Hikes can sometimes bring unwelcome surprises. Outdoor activities carry a range of risks: you could get lost, injured or face another unexpected situation. If that happens, don’t panic. Staying calm will help you think through what to do in an emergency.
Safety markers, food and shelter
First and foremost, avoid crossing safety markers. This is essential, as it allows rescue teams to focus on a specific search area, making their work far easier. In addition, staying within the markers ensures hikers can navigate properly. Venturing outside the designated area can lead to serious hazards, including falls or encounters with wild animals. Before heading out hiking, always take advice from mountain professionals into account.
Hikers must also know how to find or build a shelter to protect themselves from harsh conditions like rain, wind, and freezing cold. This allows you to hold out for several days while waiting for rescue teams. As a rule, wooden structures offer the best resistance, while dry leaves make effective insulating layers to stay warm through the night.
Ration whatever food and water you have left as strictly as possible. Energy bars are ideal for hiking: they pack down small and provide an instant boost. For experienced hunters, sourcing food in the wild is naturally easier if stranded during a hike.
Energy conservation and other practical tips
If you get lost while hiking, do not waste energy pacing back and forth. Fatigue sets in fast, quickly followed by hunger and dehydration. Energy conservation is vital. Stop, stay put, and scan your surroundings for useful resources. In case of injury, remain still—unnecessary movement can worsen bleeding or trigger severe muscle cramps.
Every hiker needs the right clothing to deal with the cold. Wearing three layers helps you prepare for the unexpected. CimAlp, for example, offers clothing for all types of hikes. Its range includes hiking clothing such as mosquito-repellent shirts.
A lightweight survival blanket is also essential. If you have nothing packed, you can use tree leaves for insulation. Hypothermia must be avoided at all costs, as it can quickly become life-threatening.
Hikers have survived for days by strictly rationing their energy and food supplies. When hiking, never hike alone. Staying in a group is always the best approach. Navigational and tracking skills are equally critical, as is carrying a compass or a local map.
