HikingHQ

Cave Hiking Basics: What You Should Know About Safe Hiking

Cave hiking is considered to be an extreme sport in some circles. However, extreme sport tends to mean that the people who participate have little regard for safety and that is not true with cave hiking. Cave hiking is a recreational sport that is quite challenging and requires skills of varying levels depending on the type of cave you’re exploring.

When you go cave hiking, you need equipment to help you navigate the cave. The sport is physically demanding but fun and rewarding. It is similar to mountain climbing and diving in terms of the physical demand required and the rush you get from accomplishing it. Throughout the world there are many caves that you can explore, especially in the larger countries like the United States.

While cave hiking is not extremely popular, the athletes that do participate in the sport find it quite exciting and different from other sports. There are thousands of caves that can be explored and there are still many that have not yet been explored. If you are new to cave hiking, you should hire a guide to go with you to make sure that you have a safe trip that is enjoyable – the trip stops being fun when you are trapped in a cave and you don’t have the right equipment.

Safety is paramount in cave hiking and there is equipment you need:

LED lights: When you are cave hiking, you should have a few different light sources to help you see in the dark caves. Ideally, you will have a LED headlamp, which is a popular choice of equipment with cave hikers. LED headlamps offer you a light source without needing to use your hands. It points in the direction your head is pointed, which is usually where you are headed and need light the most. You will also want to have a LED flashlight with you to shine into other spaces, tight spaces or into a different direction. LED lanterns offer a lot of light and are great for lighting up an entire cave. You will want to use LED lights because they offer you a longer battery life and longer bulb life. LED lights are the most recommended lights for caving. Always have two light sources with you when cave hiking for extra safety.

Knife: You will need to carry some type of survival knife with you as well while you are cave hiking, such as a Swiss Army knife or hunting knife. A survival knife is paramount in case you need to cut ropes or vines, etc. while in the cave. It also may be needed if you have to mark your direction in the ground or rock.

Other equipment: Items like ropes, helmets, carabineers, hiking boots, water and food are additional items you will want to carry with you when cave hiking. It is best to check with a guide or take a course with a guide on what is the appropriate equipment and attire for the particular area you will be hiking. Don’t cave hike on your own until you have done so with a proper guide.

Always remember – safety first. Tell someone that you are going hiking, when you are entering the cave, where it is located and when you expect to return. This is to ensure that if something goes wrong and you don’t return on time, someone knows where to begin the search. Always ensure that if you are new to the area or new to the cave that you take a guide with you who is experienced in that area and cave. This will ensure that you are safe throughout the hike and that you have fun.

~Ben Anton, 2007

Hiking Through The Centuries

Wandering on the top of the world, in the footsteps of the Incas, looking out over the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Andes and a glorious land of mystery and mysticism, where centuries past and present are seamlessly intermingled.

Peru’s layer upon layer of great civilizations are spread like patchwork across a country that is a masterpiece of diversity, parched coastal deserts, farming oases, quaint fishing villages, tropical jungle and colonial cities that echo the legacy of the Spanish conquistadors.

Amid the sands of Peru’s arid coast, the hectic metropolis that is Lima, the conquistadors’ city of the kings, is a culturally rich but modern city on the rise. The center of Spanish power in the New World for three centuries after Pizarro's conquest of Peru, the capital is awash with a considerable legacy of colonial art and architecture, while its museums are bursting with artifacts of gold, ceramic and weavings unearthed from the country's ancient settlements. And with enough ornately decorated churches to get churched-out, there’s nothing more rewarding than a Cusquena beer or a frothy Pisco sour in the midst of the upbeat and electric pulse of Lima’s artsy, bohemian suburb Barranco.

South through the endless sandy dunes that huddle against the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean, the rather unremarkable town of Nasca, a dusty outpost in the San José desert, belies an incredible and mysterious memento of ancient culture. Etched into the dry desert outside of town is a mysterious masterpiece of doodles. Appearing as little more than more than a confused jumble of shallow ruts in the sand and rock from ground level, a bird’s-eye-view reveals immense creatures, shapes and forms spread out for miles across the desert floor, which remain bafflingly clear of sand.

