Getting lost

boomerang · 03-17-2010, 03:24 AM

Have you ever got lost during your trekking trips? How did you cope with it and manage to find your group? I am not good in determining directions so I would never want it happens to me.

southerngal · 03-17-2010, 09:15 AM

Take a compass! They have these neat little compasses now that are also whistles some also have LED lights on them. They cost like $3 at Walmart. Everyone in your group should have one and the whistle can be blown to help searchers find you if you are lost.

Mandy · 03-17-2010, 09:42 AM

We carry those little Wal-Mart compasses with us all the time. Our three children have been taught to use the whistle only in an emergency. (Except the three year old, who uses it just to get Mommy's attention at times.) The oldest knows how to use the compass and likes to keep track of our direction during the journey. Or course, we keep a close eye on the kids but they will be kids and better safe than sorry.

Archer · 03-17-2010, 02:10 PM

Yup, *sigh*, embarassing story. Luckily, I was trekking downhill towards a beach, so I just kept going downhill and following the sound of the waves when I got close. A compass would have been nice!

ramp · 03-18-2010, 09:58 AM

Yes, a compass will do the trick. If you want something fancier, you can use a GPS. There are many GPS geared for camping and other outdoor activities (rafting, fishing, kayaking, hunting, etc.)

campclose · 03-18-2010, 07:59 PM

You have to know how to use the compass if you are taking one with you. I always go with other people so I don't get lost. I'm not the best at tracking where I am! I don't think a compass will help!

grand · 03-20-2010, 08:09 AM

I always go with a group and make it a point not to stray from them. I am not too sure about using a compass.

woodzman · 03-20-2010, 09:12 AM

I have to agree with the compass users. In my opinion, a compass is the best insurance you can carry in unfamiliar or big woods. It's easy enough to find direction from the sun, stars, or the prevailing wind, but It's not always clear and the wind can change. I know a lot of people carry a GPS these days, but I've had too many problems with electronic devises over the years to want to trust them with my life.

Reese · 03-21-2010, 09:30 AM

I always keep a compass with me. Usually I get pretty good cell phone reception in the areas I hike too, as long as I can find an opening in the trees.

jason · 03-22-2010, 04:26 PM

When I was a kid playing in the woods I would try to get lost. Not that you really could. A short hike you could usually find a road or something to find your way home. It was just more fun to wonder around then and try and find new things.