Don’t know what to do when facing these 16 risks?
what comes to mind?
Hypothermia, getting lost, storms, lightning...?
If you want to make it home safely, these 16 “killers” in the outdoors
are what you must guard against.
To avoid accidents, fundamentally speaking, you need the ability to foresee risks, an appropriate assessment of your own and your team’s ability to handle risks, and a strong sense of teamwork among outdoor participants.
Many new hikers lack experience and the foresight to anticipate various risks; some experienced hikers may foresee risks but are overly confident and underestimate the difficulties; others lack teamwork spirit, ignore the guide’s advice, and prefer to act on their own. All of these can become hidden dangers for accidents.
You must know how to deal with these 16 outdoor risks.
1. Altitude Sickness
The standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is 760 mmHg, with oxygen content in the air at about 21%. Generally, areas above 3,000 meters in altitude are considered high-altitude, and most people will start experiencing altitude sickness at this height.
Altitude sickness occurs because as altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases, and so does the oxygen content in the air. This leads to insufficient oxygen entering the bloodstream, causing altitude sickness.
Main symptoms include: dizziness, ringing in the ears, vomiting, poor taste, loss of appetite, drowsiness, mild fever. In severe cases: delayed reaction, rapid breathing, emotional instability, mental agitation, memory loss, hallucinations.
(1) Control daily ascent height, try to keep it around 700 meters per day.
(2) Plan your itinerary reasonably and avoid excessive fatigue. (Many hikers have noted that managing your load is very important.)
(3) Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet.
(4) Avoid going to bed too early or overusing your brain; engage in light activity to help your body adapt.
(5) Get adequate sleep; unless absolutely necessary, try not to take medication.
(1) Provide oxygen, descend quickly, and get to lower altitudes as soon as possible to exit high-altitude areas.
(2) If the patient is in shock, prioritize treatment and watch for complications such as hypothermia.
2. Getting Separated from the Group
In the wilderness, getting separated from the group is very dangerous. To avoid this, emphasize discipline repeatedly before departure; assign a deputy leader to bring up the rear.
If an individual member temporarily leaves the group due to physical exhaustion or other reasons (such as stopping to use the toilet along the way), the team ahead should be immediately notified to stop moving and rest in place. A designated person should accompany the individual who left, and under no circumstances should anyone move alone—there must always be at least two people together.
At the same time, you should also prepare for the possibility of getting separated from the team:
1. All team members must be clear about the daily itinerary and arrival time at the destination. Do not blindly follow the leader without understanding the route.
2. Everyone must carry essential personal gear such as a map, compass, water bottle, food, flashlight, and survival kit. Sharing equipment among multiple people is strictly prohibited.
3. If you do get separated, and you are confident you can continue to the destination, proceed until you meet up with your teammates (not recommended); if your stamina is limited or you are overly panicked, stay put, then try to return to the group’s planned route or the previous campsite to find shelter and wait for rescue.
In remote wilderness environments—especially in dense thickets or areas covered with large rocks—it’s easy to lose track of footprints and become lost without realizing it. Sometimes, poor visibility due to rain, fog, or evening hours can also lead to disorientation.
To avoid getting lost again, after returning to a familiar spot, choose a direction and try again. Continue marking your path and observe the surrounding terrain, landforms, or natural features until you find the correct direction, and send out a distress signal when appropriate.
How to find the right direction after getting lost? You need to read this article:
90% of Hikers Die from Getting Lost in the Wilderness – The “Killer” of Outdoor Enthusiasts!
4. Not Arriving at the Campsite as Planned
During outdoor activities, if you are running late and it gets dark before reaching the destination, take the following measures:
Response:
(1) If the route is clear, your current location is certain, and you are not far from the destination, you may continue on by lighting lamps.
(2) However, if other unfavorable conditions arise—such as rain causing a temperature drop, being unable to backtrack due to getting lost, a team member feeling unwell, or moving in the dark being dangerous—you should decide to set up an overnight camp on-site as a precaution.
(3) To be prepared for emergencies, make it a habit to always carry an adequate supply of water and emergency rations.
5. Encountering a Venomous Snake
When encountering a venomous snake in the wild, it often happens in the following situations: accidentally stepping on a snake, brushing against one while grabbing tree branches, or finding a snake when packing up your backpack in the morning, among others.
This is usually because pedestrians have entered the snake’s territory. Such unexpected encounters can cause great panic, and being bitten by a venomous snake in self-defense is extremely dangerous.
