If you are one of those backpackers who are always on the hunt for adventure, the chances are that at some point in time, you may as well lose your way in the woods.
And when that happens, there’s a number of things that’ll help you.
In this post, we are talking about those things in the form of five tips. So, buckle up and read on.
Your next jungle trek will be way more comfortable after this.
1. First Things First, Make Sure You Are Carrying The Essentials
This obviously has to be your pre-departure move.
So, make a list of stuff that you are going to need. For your reference, here’s a generic list.
- Outdoor shoes
- Appropriate clothing
- A backpack that’s comfortable, spacious and strong
- Navigation devices, maps (if any), a magnetic compass
- Hydration backup — water bottles, one of the best filtered water bottles, energy drinks etc
- Food backup — protein bars, easy to cook canned food
- First aid kit
- Torch
- Knife and other essential tools
- Binoculars
- Tent/Sleeping bag
- A lighter, in case you may want to set up a small bonfire
Fire weapons (if you own any) for your own safety
Seems like a lot of stuff? Well, use strong, comfortable and spacious backpacks and duty belt pouches that store more stuff, don’t disrupt your comfort and don’t breakdown.
The idea is to be equipped for the inconvenient hour.
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Hi! I’m Stephen Schreck (pronounced like SHREK), but don’t worry I’m not green.
I help people discover the world by helping them plan their trips with useful travel tips and guides.
2. Don’t Panic — Stay Calm, Think, Observe, Plan
Okay. So, you’re lost. But will panicking make the situation better?
Not really. But surely, it’ll hinder your mind’s sanity and thinking capabilities. So, don’t panic.
Instead, stay calm, think about some Epictetus Quotes. Sit down. Take a few deep breaths. Have some water and think. Try to recall your movement on the path that you are at right now. Try to remember whether you were walking in a straight line or in a zig-zag way.
If possible, recall the direction that you came from. And when this doesn’t work, observe. Take out your magnetic compass and see where the directions are. Take a check of the food, water and other resources that you have. Look for landmarks and footprints around you. If you find any, see which direction they are heading to.
Following those footprints can be a good idea.
After all the analysis, plan the direction that you think can guide you out.
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3. Try to Find Out Where Exactly You Are
If all you see around you is a large number of trees, this idea may not work. However, if you are around a cliff, you will easily be able to have a wide view of the lands.
This way, you can find out where exactly you are. And the direction that you need to move in.
Your binoculars may also help you get a clearer view of your surroundings.
4. Look For The Signs Of People
If all you see around you is a large number of trees, this idea may not work. However, if you are around a cliff, you will easily be able to have a wide view of the lands.
This way, you can find out where exactly you are. And the direction that you need to move in.
Your binoculars may also help you get a clearer view of your surroundings.
5. If You Can, Leave Signs On Your Way
One of the smartest ways of keeping yourself from being lost is leaving signs for your self as you walk into the woods.
These signs can be made of anything. You may take a sharp stone and carve something on some trees on your way. You may observe the surroundings on your way. You may drop some threads, pieces of paper or anything for that matter.
The idea is to be sure that the signs that you create don’t scatter away and stay in their place when you need to use them.
Also, note that as you may not get data coverage in the jungle, it’d be better for you to print this article and carry it on your way.
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