In today's world of 24-hour news cycles, constant connectivity, and digital addiction, the idea of getting lost in nature can seem comforting. But, for anybody who's ever experienced it, the reality can be downright terrifying. None of us enjoy the feeling of being vulnerable, alone, or in physical danger. But these risks are inherent with any activity that takes us into the wilderness.

If we can figure out how and why people get lost, we can plan to be ahead of the curve and simply enjoy the outdoors. To this end, we've assembled a guest panel of search-and-rescue (SAR) experts. All are seasoned professionals with decades of experience, and each hails from a different corner of the country with unique concerns about weather, terrain, and availability of resources.

They were incredibly generous sharing both time and knowledge so that you can be better prepared for your next adventure.

RECOIL OFFGRID: What are the two most common mistakes people make that contribute to them getting lost?

Hank Janssen: There are several recurring themes we see again and again with people getting lost. The biggest one is people going off trail, either because they think they know where they are or try to take a shortcut. Following the wrong trail is also particularly common. Sometimes people go off trail to see a landmark or stream or some such thing and then get completely turned around. The second most common mistake is underestimating the environment they're in — the impact that things like weather and terrain have on their ability to function and follow trail.

In both these cases we see people make poor decisions that get them into trouble. We have seen people wander over 15-plus miles from the location where they initially realized they were lost. That makes it incredibly difficult for a SAR team to find them.

Joey Nickischer: The most common mistakes made are going off trail and not being prepared for the hike. If you stay on the trail, your rescue is almost guaranteed — it's the most obvious place SAR personnel will look. For every foot you venture off trail, the odds of you getting found in a timely manner drop precipitously. Hike preparation varies widely, but the 10 essentials [see sidebar] are a good place to start. Along with that goes the knowledge of how to use those 10 essentials! They're useless without knowledge.

I've always preached travel light and have equipment that can be used for more than one purpose. A compass might also come with a mirror that can be used for signaling and a magnifying lens that might help to start a fire. Bandages can be used as kindling, a magnesium fire-starter can be used as a bright flashing light, a tarp can be used to catch rainwater, etc.

It's also helpful to have an emergency plan in place with a trusted friend or relative. When I go hiking, I chat with a reliable friend to let them know that I'm going hiking and verify that they're available to be my point of contact should something go wrong. Then I text/email them my itinerary including what trail(s) I will be on, who I'm with, what my destination is, and what time I expect to return. And most importantly, I stick to the itinerary, unless I'm able to verify my friend has gotten word of a change in plans. They're also informed to notify the authorities if I'm more than an hour overdue.

Gary Presson: 1) Not having a plan. Preplan your route before you even arrive at the trailhead. Enter your important checkpoints into your GPS if you use one or have your route marked on your map. Give a copy of your route, either map or a list of waypoints, to someone who can notify the authorities if you don't return by an established time and date.

2) Taking a shortcut off the established trail. I'm just as guilty of this as anyone. However, I'll take a few minutes to study the map and analyze the terrain before I attempt a shortcut. In the Northwest, the trails are there for a reason. Most of the time they're the quickest and most efficient way to travel even though they can be significantly longer.

Once you realize you're lost, what's the most advisable “movement plan?”

HJ: What we recommend is for people to stay where they are, which is hard because people get very anxious and convince themselves that the trail/parking lot is “just up ahead,” frequently getting themselves into more trouble. Having said that, there are a few simple things that'll help you and the SAR teams — if possible, stay close to water or an open clearing. Water will help you stay alive and a clearing gives us a better view from the air. But do not go out of your way to look for either.

JN: While most experts say to stay put, there isn't a straight answer for this one. In general, backtrack a little if you're certain of your track. If that doesn't solve your problem, stay put, stay as visible as possible, and call for help. You want to make yourself a big, easy target for searchers. That bright blue tarp strung up at eye level can be seen from a long distance, as can a small, smoky fire.

GP: If you are confident that you can backtrack your route, it is probably your best course of action. If you're totally lost or injured, then stay put.

Regardless of the season, the ability to build a fire is critical for lifesaving warmth and possibly signaling...

If you had to pick a “most important” skill to get a lost person through until a SAR team can get to them, what would it be?

