What to do when you find that you are lost?

What do you do when you are lost in the wild? For many who have found themselves lost while hiking/hunting/ or camping out in the wild, they report that it can be a very helpless feeling and many report their first feeling is panic. But there are some things you can do to increase your chances of being found/ finding your way back.

If you find yourself lost in the wilderness, it's essential to stay calm, assess your situation, and take steps to ensure your safety. Here's a summary of what you should do:

Stop and Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse. Stop moving and assess your surroundings.
Stay Put (If Safe): If you're in a safe location and believe that you're likely to be found, stay put. It's often easier for rescuers to locate you if you remain in one place.
Signal for Help: Use signaling devices such as a whistle, mirror, flashlight, or brightly colored clothing to attract attention. Create a signal fire if possible, using green vegetation to create smoke during the day and burning brightly at night.
Check Your Supplies: Take inventory of your supplies, including food, water, and any survival gear you have with you. Conserve resources and ration them if necessary.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly to stay hydrated, especially if you're in a hot or dry environment. Avoid drinking untreated water unless absolutely necessary.
Assess Your Surroundings: Look for natural landmarks, trails, or signs of civilization that may help you determine your location or find your way back to safety.
Use Navigation Tools: If you have a map, compass, or GPS device, use them to help determine your location and plot a course to safety. If you're unsure of your location, try to find high ground to get a better view of your surroundings.
Follow Water: If you're near a water source such as a river or stream, follow it downstream. Water sources often lead to civilization or areas where rescuers are more likely to search.
Stay Warm and Dry: Protect yourself from the elements by staying warm and dry. Seek shelter from wind, rain, or extreme temperatures and insulate yourself from the ground to prevent heat loss.
Leave Clues: If you need to move, leave clues or markings to indicate your direction of travel for rescuers to follow. Use rocks, sticks, or other materials to create arrows or symbols on the ground.
Stay Positive and Hopeful: Maintain a positive attitude and stay hopeful that help will arrive soon. Remember that rescuers are trained to find and assist lost individuals.
Consider Self-Rescue: If you're confident in your abilities and resources, consider attempting self-rescue by navigating back to a known location or finding your way to safety.
Plan for Overnight Stay: If you anticipate being lost overnight, prepare to spend the night outdoors. Build a shelter, gather firewood, and make yourself as comfortable as possible while awaiting rescue.
Stay Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, wave your arms, and make noise to increase your visibility to searchers. Avoid hiding or seeking shelter in dense vegetation that may obscure you from view.
Use Your Emergency Plan: If you've left a trip plan with someone, stay true to it. They may notify authorities of your absence, initiating a search and rescue operation.

Check out this watch with built in GPS, 3 axis compass and bariatric altimeter. It would come in handy when you leave civilization behind. (paid link)

If you're unable to find your way to safety or if your situation becomes life-threatening, don't hesitate to call emergency services or activate a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger device for assistance.