What to Do If You Get Lost in the Backcountry (And How to Stay Calm When It Happens)

I wasn’t deep in the wilderness, but suddenly every direction looked the same. My heart rate jumped, not from effort, but from fear.

If you spend enough time hiking, bikepacking, or exploring the outdoors, this moment will eventually find you. Getting lost doesn’t mean you’re unprepared or inexperienced. It means you’re human.

Here’s what I learned and what you should do if it ever happens to you.

1. Stop Moving. Breathe. Don’t Panic.

The biggest mistake people make when they realize they’re lost is continuing to walk fast and randomly.

Instead:

• Stop where you are
• Take a few deep breaths
• Drink some water
• Slow your thoughts down

Panic burns energy and clouds judgment. Calm buys you time.

2. Take Stock of Your Situation

Ask yourself a few simple questions:

• How much daylight do I have left?
• Do I have water, food, and layers?
• Is the weather changing?
• Do I recognize any landmarks?

If you’re bikepacking, check your bike and gear. Sometimes simply resting for five minutes helps you recognize something familiar you missed while moving.

3. Use Your Navigation Tools, Even the Simple Ones

If your phone still works:

• Switch to offline maps (this is why downloading them beforehand matters)
• Turn on airplane mode to save battery

If tech fails:

• Look at the sun’s position
• Notice slope direction (water usually flows downhill)
• Check trail signs, cairns, or worn paths

Even a basic sense of direction can prevent you from going deeper into trouble.

4. Decide: Stay Put or Carefully Backtrack

A good rule of thumb:

• If you’re unsure where you are → stay put
• If you clearly recognize where you came from → carefully backtrack

Mark your location with something visible if you stop. Movement without certainty often makes rescue harder.

5. Prepare Your Body to Be on Foot Longer Than Expected

This is something many cyclists and outdoor athletes overlook: sometimes, getting found or finding your way back means walking.

Having comfortable, packable footwear makes a huge difference. On long trips, I always carry my BERTs, not just for camp comfort, but because they’re lightweight and supportive enough to walk in if plans change. When you’re tired, cold, or stressed, your feet matter more than you think.

6. Learn From the Experience (Not Just Fear It)

Every time I’ve gotten slightly lost, I’ve learned something:

• Download maps earlier
• Tell someone my route
• Carry a headlamp even on “short” outings

Fear is a signal not a reason to stop exploring.

Final Thoughts

Getting lost in the backcountry is scary, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. With a calm mindset, basic navigation skills, and thoughtful gear choices, you can turn a stressful moment into a lesson you carry forward.

The outdoors will always be unpredictable that’s part of the magic. Preparation doesn’t remove adventure; it gives you the confidence to keep going.