The sun is setting over the rugged mountains, casting long shadows across the dense forest below. You are trudging along a narrow trail, your legs aching with fatigue. You had set out that morning for what you thought would be a short hike, a chance to escape the daily grind and connect with nature. But now, hours later, you realize you have lost your way. Your phone, a trusty guide, has long since died, leaving you without a map or any means of communication. Your last drops of water are gone, and the small stash of snacks you had packed are not enough to sustain you through the unexpected.

As the temperature drops with the fading light, a gnawing sense of dread sets in. Your mind races through all the stories you have heard about hikers getting lost, the grim statistics flashing like warning signs. You didn’t tell anyone exactly where you were going, and now you are facing the wilderness alone, unprepared, and feeling increasingly desperate. Every rustle in the underbrush, every distant howl, seems amplified in the encroaching darkness. Your heart pounds with a mix of fear and regret. How had a simple day hike turned into a survival scenario?

You may be reading this and thinking, “Well, that would never happen to me.” But it does happen to people like you. Sometimes even the most prepared and well-traveled adventurers make the wrong choice and end up in a survival situation. And not all of them come out alive.

 

 

As an active member of my local Search and Rescue Ground Team, I wanted to share some ways you can avoid this scenario. First, I understand that many people venture into nature to escape their obligations, societal pressures, technology, and more. I get it. But if you don’t tell someone where you are going, don’t pack extra supplies, and refuse to carry technology that works without a phone signal, it’s not just your own life you put at risk.

Good-hearted volunteers will drop everything they’re doing, strap on their packs, and rush out to search for you. Without any information about where you were going, they’re rushing in blind. They will have to comb through dense underbrush and carefully navigate steep terrain, creeks, and poisonous plants in search of you.

So, do your best to plan ahead. Let someone know where you plan on hiking, backpacking, or camping, and tell them when you plan on being back. Use technology to your advantage by carrying a GPS device (even if you don't turn it on). If you still don’t think you need one, consider carrying one in case you come across someone else who needs help. 

I carry a Garmin inReach Mini, which can be cost-prohibitive for many people. I bought my first one used on eBay,  or perhaps you know someone who you can borrow one from. There are also less expensive options like the Garmin inReach Messenger, the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator, and the Spot Gen4 Satellite GPS Messenger. If you have an iPhone 14, 14 Pro, 15 or 15 Pro, then be sure to understand how to use the new SOS Satellite feature, which enables you to message someone for help even when you don’t have cell reception (you can find instructions here). Just remember to set up your Medical ID and update your emergency contacts before going off grid.

There are also small, wearable pieces of gear you can carry that can help in certain situations—and they are quite affordable! Some gear comes with Recco Technology, which increases your searchability when lost in the outdoors. Recco is passive technology you can wear while recreating in nature. If you go missing (especially if you told someone where you were going and that you have Recco Technology on you) many search agencies have the technology to detect Recco Reflectors. If you’re curious, you can learn more on the Recco website. If you don’t have Recco-equipped gear, which is common in snow sports, you can buy the attachable reflector. 

The difference between life and death in the outdoors almost always boils down to whether a person is prepared or not. Recently, I read about two hikers who had to be rescued from Mount Shasta, California. They were attempting to summit the 14,180-foot mountain with the wrong gear and not enough nutrition. By their third day, the only food they had was one apple to share. 

Day hiking or backpacking, you must carry the ten essentials in the list below. You don’t have to live in fear that every time you trek out into the wilderness you’re going to end up in a survival situation , but you can rest assured you have the necessary gear items you need if you do. 

The Ten Essentials:

1. Navigation Tools

 

Carrying a GPS device that connects to your phone and has a map is one option, but you should have additional backups. There are apps out there that have the ability to locate you on a map even when you don’t have reception, like Avenza Maps and CalTopo. Just remember to download your maps of the area before you lose service. Always carry a paper map and a compass — this is a great tool when all your electronics die, which they can and will if you’re out longer than expected. However, a map and compass are not helpful if you don’t know how to use them, so check out YouTube videos or ask an outdoor veteran before you go.

