If you get lost while hiking

If you get lost during hiking, stay calm. Stop walking and do not walk aimlessly. In case you are on a trail, do not leave the trail as it is a proven track. Look out for landmarks and check the surrounding area to see whether you recognize any point. Try to remember and reconstruct how you got to your present location. If you don´t recognize any point try to relate landmarks such as peaks, valleys or rivers to your location on a map. Panic reactions are usually wrong and very often increase trouble. Stay calm, concentrate and trust your map and compass. If it is getting dark, you are exhausted or injured, it is better to stay put instead of walking on.

Do not leave a marked trail. When you lost the marked trail and are wondering whether it is better to ascend or descend consider the following:

1. Close to a peak or crest it might be wise to ascend as it is likely to find a trail at the top of the mountain. You can follow the trail and get down safety.

2. As a last resort, you could follow a stream downhill. This can be hard and dangerous but often leads to a trail or road.