HJ: The area we do SAR in is the Pacific Northwest; the backcountry is wild, and the weather changes on you very fast. I've been on searches where the helicopter dropped me and my dog on top of a mountain at 80 degrees F, and they were unable to pick me up at the end of the day because it was snowing or fogged in. That being said, for survival the most important abilities to have are to create a shelter from the weather and make a fire. But both require some practice.

JN: The most important “skill” is probably patience. Patience that help is coming and to not keep moving from location to location. Patience in building that fire with limited resources. Patience to sit and think about your predicament and how to safely improve it.

Other “most important” skills are going to vary based on your terrain and climate. The rule of three states you cannot live more than three minutes without air, three days without water, and three weeks without food. Work with that knowledge to improve your situation. In a desert environment, water and shelter from the sun are going to be vital. In most other places, your biggest threat is going to be exposure. Touching anything, including the ground, that's less than body temperature is going to start sucking heat out of you, not to mention the ambient temperature and wind. Insulate yourself against the cold.

GP: In the Northwest, I'd say that shelter building is a very important skill to have. Summer snows in the high country aren't that unusual, and exposure can set in quickly. Staying in the elements can quickly result in hypothermia, and everything will go downhill from there. You don't have to look very far for some downed trees to quickly throw up a tarp and get out of the elements. Also, know how to build a snow cave if you decide to trek out in the winter months.

Would you know how to build a snow shelter if your life depended on it. See RECOIL Issue 11 for our article on how to...

If you knew before you hit the trail that you were going to get lost, what three items/pieces of gear would you make sure you packed?

HJ: A survival tarp. I prefer those to the lightweight Mylar survival blankets, which are really a single-use item. A survival tarp is usually bright red on one side and has reflective material on the other side and they're pretty heavy duty. With a survival tarp you can make a shelter, a bivvy bag, an emergency blanket, a rainwater collector, etc. I have been doing SAR for 20-plus years, and I just now replaced the one I got 20 years ago. In SAR training I use this thing all the time. They're light, cheap, la st forever, and pack down to nothing.

I recently added to my essential survival gear a Garmin InReach Explorer plus. The thing is amazing and I have found few places here where the bidirectional satellite communications didn't work. It has a map built-in, and you can send text messages via satellite. And I found the battery to last 80 hours or so in the field. But they're not cheap and require a subscription. I do five-plus-day off-trail backpacking trips, and the thing has changed the way I communicate in the field. But it's a piece of electronics, so don't solely rely on it. Our teams always have a GPS unit and paper map of the area as backup. At a minimum, try to have a map and compass and know how to use them.

Fire-starting material. Do not rely on one way to light a fire. Have two or more different ways to start a fire. I carry a cheap BIC lighter, a traditional ferrocerium rod and metal striker (they take practice to use effectively), and waterproof matches in a waterproof case. Additionally, I have dry fire-starting material — usually burlap string or fire-starter blocks.

I know I'm exceeding three items, but also something to filter or purify water with.

JN: Water, map, and compass. Almost everything else can be improvised.

GP: 1) A tarp. Get out of the elements as quickly as possible. 2) Fire-starting gear. Once you get out of the elements, stay warm. 3) A good multipurpose knife. There are hundreds of different models to choose from. Some even have compartments for fire-starting gear and other survival equipment.
Is there any last advice or words of wisdom that you'd give to someone awaiting rescue?

HJ: Getting lost is surprisingly easy. We get on average 50-plus SAR requests a year, and we're a small volunteer group. Pack a few essentials if you go out like water, food, and the items I list above, even if you only go out for an hour or so. Always let people know where you're going, call or text a family member of friend telling them where you are and when you have gotten back. Backcountry SAR starts from the last known location, and we work out from that. It's hard to do that if the only thing we know is that you didn't come home, but never told anybody where you went.

This one is easier said than done: Do not panic when you get lost. Take a deep breath, assess the situation and try to stay where you are. Your first priority is to keep yourself and whomever you're with safe.

It's amazing what shelter, fire, and food/water will do to raise your spirit and significantly increase your chances of survival. You can live without food for a while, but water is essential.

Do not feel discouraged if you're not found within 24 hours, here in the PNW the cavalry is usually mobilized to come find you, and we don't give up after 24 hours.