A short flight up into the majestic heights of the Andes offers a modern Mecca of tourism that’ll take your breath away not only for the altitude. The narrow streets of Cusco are lined with a mind-boggling mosaic of Inca stonework, which shows no sign of aging even after hundreds of years. Melded right onto these mortar-less walls is the elaborate colonial Spanish architecture, reflecting just a little of the mixed and colorful local culture.

Even higher still, above the city, the jagged teeth of the fortified walls of the sacred Sacsayhuaman offer the first chance to truly feel transported back in time to the realm of the Incas. But it’s merely a taste of what is still to come.

Heading over the pass, admiring breathtaking vistas of the noble Andes, and down into the fertile sacred Urubamba Valley is the first leg towards the unrivaled journey along the Inca Trail. Leaving behind the gentle riverside trails is a commitment to stride in the stead of a magnificent people. The stouthearted trudge up into the midst of the rugged snowcapped peaks to almost 14,000 feet, where they’re liable to become engulfed in clouds as they reach the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass.

From there the climate shifts along the hike, and there’s no telling what will be around the next turn. Dense highland vegetation gives way to steamy twisted vines and jungle flora until the trail turns sharply left and then heads through a stone archway, the sun gate, and the magical city of Macchu Picchu appears like a mirage, spread out across the hillside ahead, appearing and disappearing from a veil of clouds.

Even after days of hiking, the extra effort to reach the top of the nearby peak of Huayna Picchu is rewarded by a unique perspective on the magnificent beauty of the Incan city that managed to remain hidden from the Spanish conquests.

A pleasant train ride back through the sacred valley from the steamy town of Agues Calientes, at the foot of Macchu Picchu’s mount, offers some well-earned respite to the weary hiker, and an easier route back to Cusco.

Another unique and rewarding train adventure climbs up out of the bustle of tourism in Cusco to higher and cooler altitudes, dotted by mountain villages, where entrepreneurial locals appear from nowhere to offer up colorful array of food, drinks and local handy crafts at every stop. At first dominated by the magnificent Andes that tower over the deep, meandering valleys of the Huatanay River, the train chugs its way back down onto the rolling Andean plains, home to herds of alpaca and the endangered vicuna, to finally reach the shore of Lake Titicaca and the welcome site of the captivating city of Puno. Amid the barren mountains, the cobble-stoned streets, shy campesinos in traditional dress and the tricycle taxis are the true charm of this somewhat grey city.

The waters of Lake Titicaca shine iridescent blue through the clear sunlight in vibrant contrast to the red and brown-hued hills of the altiplano. Among the waves of this mountain ocean are islands that take you back in time and remind you once again of the rich, mixed culture of this stunning country.

About the Author - Lindsay Carswell is a passionate adventurer and explorer. Having lived on three continents she has currently settled in the world's original cultural melting pot, New York City.

The Hiking Family

Hiking is an increasingly growing family activity, many parents report that hiking with their children creates a sort of communal task that everyone has to achieve, and that family bonds are stronger then ever due to this family activity.

The challenge of the hike combined with the effect that the time the family spends together is in the outdoors with a kind of “mission” is great for creating stronger relationships and trust between family members, especially among siblings.

Hiking is a great way to get exercise, experience the outdoors and spend time with your loved ones. The wilderness is jammed-pack full of scenes and animals you may never have had the options to see before. You can do things the good old-fashioned route, or you can take an already made trail. Either way, there is a lot to be experienced with nature. The natural environment provides the perfect setting for quality family time.

Much has been said about the effect that hiking has on the mental and spiritual side, the psychological significance of the modern man against the force of nature, all this becomes even more important when thinking about a family unit performing the hike.

