How To Keep Your Bearings When Hiking – 9 Essential Tips

Let me share with you a scary but oh-so-real scenario: You are hiking the Appalachian Trial, and you suddenly get lost with no knowledge of how to find your bearings again.

Thankfully, there are several tools and techniques you can use to stay on track and navigate the wilderness with confidence.

I’ve learned the hard way that keeping your bearings is crucial. Let me share with you a blend of personal experiences and practical advice on how to stay on track while hiking.

Stick To Well-Marked Trails

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. When you choose well-maintained paths, it minimizes the risk of getting lost.

Trail markers include blazes, signs, or cairns (piles of rocks), offering a clear route to follow.

This allows you to focus on enjoying the scenery instead of worrying about getting disoriented.

Remember, well-marked trails are there for a reason – stick to them and don’t wander into unfamiliar terrain without paying attention to landmarks.

Pay Attention To Landmarks

Paying attention to landmarks and unique terrain features is another crucial aspect of staying oriented when exploring hiking trails.

Natural landmarks like prominent rocks, a rocky outcrop, unique trees, or distinctive cliff faces can serve as reference points. Remember their location and use them to retrace your steps if needed.

I remember on a recent hike in the Scottish Highlands, I relied heavily on a towering waterfall to guide me back to the trailhead after venturing off the path to explore a hidden cave.

Without that waterfall, I would’ve gone in the opposite direction of what I was supposed to, venturing deeper into unfamiliar territory and effectively getting even more lost.

So, always keep an eye out for unique natural features around you.

Constantly Look Behind You

You might think this is a useless tip, but actually, it has saved me more times than I care to admit.

Don’t underestimate the power of simply turning around and looking back frequently. This helps you internalize the landscape and identify landmarks you’ve passed.

It’s a simple yet effective way to avoid backtracking unnecessarily.

Use The Sun

The sun can be a valuable tool for navigation, especially in the absence of other resources.

Learn to identify the cardinal directions based on the sun’s position: sunrise indicates east, sunset marks west, and noon points south.

Additionally, pay attention to the direction of shadows cast by trees and rocks, as they can also provide clues about your location.

Go With A Hiking Buddy

Buddy up – it might save your life.

Hiking with a friend or group not only enhances the experience but also adds an extra layer of safety.

Having someone to share the responsibility of navigation and provide assistance in case of an emergency can be invaluable.

Utilize Technology

Technology has truly become a hiker’s ally. However, it’s crucial to know how to use it properly.

Bring A GPS

GPS devices, watches, and smartphone apps offer accurate and user-friendly navigation solutions.

They can display your location, track your route, and even provide offline maps. However, technology can fail, so it’s crucial to have additional navigation and map reading skills as a backup.

Compass And Map

Learning to use a map and compass is an essential skill for any serious hiker.

It may seem daunting initially, but with practice and understanding, they become powerful tools for finding your way in any terrain.

Mark Your Trail

Remember Hansel and Gretel’s breadcrumbs?

If you need to venture off the main trail, marking your path with flagging tape or biodegradable materials can help you retrace your steps.

This is especially helpful in areas with dense vegetation or similar landscapes like the woods.

Trust me, even the most experienced of hikers with the best navigation skills can get lost in disorientating landscapes.

Use A Watch

A watch can be incredibly helpful for keeping track of time and estimating your progress.

By knowing how long you’ve been hiking and your approximate speed, you can judge your distance from the trailhead and avoid exceeding your planned route.

For instance, when your hike is rated for two hours, but you’ve been hiking for four, you can assume you’re lost. A watch can help you retrace your steps by telling you how many hours you’ve exceeded the average hiking time.

Furthermore, most new hiking watches include a GPS device and a compass. These can be lifesavers for retracing your steps and helping you find the correct direction when you’re lost in the great outdoors.

Be Prepared

Failing to plan is planning to fail.

Always study the environment you are hiking before embarking on the trip, including learning the weather forecast and terrain to plan the proper hiking clothes and studying the natural wildlife in the area.

Additionally, always plan for unexpected situations. Here’s a list of necessities and tools I always carry in my hiking gear.

• Water and hydration system

• High-energy snacks (e.g., trail mix, energy bars)

• Rain gear

• Map and compass/GPS device

• First-aid kit

• Multi-tool or knife

• Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)

• Sun protection (sunglasses, sunblock, hat)

• Insect repellent

• Emergency shelter (tent, bivy sack, or space blanket)

• Fire starter (matches, lighter, fire starters)

• Whistle or signal mirror

• Extra food and water

• Extra clothing (especially socks and layers)

• Trash bag (for pack-out trash and as an emergency poncho)

Conclusion

Keeping your bearings while hiking is a blend of using traditional methods, modern technology, and common sense. Don’t worry; the more hiking experience you gain, the easier it gets.

Remember, when you’re traversing a well-marked trail or navigating uncharted terrain, the key is to be observant, prepared, and respectful of nature’s cues. Happy hiking!