Even a small tarp can be an improvised shelter or rainwater collector. They're light, don't take up much...

JN: The No. 1 most important thing is to be educated. Be educated about how to use your equipment, be proficient with a map and compass, and with survival in your locale. Even Les Stroud, TV's Survivorman, educates himself with local survival skills before each adventure. Seek out local experts or join local outdoor clubs to learn some hands-on basic skills. If you can't do that, read as much as you can. A myriad of books and articles have been written on the subject of survival, hiking, and camping. Read them and then practice using those skills in a safe place, before you need to use them in a potentially life-threatening scenario.

GP: Stay calm and prioritize which tasks need to be accomplished first. Always let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return. If you're a hunter and not sure of your route, then at least let someone know which areas or creek drainages you expect to be in. A small first-aid kit with a couple of ACE wraps and SAM splints isn't that heavy and doesn't take up a lot of space. These items can make the difference between being able to make it back to the trail head/camp, or spending an unplanned night in the woods.

10 Essentials to Hiking

The 10 essentials varies a bit from person to person and locale to locale. What you would carry in the forests of Maine is somewhat different than the tundra of the arctic or the deserts of the Southwest. Here is certified SAR tech Joey Nickischer's 10 essentials list.

1. Water: Sufficient for environment, but 2 liters is a good reference point
2. Map: Paper topographic trail map preferred but others might suffice
3. Compass: Orienteering type, with sight (such as the Silva Ranger)
4. Flashlight: Something better than a $0.99 special
5. Knife: I'm a big fan of the older USAF survival knife, but even a small Swiss Army style or multitool is good.
6. Fire-starter: Magnesium fire-starter has been my choice for decades.
7. First-aid kit: Basic stuff including Band-Aids, gauze roll, tape, ACE bandage, and moleskin
8. Whistle: This is for signaling if you need assistance.
9. Extra clothing: Type depends on climate and weather conditions, but a change of socks, a hat, etc.
10. Shelter: Even a simple tarp can help keep you dry and warm, plus the typical royal blue stands out better than blaze orange in most environments.

More From Issue 24

Don’t miss essential survival insights—sign up for Recoil Offgrid's free newsletter today!

• Carrying & Dragging Techniques – Let's Get Carried Away
• Multi-Tools Buyer's Guide
• Issue 24 Gear Up
• Review: Dometic CFX35W Portable Refrigerator Freezer
• Review of Prepper Guns by Bryce M. Towsley
• The Myths of Dealing With Frostbite
• Merino Wool Baselayers Buyer's Guide
• The Diabetic Survivalist
• Advanced Fire-Starting Techniques in Cold Weather
• What If Your Cruise Ship Is Hijacked?
• Hiking Boot Buyer's Guide – Take a Hike
• Lost In The Wild Survival Tips – Get Lost
• How E.J. Snyder Paved a Road to Survivalist Success
• Must-Have Items for Survival in Hostile Regions

Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 25

Read articles from the previous issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 23

Check out our other publications on the web: Recoil | Gun Digest | Blade | RecoilTV | RECOILtv (YouTube)

Editor's Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.

The Survival TV trend only skims the surface of what goes into making a true survivalist. Some may view preppers as crazy people waiting for unimaginable events. But, this attitude overlooks the benefits that a survival-focused mindset can bring to one's everyday life.

E.J. Snyder is a prime example of how life rarely goes as planned. Snyder found his purpose in life through a unique combination of hardship and opportunity; each pulling him a little further down the path of the survivalist. Snyder sees his experiences as individual scenes which, joined together, form a rich tapestry he uses to motivate and educate others. From getting bullied as a kid to learning his role as a leader in the military to his naked butt gracing the TVs of millions, Snyder gleans valuable lessons from every experience.

When Snyder was approached for Discovery Channel's Naked and Afraid, the show's name was a working title. The producers whittled away elements of the show until the premise was based on surviving the toughest environments with no food or clothes for 21 days. Each episode runs a similar course; participants get eaten alive by the local bugs and nearly starve to death, and one person often quits before the last day. Snyder has been on two of the 21-day versions of Naked and Afraid, as well as the extended 40-day Naked and Afraid XL. Most people recognize Snyder as the naked guy who will go to any lengths to survive. But, behind the titles and accomplishments is a man who wants to help the masses.