Hiking can even be a spiritual process as we are all a part of nature, and if you can see this, you’ll discover there are many small wonders you haven’t even noticed yet. The spectacular colors you can see when you are hiking are breathtaking. Everything from flowers to the autumn leaves. Some hiking expeditions are more strenuous than others. So it depends on your physical side just how much you want to endure. If you just want a friendly walk without much effort, you may want to stay on a state park trail.

If you are thinking about trying the hiking for your family, you should try and make everyone a part of the team, even in the preparation phase, try and have a family meeting, decide what food you want to take with you, how many stops you want to take, what are the goals of the hike and more issues that you do not want to leave for the final moment. You can also try and create a sense of challenge by setting a clear goal (reaching the top of a hill, overlooking some nice view, or just starting a trail and finishing it), and plan a moderate celebration once you are successful.

What is awesome when you are hiking is if you can find places that are high up in the air. This gives you the options of looking down upon a vast amount of land, more importantly is that you can use this to show your kids how the effort has paid off, and teach them an important lesson about effort. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. Imagine what could be said about the ones you take when you find something that just stands out.

Once you have had a few hikes with your family you may want to consider becoming more professional, again – you can use every step to increase the “togetherness” and the family bonding process, you can discuss what equipment you need, assign a research task to family members and have a second meeting after a few days to agree on the budget and spending and go get your hiking equipment, the only thing you need to remember is that you can not get better equipment for one member only, you can set to phase, the adult equipment phase and the kids hiking equipment phase, but try not to get new things to only one of your children, this may create jealousy.

Join the adventure and go hiking with your family, you will be surprised how much it can bring into your own family cell. Good Hiking!

About the Author - John Furnem specializes in work psychology, stress relief and time management, John uses many innovative techniques to help individuals and families to perform better, John publishes Hiking advice on the zupatips.com pages

Hiking Backpack Tips: Reduce Backpack Weight For More Comfortable Hiking

Many of hiking lovers may have problems about they could not manage to organize their backpack effectively. As hiking require minimum weight to enable hiker to have most comfortable during hiking. Some of hiking expert suggests that the most important that generally make the hiking backpack too heavy is food. So the following article will take you through the best tips about how to organize you hiking backpack effective by reducing unnecessary food items to make lighter backpack.

As mentioned above that many hiking expert agreed that we should focus on reducing food item to make lighter backpack. So we will start with the item that most important in hiking, water. Water is considered as the most important food item that we need for survive during hiking. Water helps us to control temperature in the body and to maintain the balance of moisture. It is quite hard to reduce the amount of water to lighter the backpack as it is necessary item. However, we can control the amount of water carrying by consider to carrying not too much. You have to estimate the amount of water that you need for entire of the trip. This could be done by study throughout the map and learning from others about water sources before you hike will reduce your water weight. This is because during hiking, there are different amount of water need for different areas so you may carry less water if you have learn form the map that there are consistent water source available throughout the route.

However, you have to bare in mind that, hiking is a kind of exercise activity, which we need a lot off food to generate the power for it. Preparing not enough food may be harmful so you have to prepare them a lot more than normal. For example, you may need calories two times more than usual for a full-day hiking trip. So you may prepare kind of food that provides calories in your backpack. One thing that you have to be aware of is do not take light junk food with hope that they will provide you enough calories, they are not! Looking for nutritious calories from quality food instead.

When we talk about nutritious calories, most of hikers usually think about fruits and vegetables. These kind of food could be contained in hiking backpack but only in considerable amount. In fact, you may carry fruits rather than vegetables because you can readily find fruit leather and things like dried apricots, banana chips, and apple chips. The other kind of food that very popular among hikers is freeze dried food, due to its very light weight and easy to contain in a backpack. Some experts advice that you may have them in your backpack but do not expect dense in nutritious calories from them. There is a way to help you to consider whether the dried food provide enough nutritious calories is to read on its nutritious fact labels so you can make sure that you will get enough nutritious calories during the hike.

Now you can understand why there's a growing interest in hiking as well as how to prepare the backpack for hiking. When people start looking for more information about it, you'll be in a position to meet their needs.

