Rules of Survival

• Stay on the trail. Do not wander off into more remote areas.
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.
• Don’t travel alone.
• Take enough food and water to last for at least two days in an emergency.
• Bring a map and compass, and always orient yourself before leaving.
• Wear layered clothing.
• Don’t panic if you become lost.

Planning and preparation should keep you from having an outdoor misadventure. If something does go wrong—your vehicle breaks down, you run out of gas in a remote area, or you’re injured and can’t travel:

• Stay on or near the trail—it will be easier for others to find you.
• Switch into survival mode.

You now have three priorities: shelter, fire, and signal. After addressing these priorities, you can focus on water and food.