We caught up with Snyder in North Carolina to see what he has learned along the way and listen to some of the advice he gives his students to build their self-confidence.

RECOIL OFFGRID: How do you define survival?

E.J. SNYDER: If you do something and don't die- that's called survival. No survival technique or skill was ever in a survival book until somebody tried it. And it's trial and error until you succeed and then it becomes a viable technique in a book.

What started you on your path as a survivalist?

EJS: My mom worked three jobs to take care of me and my brother, but we didn't have the nicest things. I got bullied a lot because I didn't have the nicest clothes. My mother's work ethic rubbed off on me and I picked up a paper route so I could buy school clothes for me and my kid brother. She taught me hard work and discipline and to not rely on others. The other side of that was my love for the outdoors began when my dad would pick us up on the weekends. He'd take us camping, fishing, canoeing, hunting, and trapping. When the weekend was over, I still wanted to be outside.

Bullying is a topic you feel strongly about, how did you handle bullies as a kid?

EJS: Back then, I wasn't the Skullcrusher, I was more of a stick snapper. I was very tall, lanky, skinny, and very emotional over my folks divorcing. And, when there's blood in the water, animals smell it- bullies are no different. So, I got targeted by a pack of bullies. But, I never fought back because I always thought I would get in trouble and get kicked out of school. My mom told me if those kids hit me, I had the right to defend myself. By this point, my stepdad was in my life and he taught me how to box and lift weights. I was learning wrestling in school and enjoyed the thrill of competition. I picked up more fighting techniques from friends who were taking karate. Learning to protect myself helped build my confidence. Finally I had enough and after being shoved by one of the biggest bullies, I defended myself. That was in sixth grade.

How did that shape your view of the world?

EJS: Bullies were one of the building blocks in my life. They helped me realize that if someone put up a challenge, or a wall so to speak, if I can't get around, over, or under it, I'm going to go right through it with passion, vigor, and as much energy as possible.

Pulling security in Iraq, 2004.

Why did you decide to go into the Army?

EJS: My mom asked me what I wanted to do with my life. I told her I wanted to be a stuntman and an actor. She said, ‘That's stupid, you'll never make it- that's the worst idea you could ever think of. You'll starve.' So, I decided to pursue my other dream, which was to join the military and live a life of adventure.

You held several leadership roles while in the Army, what kind of leader were you?

EJS: I was a lead-from-the-front, lead-by-example kind of guy. I would get in your face when you needed it, but I'd be there to put my arm around you when you needed it most. Everyone knew I was a passionate leader, and they would to follow me through the gates of hell, even though I was hard on them. I have that philosophy that more sweat in training means less blood in battle. The train as you fight mentality is something I adapted and put realism into training so that when people needed those skills most they'd have them. And if you fast-forward slightly, I used that same analogy —and the same philosophy— for the survival students I trained.

Snyder (left) in Kirkuk, Iraq with Major James Hansen and Command Seargent Major Arthur Padilla in 2004, providing...

When did the crossover from a military mentality to a more survivalist mindset happen?

EJS: After my time as a Drill Sergeant, I went on to be a Ranger instructor and while I was there, I was assigned as a primary survival and tracking instructor. Learning and teaching survival skills in the Army advanced some of what I had learned in my youth. The Army gave me more opportunities to be in the wilderness and outdoors. But, the biggest thrill was going through SERE level-C and then revamping the survival training program. That is when survival became my passion and my whole drive.

At what point in your life did you realize you had to be prepared for unexpected events?

EJS: When everyone started talking about Y2K and what could happen, I wanted to be prepared to take care of my family. I always had outdoor skills, but with Y2K, new skills became my hobby and my passion. While people were out doing other things, I was prepping for something that could affect my family- that was a pivotal point for me.

Paddling up the Amazon River with Laura Zerra during Naked and Afraid, Season 2.

What initially motivated you to go on Naked and Afraid?