About the Author - Visit backpackforhiking.com to see many tips for more comfortable hiking.

Hiking Clubs: Great Way To Meet Hiking Companions

If you are a beginner interested in hiking there is no better way to start than to join a club. Not only will you learn from other people’s experience but you will learn about the best sites locally and you will meet people who would share several tips you wouldn’t know otherwise. You may also develop new hiking companions. This is particularly useful for a person new in town or stay at home moms.

Selecting a hiking club is a personal decision because they all have their individual traits. Some hiking groups are casual and laidback others are more adventurous and aggressive. Some may cater to older members while others may be for the youth. Look around to see which fits you best. Below is a listing of a few clubs around the United Staes.

Alabama Hiking Trails Society

Located around Mobile to Huntsville, it is dedicated to protecting, promoting, developing, and maintaining a state wide hiking trail system. One bonus of joining this hiking club is that every activity you participate in is covered in the group liability insurance policy.

Fairbanks (Alaska) Area Hiking Club

This club is for Alaska residents. The members ski, snowshoe, and walk through all sorts of areas including the Denali National Park, White Mountains, Arctic National Wildlife Refuges, or ANWR, and along the Tanan and Chena Rivers and amongst others.

Off of the Beaten Trail

In summer of 2002 Loree and Ward began a hiking club for a group of singles who lived in Phoenix Arizona. Now the club has grown to more than three hundred members. Although it is a comprised of singles, you can separate the social from the hiking and pick and choose what events you want to participate in.

Trail Blazers Hiking Club

If you are near the Ouachita and Ozarkmountains of West Arkansas or Eastern Okalahoma you can join the Trail Blazers Hiking club. The club offers a range of hiking events, some short and some long, some difficult and others more laid back. There are hikes most weekends from the fall to the spring. You can see a listing of events on their website and decide what may be of interest to you.

Desert Trail Hiking Club

This hiking club has three levels of hiking activities available from easy to moderate to strenuous. They also offer up to five hikes every week. The group hikes in Coachella Valley and enjoys a friendly camaraderie among its members.

To find a hiking club near you, do a search on the internet or inquire at your local sporting goods store that sells hiking equipment. Joining a hiking club is a great way to meet hiking companions and have the opportunity to hike places you may not be able to do on your own.

About the Author - Sarah Thomas is an established freelance writer. You can find more of her writing at running-shoe-zone.com and hiking-guide.com

Hiking Gifts – Gift Ideas For Hiking Presents

Hiking is a healthy, relaxing pursuit for hikers. If you’re buying for a hiking enthusiast this holiday season, here are a few gift ideas for hiking presents.

Hiking Gift Ideas

There is much more to hiking than just boots and an urge to go. For those of you looking for gift ideas for hiking presents, here’s a list of potential hiking gifts.

1. Backpacker Magazine – If you are married to the person you are giving hiking gifts to, you may want to be careful with this one. Backpacker Magazine is full of beautiful hiking locations with detailed information and recommendations. The problem, of course, is your loved one will have plenty of ideas regarding future family vacations. A year subscription will run you $24.00.

2. Roll-A-Table – Yep, even hikers need furniture. There is nothing worse than stopping for lunch, whipping up a meal and then dropping it in the dirt. Hikers want to get back to nature, but rarely does dirt in the food fit the bill. The roll-a-table is cool cloth table that rolls up into a flexible tube. Sling it over your back or tie it onto a backpack and off you go. The Roll-A-Table will set you back roughly $50. Just plug it into a search engine and compare prices.

3. Lightening Strike Alert – Mother Nature is beautiful except when she decides to rain blasts of electricity down upon your head. Lightening can be extremely dangerous for hikers if they get caught out in an open space. The key to avoiding a “shocking hike” is to keep alert to the threat of lightening. A lightening strike alert device is the size of a pager and fits onto a backpack or belt with ease. The alert will start beeping when conditions indicate lightening may be possible and gives you plenty of time to find a safe spot. The Lightening Strike Alert device will set you back about $80.

