News stories about people getting lost while hiking tend to gain widespread attention. Just a couple of months ago, a man named Hadi Nazari went missing at Kosciuszko National Park in Australia, surviving on berries and creek water for nearly two weeks before he was found. While there are plenty of articles about wilderness survival skills and what a person should do if they get lost, one way to avoid such a situation is to not get lost in the first place.
Basic outdoor survival skills to keep in mind on a hike can be remembering to bring extra water, knowing how to read a compass and staying on the trail.
“It’s good to have some knowledge of survival skills,” Rudy Martinez, manager of the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, said. “Regardless if you’re just going hiking or [any other] outdoor recreational activity because they can come in very useful in a number of different scenarios.”
Deliliah Neff, a Nixa High School graduate, has visited several national parks over the years and frequently goes on hikes; she is currently a freshman at Evergreen State College with the intent of becoming a park rang
er. Neff recommended that, while hiking, one should stick with their group, or at least tell someone where they’re going, always bring more than enough water and never leave the trail.
“The acts of mother nature are easier on groups, so just kind of stay with your group,” Neff said. “[Also] bring enough water. Even if you don’t think you need that much, always bring some because you never know what’s going to happen. Even if it’s a short hike, still bring some snacks.”
Whether on small local hikes or long adventurous hikes in national parks such as Olympic or Yellowstone, being prepared and taking precautions may help individuals avoid complications.
Sophomore Wyatt Hasson often goes hiking at Two Rivers Bike Park. Since Hasson has had a history of sprained ankles, he said that hikers should be conscious of the shoes that they wear.
“Good shoes are extremely important,” Hasson said. “Making sure you know where you’re going to place your feet, [and] knowing what trails are safe.”
Hasson also said to avoid getting lost simply means paying attention and using judgement.
“Constantly being aware of your surroundings, knowing where you’re going, all of that’s important to make sure you don’t get lost,” Hasson said. “Know how to read the signs because there is some extra stuff on there that can help you if you get lost.”
Besides just following some simple, yet essential, safety tips, Martinez said that there are several important skills that anyone who spends time outdoors should know.
“I think everyone should know directional skills,” Martinez said. “We rely so much on our smartphone [and] digital devices nowadays. It’s good to be able to find your way and to know simple things such as what direction is north, south, east and west. … Another important [skill] is fire building. Getting a fire started is so useful in so many different ways.”
With some practical skills, simple supplies, and judgement, a person may be able to avoid getting lost in the wild, even one who doesn’t consider themselves particularly outdoors people may still find benefits in knowing at least the basics. Because one may never know what’s going to happen.
“I think [basic survival skills are] always good to keep in mind, even if you think you’re going on a relatively easy hike,” Neff said. “Just keeping these skills in mind can be beneficial, even if they’re not at the moment.”