EJS: After retiring, I was in a kind of a low point in my life… just not happy with my career and not sure what I wanted in my life. When I'm out in the wild, I hear God's voice, loud. I thought I was going out there to do something really cool… do the survival thing, be a badass. And, I got so much more out of it. I was really humbled by that experience, in Tanzania. I was a changed man when I left. I evolved as a survivalist, became a changed man, and was closer to God after that point and really appreciated those things in my life that I was maybe taking for granted.

Naked and Afraid seems tough to prepare for.

EJS: I practice and I train that way all the time. So, when I was put into those situations, I didn't really do much to prepare, unless I knew I was going to a certain zone. If I know where I'm going, I may brush up a little bit on that particular area and the indigenous people that lived there. But for the most part I believe I can go anywhere on this planet with just my knife.

Snyder and Jeff Zausch during a water break during filming of Dual Survival in 2016.

Did the Naked and Afraid experience impact other parts of your life?

EJS: It really refocused me on my path. It wasn't until I almost lost my life out there that I realized what I needed to do. I was meant to be a leader, to teach survival and help those that can't help themselves. When bad days come, I want to help people get through that. And so, I sit here before you.

What did you learn from being on the show?

EJS: From my first partner, I learned that it's okay to ask for help. The second time I went on the show, I tapped into my Native-American spirit and let the wild teach me some things. Getting back to my Native-American roots opened up something very primal. After being humbled by the first Naked and Afraid, I started shoring up my weaknesses. Instead of a military modern-day survivalist, I became more of a hybrid by tapping into primitive bushcraft while pairing it with my modern day survival techniques. Those experiences made me want to become more self-reliant- more off grid. I eventually want to get off the grid and have my own homestead.

With Jeff Sausch, during Dual Survival, Episode 4, Gator Bait, 2016.

Which situation has tested your mental fortitude the most?

EJS: It was a time when I felt the most helpless I've ever felt. While trying to get to the extraction point in the Amazon, in the middle of the night, while paddling in the river, a biblical storm hit. I knew lightning hit the water because the static electricity was raising the hair on the back of my neck and arms. I knew that was a dangerous situation; we had to get off of water or were going to be done. It was pitch black, we had no illumination, no moonlight. We pulled over to the side, with no idea of what we were walking into, knowing that black caiman [crocodiles] could be everywhere. We hunkered down against a tree, but got pummeled by the storm for five hours. I've never been close to hypothermia my life. We got to a point where we were both speaking in tongues, that I knew we had to get up and get moving or we weren't going to make it. So, we got back to paddling towards the extraction point. I have never felt so helpless knowing that because of the lightning, I just had to take it. So, in regard to mental fortitude, I got pretty close to my breaking point in that situation. I don't get there often.

How do you plan to go off grid?

EJS: I look at survival as a five-tier kind of thing. Those tiers include:

• Bushcraft and primitive skills
• Modern and military survival skills
• Self-reliance skills
• Defense and security skills (i.e. combatives, weapons, and defendable structures)
• Offgrid living and homesteading skills (i.e. studying alternative fuels and livestock care)

What kind of feedback have you gotten from being on survival shows?

EJS: People reached out to let me know how I inspired them. Some people said when they see me go through these tough challenges and get through it make it, that it causes them to make an adjustment in their lives for the better. Whether it's getting up off the couch or finally getting to the gym, getting out of a really bad relationship, getting bullied in school, or even overcoming addictions. If me being on TV drinking elephant dung, running around bare-naked with my butt hanging out helps just one person, then, for me, it's worth it.

Contrary to a bug out bag, the contents of Snyder's long-term survival nomad pack have enough supplies and gear...

What's your EDC?

EJS: Well I am a firm believer that you don't advertise what you're bringing to the table. So, I always walk around with a small bag. It's not a man purse or anything like that, it's just a small bag. I have enough stuff in the bag that would at least get me back to my vehicle, or if I have to walk home, I can get home. On my body it's a pretty extensive kind of situation. But, in terms of defense, I carry a Glock 22 with three magazines. I also carry a Spyderco Tatanka. One reason I usually wear eye pro is if I'm walking down the street nobody's can tell what I'm observing, and that gives me the ability to look and watch others while they don't realize I'm watching them. My belt is a Wazoo Cache Belt. On the belt is a D-ring attachment that will hold my weight if I was caught in a pinch and needed to be able to rappel down from something. It carries a couple handcuff keys, lockpicks, a wire saw, a razorblade, duct tape in there. Also some matches, 550 cord, small tools and a handful of cash, as well.