4. Nomad Hiking Journals – A little self-promotion here. Nomad Hiking Journals are compact writing journals that let hikers keep notes and diaries of their hikes. They can record whom they hiked with, the route, weather conditions and funny little events occurring during the hike. You can click the link at the bottom of this article and expect to pay between $10 and $25 depending on the size.

If you’re looking for gifts for hikers, consider yourself lucky. The equipment tends to be inexpensive and last a very long time.

About the Author - Rick Chapo is with nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals for hiking, backpacking and camping. Writing journals are great Christmas gifts for him or her.

Hiking Arizona

Arizona hiking trails stretch across most of the state. Those that love the outdoors will find the right type of trail for their specific needs. From Phoenix trails to the Sierra Vista trails, there is a trail that's going to change your life. Each trail offers something unique but they all provide you with a glimpse of some of the most beautiful lands in all of Arizona. Hiking trails are easy to decide on, if you know what you are looking for in them.

Mileage Choices

The Arizona hiking trails available to you stretch from one side of the state to the next. You will find a wide range of different mileage choices for you to consider, though. For example, Parson's Trail is just a bit over seven miles. This is a great beginner's trail, too. Yet, if you are after length on your hike, then the Arizona hiking trails that are longer, such as Wet Beaver Loop at 22 miles, is sure to fill your need for length. Consider your options based on your time, your skill and the location you are in.

Difficulty Options

You could also choose the right Arizona hiking trails based on the difficulty that they present to you. If you want to consider a trail that is easy, consider Ruins Trail or Massai Point in the Sierra Vista area. These are great choices for those that are looking for a first time out or want a relaxing hike instead of a challenging one. Even easy trails will be somewhat physically demanding, though. Some trails of the Arizona hiking trails out there are kid friendly. For example, Spring Valley trail is as is Tortuga Trail, Tortilla Creek Loop and Overton Loop in the Phoenix area.

If you are looking for a hiking trail that runs moderately, most of the state's trails are just that. You can find a number of these available in virtually any area of the state. You'll find a wide range of more difficult trails, too. For a difficult trail consider Chitty Falls Loop or Upper First Water Creek. Probably the most difficult in hiking trails in the Wet Beaver Loop considered to be very extreme.

Arizona hiking trails are some of the best trails that you can find. With something that is available for just about everyone, you are sure to find just what experience you are after. There's a wealth of different choices in virtually every area of Arizona, even. You can test yourself on one of the more difficult or longer trails, or you can select a family adventure with one of the kid friendly trails. Arizona has something to offer for all levels of hikers.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Hiking And Trekking?

Today more and more people, especially in Europe and America, are adopting hiking and trekking as a major outdoor event. Not only in these countries, but the trend of hiking and trekking is also increasing in many other parts of the world. But have you ever thought, what are the health benefits of hiking and trekking? Are these outdoor events really beneficial for health? Is hiking or trekking for everyone or has some age bar? Does hiking only has health benefits or are there any psychological benefits too?

These are some questions which quite often strike in our mind. If someone seeks answer to these questions, although most of them are subjective in nature as far as the degree of benefits is concerned, but certainly the response would be positive. Most of the people would immediately say, “Yes there are countless benefits.” No doubt, there are many benefits of hiking and trekking ranging from controlling obesity to preventing heart disease to improving the quality of air we breathe.

While many sports activities and games require special equipment or training to get started, the hiking is relatively much simpler and more beneficial than any other exercise. Literally, anyone can put on a pair of shoes along with few necessary gears and equipments and start moving into the woods for a little fresh air—this is called hiking. The scenery, accessibility and diverse nature of hiking trails make this heart-healthy pastime attractive for people of all ages, fitness levels and income brackets. Moreover, except few points, hiking and trekking don’t require any special expertise and skills.

