Quick Answer
To survive a cold night as a lost hiker, focus on staying warm, signaling for help, and conserving energy. Choose a sheltered spot with dry wood for a fire, and use the STOP method to assess your situation. Stay put until morning unless conditions worsen.
Staying Put and Shelter
When caught out in the cold, your priority is to stay warm. Find or create a shelter using natural materials like pine trees, rocks, and fallen branches. A lean-to or debris hut can provide adequate protection from wind and rain. If you have a space blanket or emergency bivvy sack, use it to retain body heat. Aim for a sheltered spot with a south-facing slope to maximize sunlight in the morning.
Signaling for Help
Use any available materials to create a signal fire, aiming for at least 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, using dry wood and kindling. In the absence of a fire, use a whistle to signal your location, blowing six 10-second bursts followed by a 60-second pause. If you have flares or mirrors, use them to signal during daylight hours. Choose a spot with a clear view of the surrounding area to increase visibility.
Energy Conservation and Protection
Conserve energy by minimizing movement and staying dry. Remove wet clothing and change into dry layers if possible, using any available materials like space blankets or plastic bags. Avoid exhausting yourself by trying to walk out; instead, stay put and wait for rescue. If you do decide to move, travel in daylight and avoid dense forests or steep terrain.
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