That's quite a bit of gear to carry every day.

EJS: It goes back to that philosophy. I don't know when that bad situation could happen, but I want to be a positive factor when it does. When I can carry more, I carry a basic survival kit, a fire starter, a water bottle with a built-in filter system, extra 550 cord, compass, a headlamp, flashlight, and SAPI [bulletproof armor] plate in case of an active shooter situation. Some people might say I'm a little off. But, I've walked to a different drum-beat my whole life.

Giving a war cry during Dual Survival in 2016 while in Southern Brazil.

If you were restricted to carrying only five items, what'd they be?

EJS: Number one item, my fixed-blade knife. My knife broke in Africa and because of that I created and designed my own survival fighting knife. It's a one-tool option, the SXB Skull Crusher Extreme Blade, by TOPS Knives. Number two, a magnesium fire starter because primitive fire making is actually very difficult, and it sucks. So why do it if you don't have to. Number three, a pot to boil water. I personally like using a Coleman camp coffee pot because it has a lid, a percolator which helps boil water twice as fast, and it's a huge asset that you can just pull all the guts out of it and use it as a regular cooking pot. The fourth changes from time to time based on the environment. I would say a tarp, because it's a ready shelter and it's good for a lot of other uses, like water collection, and you can make other items with it. The last item would be about 100 feet of 550 cord because of its many uses.

What charities are you involved in?

EJS: Being a veteran, I am passionate about helping other veterans. Any project that involves veteran suicide awareness or that can help a vet, I want to be involved in. Outside of veteran charities, I'm part of Reality Rally. If you go to the Reality Star Line Up, you'll see my name and an option to donate. Funds raised go to the Breast Cancer Resource Center. The Breast Cancer Resource Center is called Michelle's Place. Michelle's Place has done a lot of amazing and wonderful things for people. My family has been affected by breast cancer. Cancer is a bully, and I don't like bullies.

Snyder with a ceremonial sword from his time as the First Sergeant of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, Charlie Guard, from...

The other cause I work with is Give Kids The World Village. It's a part of the Make A Wish Foundation in Orlando, Florida. We raised money for these little kids who are fighting life threatening challenges. From time-to-time people approach me to help them with their other causes and I don't believe I've ever turned anyone away, at this point, because I have a problem with the word ‘no'.

In light of recent events, what advice would you give people worried about going to public places where mass shootings could occur?

EJS: I know it's a scary world right now, but the best way to eliminate that fear is to build your own confidence. The way you build your confidence is to first fix your mindset. The greatest tool to survival is your mindset. If your mindset's right; having situational awareness, having goals, having focus, there's nothing you can't do. Always be positive about what you're seeing in life. When you go to these places like that, have situational-awareness, watch what's going on around you.

Fear emits pheromones that will cause the other animals to pick up on it. And that type of pheromone can cause an animal to get into a frenzy. If you stay calm and positive, you will have a positive effect on other people around you.

What makes Snyder happy is being able to spend quality time with his family and dog.

More From Issue 24

Don’t miss essential survival insights—sign up for Recoil Offgrid's free newsletter today!

• Carrying & Dragging Techniques – Let's Get Carried Away
• Multi-Tools Buyer's Guide
• Issue 24 Gear Up
• Review: Dometic CFX35W Portable Refrigerator Freezer
• Review of Prepper Guns by Bryce M. Towsley
• The Myths of Dealing With Frostbite
• Merino Wool Baselayers Buyer's Guide
• The Diabetic Survivalist
• Advanced Fire-Starting Techniques in Cold Weather
• What If Your Cruise Ship Is Hijacked?
• Hiking Boot Buyer's Guide – Take a Hike
• Lost In The Wild Survival Tips – Get Lost
• How E.J. Snyder Paved a Road to Survivalist Success
• Must-Have Items for Survival in Hostile Regions

Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 25

Read articles from the previous issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 23

Check out our other publications on the web: Recoil | Gun Digest | Blade | RecoilTV | RECOILtv (YouTube)

Editor's Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.