Why self-reliance is the key to safe hiking

Could this be a wake-up call?

An survey, published by The Guardian, in 2023, highlights a worrying lack of outdoor preparedness among Australians. Just one in three respondents said they know how to handle getting lost, while two-thirds avoid trail walks altogether due to safety concerns. Only 38% reported confidence in basic first aid, and just 6% felt prepared to deal with a venomous bite. That gap in knowledge leaves far too many people vulnerable when something goes wrong.

Could this be a wake-up call for a nation that prides itself on spending time outdoors?

AllTrails’ stats about hikers getting lost, and their surprise at the findings, left me scratching my head. How can an app whose core function is navigation be surprised by users getting disoriented? The answer, I believe, is a growing overreliance on technology and a steady erosion of self-reliance.

Remember the days of Melways, the street directory designed for Melbourne, Victoria? Paper maps forced us to study the route, understand where we were going, and plan turn by turn. Then GPS and in-car navigation promised simplicity, and we embraced it. Somewhere along the way, many people stopped building basic navigation skills and started trusting the screen without understanding what it was telling them.

The same pattern shows up on hiking tracks. Apps are convenient, but convenience can create complacency. People download a trail, hit “start”, and follow the blue line. It feels safe, until the battery dies, the phone overheats, the signal drops out, or the track data is wrong. When that happens, some hikers are left with little more than stress and guesswork.

I should be clear: navigation apps are useful tools that many people rely on. But they do have their limitations and should never be the sole factor in your safety plan. Think of an app like a tool in your kit. It can help, but it cannot replace competence. Real safety on the trail comes from preparation, planning, and sound decision-making, not a single screen.

Tips for becoming a self-reliant hiker

1. Plan your hike: Planning is one of the most important parts of hiking. Before you head out, do your research. Study detailed maps, understand the terrain, know the hike grade, identify potential hazards, plan an escape route, check the weather, and check for trail closures. Do not just download a file and head out. Learn the route and plan for the unexpected.

2. Sharpen your skills: Learn basic navigation with map and compass. Take a first aid course. Practice in safe environments to build confidence and refine your decision-making. These skills are not “nice to have”. They can change the outcome when something goes wrong.

3. Embrace the “what ifs”: Before every hike, ask “What could go wrong?” and plan for those scenarios. What if the weather changes? What if I get injured? What if I get lost? Having answers to these questions can be the difference between an inconvenience and an emergency.

4. Pack smart: Bring essential gear for the conditions, including a map and compass (even if you also use an app), a first-aid kit, emergency shelter, and enough food, water, and clothing for the duration of the walk. Make sure you take enough clothing to stay warm and dry if conditions change.

5. Know your limitations: The outdoors can be unforgiving when you overestimate your ability or ignore warning signs. Be realistic about your fitness, experience, and comfort level. Turn back when necessary. It is not a failure, it is good judgement. Also remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect wildlife and fragile environments.

6. Let someone know: Always leave your trip intentions with someone who can raise the alarm if you do not return on time. This can be as simple as sharing the official name of the trail, the park you will be in, when you plan to start, and when you expect to finish. For remote or complex trips, complete an online trip intentions form that captures information that may help search and rescue teams if needed.

Cross-check your route: beyond the blue line

I am a strong believer in thorough planning, so I want to expand on the point above. If you want to improve self-reliance and reduce risk, cross-checking your route with multiple sources matters. Think of it like triangulating your position on a map. Each source adds useful detail, helping confirm the route, terrain, track names, difficulty, and exit points before you leave home.

Here’s how to diversify your trail intel

1. Official maps and resources: Invest in topographic maps for the region you are walking in. Supplement this with information from land manager websites, which often provide trail maps, brochures, and official track names, along with distances, elevation profiles, and difficulty ratings. Local hiking groups and forums can also help with current trail conditions and practical tips.

2. Third-party apps and guides: Apps like AllTrails can be helpful because they include user photos, reviews, and route data. However, it is critical to treat this content with caution. These apps are not immune to inaccuracies, and incorrect, outdated, or misleading information can appear.

Use third-party apps as a supplement, not a primary source. Prioritise official information from land managers and park maps, consider offline topographic mapping where available, and cross-check the details. By using these apps carefully and alongside reliable sources, you can benefit from their convenience without outsourcing your safety.

3. Guidebooks and trail descriptions: A good guidebook for your region can provide detailed trail notes, waypoints, terrain context, and background information. Online trail descriptions from reputable sources can also be useful. Look for consistency across multiple sources and read user feedback with a critical eye.

4. Local knowledge and expertise: Talk to park rangers, bushwalking clubs, and experienced hikers who know the area. Their insight on current conditions, hazards, best practices, and emergency exits can be invaluable.

5. Cross-checking is the point: The goal is not to collect more information. It is to verify what matters. Cross-checking helps confirm that a route exists, identify hazards and exit points, and build a realistic understanding of the track’s difficulty. That preparation increases confidence and reduces reliance on luck.

Let’s make self-reliance the standard on the trails

Technology can help, but it should not replace the fundamentals. Learn to navigate with a map and compass, understand weather risk, carry the essentials, and plan for delays and mistakes. Self-reliance is not about being fearless. It is about being prepared, making good decisions, and taking responsibility for your own safety when conditions shift or plans change.