Hiking or trekking allows us to maintain our body in good working condition by walking which is really a good exercise. It improves our physical as well as mental health and the list of benefits from hiking and trekking is infinite. Hiking is essentially walking that is considered to be one of the most perfect forms of exercise for your body. You can get a chance to spend some quality time together with the Mother Nature, so it also provides a mental health antidote. Everyone can find trails to suit their physical strengths. And unlike other activities or sports, it is a pursuit that allows people to determine their own limitations.

Many research findings and studies show that hiking is an excellent way to lose extra pounds and improve overall health. To improve overall health, we don’t necessarily need to do heavy and painful workouts, but just a short brisk walk of few minutes can be more than sufficient. According to the American Heart Association, it’s best to walk vigorously for 30 to 60 minutes 3-4 times per week. But even low- to moderate intensity walking can have both short- and long-term benefits . Similarly, According to Walking for Health, people “won’t find a better way to lose weight than walking.” The results will be more permanent and pleasurable than any diet or weight loss scheme.

For example, in December, 2001, the US surgeon general called the increased rate of obesity in the United States an epidemic. The report states that 2/3 of Americans are overweight or obese, and the number is increasing year after year. In addition, thirteen percent of children are overweight. The report recommends that communities create safe sidewalks or walking trails to encourage physical activity . Not only these, but there are many more research findings that clearly show multiple health benefits of hiking and trekking.

When it comes to enlist the health benefits, then the list may go endless consisting of several mental as well as physical health benefits, such as losing excess pounds, preventing heart disease, decreasing hypertension or high blood pressure, improving and maintaining mental health, slowing the aging process, preventing osteoporosis, improving the quality of the air we breathe, preventing and controlling diabetes, improving arthritis, relieving back pain (which has become an epidemic in the modern contemporary world along with healthy habits for a healthy life i.e. team building skills, positive attitude, kindness, empathy,

At last but not the least, hiking has countless health benefits and the beauty is that it doesn’t cost you much. Moreover, while at hiking you can take other family members and your young children along with you without much difficulty. Indeed, it is a good idea to spend more time with your family and children. For young children, it helps improve their physical stamina and team building skills.

Friends, just go for a hike, and see what we mean. Happy hiking!

About the Author - Passionate hiker and avid backpacker with exceptional field experience. Lundkvist combines his education and career with his love of nature and being outdoors. Trekking is his call to fame. Find him at: http://www.mytrekkingpoles.com

Pacific Crest Trail – History And Hiking It

The Pacific Crest Trail runs over the mountain ranges dividing the west coast and the rest of the nation. There is a lot of history tied to the trail and it offers great hiking.

Pacific Crest Trail – History

Running from the border with Mexico to the Canadian border, the Pacific Crest Trail was used by settlers in the 1800s looking for the good life in California, Oregon and Washington. This 2,500 mile trek offers a variety of environments including burning hot deserts and mountains peeks stacked up one after the other. Since most settlers came from the north, the trail area they encountered was definitely of the mountainous variety. While hikers of today will find it a beautiful and challenging trail, one can be sure many of the settlers had other opinions.

Ironically, the Pacific Crest Trail is really a relatively modern name. Prior to 1993, it was known as a general collection of trails running the route with parts of such trails as the John Muir Trail included as sections. If you could travel back in time, a settler would be baffled if you started talking about the trail.

Pacific Crest Trail – From Here to There

Running from border to border, few hikers have every tried to hike the entire trail at one time since we often have to do this odd thing called “work.” Nonetheless, a trip from Mexico to Canada would take you along the following path.

Having paid your bills a few months in advance, you would head to the U.S.-Mexico border just to the west of the town of Campo. There you will find five wood planks set up in an unremarkable patch of scruff indicating the beginning of the trail. Staring to the north and remembering those boots are meant for walking, you’re ready to go.

Winding north, you’ll pass through the mountains over Palm Springs, stagger through the Mojave Desert, walk the peaks of Kings Canyon, brush up to the west side of Lake Tahoe and finally head into Oregon by walking along the I-5 freeway. Along the way, you’ll stroll by Mt. Whitney and through Yosemite National Park. Not bad, eh?

