READERS COMMENTS

"—color-blind hikers can get disoriented when marked trails cross."
I was once lost for about a half hour on a short little trail in the Catskills because i just could not spot the deep red markers on the trees. Red/green color blindness is not that rare. Please, trail makers, do NOT use dark red markers. A lighter more orangy red would help but only when white, blue and bright yellow have been used up already. You could also use two shades of blue that are readily distinguishable and even color combinations( eg. blue & white). Anything but deep red.
Posted: Jan 03, 2012 Elflander

I was struck with heat stroke on a hike in Tucson Mountain Park in June. One of the things that stuck in my head the whole time was to stay on the trail. I found a spot with "shade" next to the trail where someone could find me. No hikers came by but Search and Rescue was able to find me within a few hours. I followed my "stay on the trail" rule and stayed in sight even after I became confused and in and out of consciousness. I was lucky, they were able to capture my GPS signal after 2 hours of my calling 911. I only got through once but it was long enough. Another hour or so and I would have died.
Thanks SAR!!
Posted: Dec 31, 2011 YNPNan

I was struck with heat stroke on a hike in Tucson Mountain Park in June. One of the things that stuck in my head the whole time was to stay on the trail. I found a spot with "shade" next to the trail where someone could find me. No hikers came by but Search and Rescue was able to find me within a few hours. I followed my "stay on the trail" rule and stayed in sight even after I became confused and in and out of consciousness. I was lucky, they were able to capture my GPS signal after 2 hours of my calling 911. I only got through once but it was long enough. Another hour or so and I would have died.
Thanks SAR!!
Posted: Dec 31, 2011 YNPNan

Here's an idea. Place a written cardboard sign in back of the front windshield stating "If I Am Not Back By (such and such date) Please Call Emergency Rescue"

Anyone seeing your vehicle and sign may be of some help if you do get lost and are unable to find your way back.
Posted: Dec 30, 2011 Ralph from MD

A few years back I was solo waterfalling and became lost. Fortunately, and I had never done this before, when I exited my vehicle I wrote down my GPS location in the trail guide book. After back and forth of trying to find the return trail, I noted my vehicles location and began trailblaizing toward my destination and came within 100 ft of my car. I now orient my car's location and carry and use orange barrier tape to denote turns and off trail events.
Posted: Dec 30, 2011 R. P., Hiker of old

This article has some good tips about how to stay found by staying aware and knowing your location. A good book for both adults and kids is Felix! the Sugar Glider Be Safe Hike Smart avail on Amazon. This book teaches not get lost while navigating trails in the outdoors, and find your way using a compass, map, trail markers, landmarks, and the sun and stars!
A fun and interactive “Hike Smart Activities” section reinforces the story’s safe hiking tips. It includes an easy guide to using a compass with and without a map, using the sun and the stars to find your way and lists important items to keep in a survival kit.
The ability to know your way and know where you are is something we all need in any survival situation not just while hiking.
Posted: Dec 30, 2011 AZ Hiker

This article has some good tips about how to stay found by staying aware and knowing your location. A good book for both adults and kids is Felix! the Sugar Glider Be Safe Hike Smart avail on Amazon. This book teaches not get lost while navigating trails in the outdoors, and find your way using a compass, map, trail markers, landmarks, and the sun and stars!
A fun and interactive “Hike Smart Activities” section reinforces the story’s safe hiking tips. It includes an easy guide to using a compass with and without a map, using the sun and the stars to find your way and lists important items to keep in a survival kit.
The ability to know your way and know where you are is something we all need in any survival situation not just while hiking.
Posted: Dec 30, 2011 AZ Hiker

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