Saturday, July 6, 2013

Simple Survival Tips - Making Tracks



Many times hiking or wilderness trails are not very well marked. This makes it extremely easy to get off trail and out of sight. While many lost hikers are found within a relatively short distance of the trail or their camp, the process can be a lot simpler if you make some tracks first.

Wildlife doesn’t have the option of having a set of tracks that will distinguish them from one of their own kind. Humans on the other hand wear shoes on their feet that often have a distinct and easily recognizable pattern. This can make you easier to find if you become lost or wander off the trail in the wrong direction.

Merely leave a photo of the tread of whatever hiking shoe or boot you are wearing in your vehicle at the trailhead or back at camp. If you don’t have a photo, make an impression on a sheet of tin foil. You can also simply use some dirt in a box to leave an impression of you tracks. This will make it easier to find you, especially if others have been using the trail.

Along with a message of where you are headed and when you expect to be back, leaving a set of footprints behind will also help if someone needs to find you.

Got tracks?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

6 comments:

Practical Parsimony said...

That is an ingenious suggestion.

Anonymous said...

Indeed - a very good tip. Something parents should do with ALL younger children or non verbal disabled family members, in case they become lost in a park. There have been some tragedies over the years.

Anonymous said...

Also makes it easier to track you...if you're being hunted...if you know what I mean. - Spook89

riverwalker said...

To: Parsimony

If you want to make sure you are found, this is a good way to make it easier for a rescue party.

RW

riverwalker said...

To: anon

Agreed.

It can only help matters if someone becomes lost.

RW

riverwalker said...

To: Spook89

If I was being hunted, the last thing you would find are my tracks.

I'd also see you way before you became aware of my presence.

Be the hunter...not the hunted!

RW

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