Once in Oregon, you’ll cut to the east through Ashford and then head due north. Next up will be Crater Lake and the Three Sisters mountains followed by the old lava field area. You’ll leave Oregon by crossing the Hood River near White Salmon, Washington.

Heading into the final stretch, you’ll shoot straight up through Washington to the east of Olympia and Seattle until you hit the Canadian border just below Manning Park. It is long, long trek and I’m tired of typing it much less walking.

The beauty of the Pacific Crest Trail is you can spend weekends hiking small, scenic sections of it. In California, the trail sections through Kings Canyon are simply stunning and will leave you in awe of Mother Nature.

About the Author- Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals for hiking, backpacking and camping.

Tips On How To Avoid Getting Lost While Hiking

Most people, while hiking or walking, don't even think about the possibility of getting lost. Unfortunately this can lead to trouble. You are usually safe as long as you stick to established trails.

But too often, complacency can get you into trouble. You decide to take a shortcut across the trail switchbacks. You wander just a little ways off the trail to see a bird a little better.

All it takes is a momentary lapse of judgment and you can be lost. Don't let this happen to you. A little preparation can avoid the problem.

The most important thing you can do to avoid getting lost is to use your head and be aware. Take a moment before you begin and then periodically while moving. Look where you are, where you are going and where you have come from. How does your position relate to your surroundings? Look around for landmarks. Note the position of the sun. Which way is north.

If you are planning to use an established trail make sure you know exactly where it will take you and how long the trip will take. Know what turnoffs you will encounter along the way.

As you travel the trail keep your head about you and note any side trails and turnoffs. It is easy to get confused if you are planning to return the same way you came. Pay attention!

The majority of trails, animal or man-made, will not take you anywhere you want to go. They were not made for the purpose of taking you to civilization. So just following an unknown trail hoping that it will lead you to safety can be the worst thing you can do.

During the process of getting lost there is always a point where you first hear that little voice in your head that says, No, I can't be lost. That is the time to STOP because you are either lost already or about to be. Immediately take stock of your situation. Don't wait until things get worse.

Mentally trace your steps up to that point and review your path in relationship to the sun or any distinguishing landmarks. If possible, retrace you path back to a point where you are sure of where you are. But only if you are sure. This is not the time to be wandering about and trying out shortcuts.

If you are not sure, you need to stay put and think. Make a mental map of your journey up to that point. Review the distances and how long each segment took you. Try to remember any landmarks that you can relate to a specific point or time along the way. Do this while it is still freshest in your mind.

Then make a decision as to the best path back to a point you remember. Clearly mark your present position with whatever you can find. Then move out, marking your path with stones or sticks. If you don't reach a point where you are less lost, go back and try another direction.

There are a number of things that you can bring with you that can help you not get lost and help you get unlost.

One of the most useful things to bring is a pencil and paper. It doesn't take much to get disorientated and our memories are unreliable. Make notes of landmarks, hills, streams, trail forks, and the sun position. Note the time it takes to go from one point to the next.

A compass is usually considered mandatory but you have to be careful using it. A compass is only useful if you have a good idea where you are and which direction you need to go. Lots of things can render the compass useless. Electrical wires, ore deposits, large metal objects like cars or small metal objects like your belt buckle. Yes, bring a compass, but make it a good one and learn how to use it before you get lost.

Bring a map. The most useful map is the topographical map. It will show the actual layout of the land including heights. If you are hiking in a National Park, topographical maps are often available for sale at the visitor center book store

A GPS is a great tool but it has its limitations. In order for it to be useful after you get lost you need to use it before you get lost. Enter waypoints as you travel, including your starting point. Then if you get lost you have marked an electronic trail back to your starting point. Don't completely depend on the GPS. Batteries have been known to run down and signals can get blocked. You still need to use your own skills in keeping up with where you are.

The key to not getting lost is to always know where you are and where you are going. It's not that difficult but it requires a little effort and preparation. It's worth it.