12 year old alone in the rapidly darkening woods of New Hampshire in the fall I kept walking and walking and eventually i found this odd little off shoot of a trail I had sort of started to make a camp site not more than a small area with the forest floor cleaned up a few rocks for a fire pit and because of you saying always mark both sides of the tree I would take a can of spray paint and walk around the whole tree and I found my way back to the main trail that would bring me home but if it wasn’t for you Les I never would have marked those trees and odds are I would’ve ended up staying in the woods until someone found me or until morning I may have been ok or I may have met an animal I was in no positional defend myself against not a great survival story but you got me interested in survival and you were the first adult I heard stressing the dangers of being complacent in the woods and there have been many lessons I learned from you that has helped me enjoy nature in a much safer way

[@jacqueline7118]

Very helpful tips! I appreciate when experts admit that they make mistakes too, it can happen to anyone. Is there any value to marking on your right side coming in so that the markers on your left coming out? Most likely wouldn't make a difference, just a thought. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@robertweldon7909]

Even the real experts make blunders, Les too. So, if you get turned around, start to panic, and hesitant, sit down and do nothing until you get control. (first rule of survival) Les has explained the result of not following this rule quite clearly. Thanks Les.

[@thinginthewoods1414]

One of my fave trees. I remember the first Arbutus that I saw on Van Isle.

[@robbabcock_]

It's surprising how quickly one can turned around! Even in an area with pretty well defined boundaries you can get way off course before you hit one of them.

[@IchabodSunkle]

Yes! I love these videos so much.

[@SamSteeles]

Damn good advice! The voice of experience we benefit from, so as not to repeat those mistakes.

[@marktwain368]

Excellent advice especially coming from a guy who knows the wilderness.

[@imacryptid5254]

8:13 this is so true I was walking through the bush in a small forested area that I knew had trails bordering two sides also a river and a beach so it was actually impossible to get lost in but I remember losing my sense of direction and walking through the trees and shrubbery for way longer than I had expected It felt like I was lost although I knew I would get out in atleast 20 minutes or so no matter what direction I went but it felt so easy to get into that forested area yet the way out took like twice as long.

[@KrisK565]

We use 2 branches on the ground. We lean them on a tree next to the trail in a obvious man made sign. Pointing toward where we came from.

[@2DSTORMS]

Great teaching tool to watch and use!

[@jeanettecollins8820]

I've never get anxious when I am lost.i think and remember small things that got my attention. I do this in cities and the woods. I think I have a sixth sense. It's helped me in many situations. I feel blessed that I can do this.

[@ktownc936]

I too remember small things landmarks have a very good sense of direction and time more than everyone I know. I've almost got lost twice now. The point of this video is telling you to never let your guard down. As soon as you get comfortable thinking you know that's when you get lost. Cities are a joke compared to the woods.

[@EvanRo]

I saw you in David Paulides in “Missing411: The Hunted”. I was surprised you were in it, but figured you’ve been in the survival circle long enough to know about all the strange missing cases. Man I’d love to see a collab on your channel or Paulides’ channel of sorts.

[@TheRealJayGutta]

Title is missing 1 V in the word survivor.

[@themobseat]

Surveyor Man! 🤣

[@LoSTRaMaiR]

They are all like that. I thought it must have been intentional.

[@blackhawk65589]

@@themobseat 1 man in the Canadian Wilderness must survey alone for 7 days!

[@newhampshireoutdoornetwork9505]

One time I was out hunting walking down a logging road and didn't notice the the other logging trail that was a y shape and on my way back I got to it and said well damn I dont remember that

[@applegateoutdoorsadventures]

Come back to that same spot in a couple months and you should find some matsutake mushrooms, white chanterelles and porcinis along the ridge skid trail in the white pine, old growth madrones and tanoak mix. Check the south west slopes for early patches. If you need a local guide then look me up on your facebook friends because I have been running ridges and wildcrafting in Southwestern Oregon for over 50 years.

[@evaristopedrabranca4703]

BOM DIA, AMIGO. LES. STROUD, AQUI E O MESTRE EVSRISTO PEDRA BRANCA..SOU FA DO SEUS VIDEOS E AVENTURAS..TU E P MELHORAR NSTRUTOR DE SOBREVIVENCIA..AQUI E BRAZIL..E SELVA.,APRENDI VARIAS TECNOCAS..COM O.AMIGO. LES STROUD. FORTE. ABRACO..

[@dallasgross7293]

does flagging ribbon decompose?

[@bahjinelson3986]

Not all ribbon, but you can buy photo-degradable trail marking ribbon on Amazon.

[@michelelynn6914]

Great advice!

[@WOLFMAN2975]

You are a master survivalist when it comes to the bush, you must also learn and fully understand what is to come in order to navigate successfully.

[@dokstrange6891]

I wonder if tying the flagging off center so one of the ends of the bands is longer so it can flag a bit more in the wind might be a good idea.

[@theman123420]

I've been lost deep in the woods far away from civilization because of this,always coming on dark, scary.

[@theman123420]

3 times lol

[@jouzel8951]

Great video. Gulf Islands?

[@laweezjohn8876]

what about making a vid on covid 19 survival not sure if it would go with surviorman. just a thought. thank u

[@donc4563]

Check his content from March/April where he talked about the pandemic. That’s also when he started doing the directors commentaries.

[@michaelbaughman9420]

If I’m hunting etc. and know I’m coming back the same day I use toilet paper. Very visible and after a rain it goes away. Plastic is here for years. I’ve been in heavy woods where others have used plastic tape and it’s all over the trees. Paper or plastic?

[@jemleith3263]

I like this new content. Can't wait for the bear wrestling match you filled in Siberia!

