5 Things That Can Go Wrong on Your Next Backcountry Trek

Travel always has the potential to be messy, and that’s certainly true of going on a backcountry trek.

If you’re planning any type of hike or trek, here are all the things that could go wrong if you aren’t adequately prepared.

Getting lost in the backcountry is not the basis for an uproarious story; it is a life-threatening situation that should be avoided at all costs.

Getting lost is the reason behind 68 percent of searches for missing hikers, and you don’t want to become one of them.

First, plan your trip, so you know exactly where you’ll be at every hour of every day.

You should know where the trailhead starts, the direction the trail follows, and where it ends.

Carry a detailed map, as well as a compass — even if you’re trekking a route you are familiar with.

And finally, you should avoid losing sight of the path for any reason, even to go to the bathroom.