2. Sun Protection

 

A good hat, long sleeves, long pants, and sunscreen. Direct sunlight depletes you faster and leads to increased dehydration. So be sure to protect yourself in your preferred manner. 

3. Light Source 

So you’re going for a day hike? Bring an easily accessible headlamp or flashlight, and don’t forget to carry extra batteries. Maybe you won’t need it, but you will be super pleased with yourself if you have one when you do.

4. First Aid Kit 

In your first aid kit, make sure to include wound care supplies, splinting, or sling supplies like triangle bandages which are super lightweight, and a few over-the-counter things like ibuprofen, allergy, and upset stomach meds. I also carry some moleskin (super handy for hot spots or blisters), good tweezers, alcohol wipes, safety pins, trauma shears, gauze, tape, and an assortment of Band-Aids. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. 

5. Enough Clothing  

This is another “err on the side of caution” option. Bring along a warm layer and a waterproof layer. I also always carry an extra pair of wool socks. Wool is incredible, because even when it gets wet, it won’t steal your warmth. Wet feet in wool socks are loads better than wet feet in cotton socks. 

6. Fire

Bring a lighter, waterproof matches, as well as some firestarter plugs or a fire stick (I like Black Beard Fire Plugs because they are small). This way you have a way to stay warm, a way to cook if necessary, and a way to boil water. Note: If you’re going to build a fire in a survival situation, it’s very important to do it safely and responsibly. 

7. Repair Kit & Tools

My repair kit consists of some paracord, some fishing line, mini duct tape, and a Leatherman Micra. Some people prefer the lighter weight Classic Swiss Army Knife. GGG also has repair kits by Gear Aid and common gear. 

8. Nutrition

If I’m going for a day hike, I tend to bring some dehydrated food I could cook in an emergency. Dehydrated/freeze dried food is super light but can carry a lot of calories when needed. Additionally, I always carry some bars, some salty/crunchy snacks, and electrolytes for replenishing lost salt. 

9. Water

Carry a water filter or at least some water treatment tablets or drops. Carry more water than you think you need. In the heat of summer, a general rule of thumb is to carry 1 liter of water per hour of moderate activity. This can be altered for high temps, high elevation, and strenuous activities. It pays to pre-hydrate in the days before you go out, and to drink water commonly during the activity rather than waiting until you’re thirsty. 

10. Emergency Shelter

Even if going out for a day hike, carry a bivy or at the very least, an emergency blanket. If you’re an ultralight hiker, throw your quilt in your pack even if you don’t plan on sleeping out there. It’s so helpful if the weather changes and you need an extra layer of warmth without adding too much weight to a day pack. 

 

 

Most backpackers and thru-hikers will have all these essentials with them, but if you’re a thru-hiker who likes to travel ultralight, consider adding a few of these items if they’re missing from your pack. The stories of missing PCT hikers from this season alone are a reminder of why staying prepared is not just wise—it's necessary.

The most important thing you can carry with you is knowledge. Take the time to plan carefully, research the weather, and understand the trail and terrain you'll be facing. While Bedrock sandals might be great for hiking, they're not great for deep snow drifts on the north side of the mountain. Your intuition is a powerful tool—if something feels wrong then pause and reassess. Trust your gut, and be willing to turn back if the situation feels unsafe. Reaching the summit isn’t worth risking your life over. If a storm is approaching or if you find yourself lost, stay put and use your GPS device to call for help.

Every adventure into the wild is a chance to connect deeply with nature, to challenge yourself, and to find peace away from the noise of daily life. But it’s also a responsibility—to yourself, to your loved ones, and to the volunteers who would come searching for you. Be prepared, be smart, and respect the wilderness. The trail will always be there, but you need to ensure that you return to share your stories and inspire others to recreate responsibly.

 

Ace Curtis is a plus-sized outdoor enthusiast who thrives in the rugged landscapes of Northern California, where she has lived most of her life. She plays a vital role in her community as an active member of the county's Search and Rescue Ground Team. Currently, Ace is expanding her expertise by attending EMT school, aiming to enhance her ability to provide critical care in emergency situations. You can check out her current ADHD fixation on Instagram @breakfastwithace.