[@323v6]

Maybe use different colour ribbons for left/right turns ?

[@mooreoutdoor9841]

I would say most people loose the trail because the stepped off to use the bathroom and forgot which way it was to get back to the trail. That happened to me once. Now I make a stick arrow or something on the ground that points back to the trail.

[@SamSteeles]

The killer is when you realize you just walked in a huge circle and are no further ahead.

[@wolfthorn1]

Despite most peoples insistence that they can use dead reckoning and memory to remember a route, this is simply not the case. Human beings evolved to use tools and communication instead of smell and internal geo-location senses to navigate the forest. Mythbusters did a test to see if a person could walk a straight line while blindfolded. Not a chance. A forest is deceptively similar yet different. You can easily fool yourself into thinking. Oh! I've been here before when you haven't. Thousands of people have gone missing in he United States alone in parks over the past few decades. Don't be that guy who makes hundreds of people have to search and rescue your butt. Not cool. I don't mean to sound preachy. But even the best of us can screw up. Great advice by Les as always.

[@remb9614]

Les should do a survivorman episode where he intentionally gets lost to show how easy it can get. See how long it takes for him to make it back

[@1Deejay7]

Love it when you cross a creek or river and the trail just disappears

[@msk806]

Thank you

[@ChipChoc00]

Thanks for this!

[@kdavis4910]

Here's my question. I was actually chased out of the woods by an unknown man. I was on an obvious trail but what if I had been bushwhacking and using flags to keep my way and unknown man had noticed? I wasn't off trail but if I was unknown man could have really jammed me up out there. What trail marking do you recommend that others won't notice? It just seems like the beginning of a scary movie to mark my way using a method that can be so easily manipulated. I am being serious in asking for advice here. Single female with physical issues.

[@sterlingd1984]

I know I'm not Mr Les Stroud, but I've always been into survival and was a boy scout most my youth, even teaching others.. I would say to put broken Y sticks in the ground/ leaning against a bush or tree, a small stack of rocks, or a frequent series of hand-broken branches hanging off small trees. You can also hide your footprints by dragging a branch with leaves on it behind you as you walk. If you want to learn more on secret markings in the woods, I'd suggest searching up VietCong trap markings on the internet. Be prepared, and stay safe out there

[@wmluna381]

I gotta tell you, before I was aware of people using flagging tape to mark trails, especially to prevent being lost, I straight up would have interpreted them as left behind litter and ripped them off whatever tree they were on. I carry flagging tape now in all of my kits/hiking bags, but with a permanent marker with the intent to write 'Lost/Help' on them just in case someone thinks the same way. COVID got a lot of Uber newbies outdoors and I can totally see that happening based on my original thought process. I have not given thought to a potentially dangerous situation coming about as described though. That is something to think about. Knowing how to sub out more natural methods as suggested would be helpful, for sure.

[@duncang01]

I used to Survey land and flagging is my Jam.

[@philduoos2961]

I have a buddy that is color blind. And everyone uses orange or red flagging. White with blue dots was his favorite!

[@markhudspeth8503]

Go into videos, playlist, music videos! Your missing out, share on Facebook

[@charleschampion4682]

Ribbons are reliable and eyesores. My wheels are by horse and my navigator is my dog back home.Both know where the food bowl is waiting. I know they are laughing at me when standing in the saddle doubting them and wasting time. They are hitting a thousand while i'm trying to strike out...

[@keithburt4734]

Flagging tape looks terrible, I'm always picking up others left tape.

[@landroamer1000]

Are you in Oregon? I just noticed that Madrone in the background. Come to Eugene I’ll buy you a cup of coffee

[@MrVin216]

Why not place the knot on the ribbons from where you came

[@flamemachedi]

I'm going to use this video as a way to avoid getting lost in DayZ

[@kevinjack5184]

Cool video. All I got to do is flag and I'm a master!

[@Tony99949]

Compass? I use one, they work better than most electronics, and I know, iron in the rocks, so take many readings as you go.

[@WOLFMAN2975]

🌎💓I have left you some links and websites of Great IMPORTANCE here in comment section Please Confirm you have Received. Thank you Les. 🐺

[@normajean7332]

i would like to have a show called finding Les Stroud(Survivorman)..

[@1Deejay7]

So hide and seek

[@normajean7332]

@@1Deejay7 yes indeed,something like

[@bonefishboards]

I figured a 'masterclass' in trail navigation would be without marking tape; use of natural features to mark a trail (e.g. cairns, wood or stone). Or maybe even use of a map and compass and is not all that difficult. And major feature alignment is a good tip, if available. And please remove all that plastic from the forest, too. This class felt more like it was targeted to the gun hunters or bait fishermen who leave garbage and other detritus in the backcountry. You should really do a LNT masterclass. That would help backcountry users in many ways.

[@KORTOKtheSTRONG]

neat

[@BuddyHoyt]

I’d blow S.O.S. (short short short, pause, long long long, pause, short short short) repeatedly on my whistle to attract search and rescue operatives. Even people who wouldn’t recognize it as S.O.S. would still probably not mistake that pattern of sound for a natural noise like a bird chirping.

[@plutosforest]

I think many people who go missing just take the wrong path. It's easy to overestimate your safety when walking on a trail.

[@laurbster2680]

WE WANT MORE BIGFOOT RESEARCH

[@user-28573]

🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

[@licantropojosana9732]

En castellano ( español) por favor

[@ernestwalden3894]

Survivorman should carry a short shotgun in his pack. Never know when ya might run into a pissed off sasquatch lol

[@beesterscardcorner9668]

Homie is stoned to the gills

[@cdubcdub]

Ha! Here I thought I was just burdened with a poor sense of direction!