When nature calls while hiking, it’s common to step off the trail, whether it’s for a toilet break, to admire some wildlife, or to check out an interesting plant. While it’s part of the hiking experience, it’s important to step off the trail safely. Getting lost can happen quickly, especially in dense Australian scrub, and the risks of separation or injury are real. Here’s how you can step off the trail and stay safe.
Why You Need to Leave a Sign When Stepping Off the Trail
1. Staying Accountable and Informed
When hiking with others, clear communication is critical. Stepping off the trail without informing your group can quickly lead to confusion, especially in the Australian bush, where the landscape can look identical in every direction once you’ve stepped just a few meters off the path.
If you’re hiking solo, this becomes even more important. A simple marker or sign not only ensures your group knows your location, but it also helps search and rescue teams pinpoint where you might have left the trail if something goes wrong. This proactive step can prevent unnecessary concern and improve your chances of being found quickly if needed.
2. The “Same-Same” Effect
In dense areas like mallee or heath, the scenery can look almost identical once you step away from the path. This makes it incredibly easy to lose your bearings, even after just a few steps. It’s surprising how quickly you can lose your sense of direction when everything looks the same, and being unaware of this makes it easy to get turned around.
3. The “Head Down” Factor
When you step off the trail to find a spot for a toilet break or to examine something on the ground, you’re usually focused on the ground itself, not the surrounding environment. This “head down” focus increases your risk of losing track of the trail. If you don’t leave a sign or marker, it can be easy to wander off unintentionally.
How to Communicate When Stepping Off the Trail
1. Verbally Communicate Your Plans
Before stepping off, always inform your group about your intentions:
- “I’m stepping off the trail for a quick break; I’ll be back in 5 minutes.”
- “I’m going to check out that plant on the left, will be back shortly.”
- “I’m just going to take a photo, I won’t be long”
- “I’m just going to the toilet, will be back shortly”
This keeps everyone in the loop and ensures there’s no unnecessary worry. Set clear expectations about your return time.
2. Leave a Visible Marker (And Take it With You)
When you step off trail, a “natural” marker (like a pile of sticks) can often blend back into the bush, making it useless if you become disoriented. Instead, use high-visibility items from your kit.
High-Visibility Options:
- Brightly Colored Gear: Use a high-vis hat, bandana, or even a spare orange dry bag. Place it on a prominent rock or tie it to a branch at eye level where you exited the trail.
- Trekking Poles: If you aren’t using them for stability while you step away, plant one pole firmly at the trail’s edge. The straight line of a pole is a “non-natural” shape that the human eye picks up quickly.
- Reflective Gear: If it’s late afternoon or overcast, use something with reflective stripping (like a pack cover or a safety patch). If you have to use a headlamp to find your way back, the reflective material will “pop” out of the darkness.
- Fluorescent Tape: Some hikers carry a small strip of “flagging tape.” If you use this, tie it securely to a branch, but never leave it behind.
Using Natural Materials: In areas where you don’t want to leave gear behind, you can use fallen debris.
- The Arrow Method: Use three or four fallen branches to create a large arrow on the ground pointing exactly where you went.
- Rock Cairns: Stack three rocks on top of each other. This is a universal “human-made” sign.
The Leave No Trace Mandate: Whatever you use, whether it’s a bandana or a rock arrow, you must remove it or “scatter” it back to its natural state before you continue your hike. Never leave a marker behind for the next hiker to find.
3. The Golden Rule: Keep Your Pack with You
One of the most important safety rules when stepping off the trail is:
Never separate yourself from your survival gear.
Your pack contains essential items like water, a first-aid kit, and emergency tools. If you leave your pack behind on the trail and something goes wrong, like getting lost or injured, you’ve just lost access to your basic survival essentials.
Instead of leaving your pack behind, carry it with you or leave behind a hiking pole or a hat if you only need a quick stop.
Safety Considerations: Stepping Off the Trail Responsibly
- Be Mindful of the Environment: Always consider the impact on the environment before stepping off the trail. Stay in areas that won’t disturb the ecosystem, especially near water sources or sensitive vegetation. Avoid trampling or disturbing native plants.
- Be Aware of Wildlife: Stepping off the trail may bring you closer to wildlife. Always approach animals from a safe distance, give them space and be mindful of their natural behaviour. Also, be cautious of displaced wildlife, including snakes that may move to higher ground after rain.
- Toilet Etiquette: If nature calls, make sure you follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.
The 10-Meter Trap: Why You Should Turn Back Early
A simple rule for safety, if you’ve stepped off the trail and can’t see or hear your group, turn back immediately. You don’t need to wander far to become disoriented. Remember, Australian scrub can look the same in every direction once you’ve stepped just a few meters off-track. If you’ve gone too far, it’s time to retrace your steps.
Pro-Tip: The ‘Backwards Glance’
As you step away from the trail, stop every few meters and look back at your marker. The environment can change drastically from the opposite direction. If you can’t spot your marker, you’ve gone too far, head back to the trail immediately.
Final thoughts
Stepping off the trail is a normal part of hiking, but it’s important to stay safe and connected with your group. By leaving a simple marker, communicating your plans, and adhering to minimal impact principles, you can avoid unnecessary risks. The bush can be deceptive, and it’s always better to stay mindful of your surroundings and communicate clearly to keep your hike safe and enjoyable.