Preventive measures include carrying a walking stick and using it to rustle through vegetation and scare snakes away, as snakes rarely attack humans proactively and will usually leave if startled. If you spot a venomous snake, it’s best to keep your distance—this is the most effective way to avoid being bitten.
If you need to capture or kill a venomous snake, try to control or strike its head using a rock or a “Y”-shaped branch. Avoid direct hand contact with the snake, and place it in a cloth bag, as the inward-curving fangs make it less likely to harm anyone inside the bag (Note: Snake-catching is very dangerous—do not attempt it lightly).
6. Mosquito Bites, Insect Harassment, and Leech Infestations
There are two types of biting insects: blood-sucking ones such as mosquitoes, horseflies, and gnats. Their bites are not only painful and itchy but can also transmit serious diseases like malaria and encephalitis. Prevention includes using insect repellent sprays or mosquito coils, though these can harm the environment.
A more environmentally friendly approach is to use smoke or natural insect-repellent plants like tuberose or medicinal chrysanthemum. In areas with many mosquitoes or horseflies, bathe thoroughly with soap at least once a day and carry anti-mosquito products like wind oil or medicated oil.
7. Encountering Wild Beasts
Except for hungry carnivores or injured beasts, most wild animals seldom attack humans unless provoked. As long as we don’t intrude on their space, they won’t initiate aggression.
However, it becomes very dangerous when encountering them face-to-face or when our food attracts them.
When encountering wolves or feral dogs, never turn and run. Instead, crouch down to pick up stones or sticks. Back yourself against a rock wall or large tree to prevent attacks from behind, and look for opportunities to climb a tree to safety.
8. Swamps
Swamp terrain is mainly formed by silt accumulation. Converging water lines along the slopes of ridges guide collected rainwater over long distances into reservoirs. As the rainwater flows toward the reservoir, the mud and fine sand it carries get deposited, leaving behind muddy pits—these form swampy areas.
Prevention:
(1) When traveling in a group, if you encounter swamps or wetlands, carefully assess the risks and do not proceed recklessly.
(2) While crossing, link every five people together with a rope, maintaining a 2–3 meter distance between individuals in a line. This allows teammates to promptly assist anyone who unfortunately falls into a swamp.
(1) If you fall into a swamp while hiking alone, do not move around. Struggling forcefully will only cause you to sink deeper.
(2) You can loosen your backpack straps, place the backpack behind you, lie on your back on the backpack, and pull one leg out, then the other. Alternatively, place the backpack in front of your chest, lie on your back on it, and “swim” out of the swamp.
9. Falling Rocks from Heights
If you encounter an area with severe falling rocks, quickly escape the scene during the intervals when rocks are not falling. In advance, identify large rocks or turns where you can take shelter to pass through safely. It is essential to protect your head—wearing protective gear such as a helmet, thick clothing, wooden boards, or even an iron pot is advisable.
When traveling in a group through slope sections that may cause rockfalls, maintain a safe and appropriate distance.
10. Heavy Rain
When encountering heavy rain, the team leader should quickly decide whether to continue the journey or take shelter, based on the route, the intensity of the rain, and the physical condition of the members.
(1) If continuing, due to reduced visibility from the rain, pay extra attention to direction. Wet and slippery roads may require the use of safety ropes to ensure safety.
(2) When taking shelter, stay warm, watch out for lightning, and be cautious of flash floods.
11. Lightning Strikes
When a mountain is covered by thunderclouds, lightning can also strike from the sides. Therefore, be especially cautious: ridges are dangerous, but flat areas at the base of ridges are safer. Do not huddle together—stay in a low position. Remove all metal objects and keep them in your backpack.
If you are in a forest, staying at a distance equal to the height of the trees is also acceptable, but never directly under tall trees—absolutely not. Be aware that water conducts electricity easily, so avoid standing in puddles. It is safer to stand on a board or step on your backpack.
Prevention:
(1) If weather forecasts predict thunderstorms.
(2) Avoid activities in narrow valleys or ravines.
(3) Avoid high and open areas.
(4) Monitor whether cumulonimbus clouds are growing stronger.
Crisis Management: (1) Administer first aid promptly — there is still a chance of survival, so do not give up.
(2) Lay the patient flat, loosen their clothing, and unfasten any belts.
(3) Perform artificial respiration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
(4) Use fingers or a needle to prick the Hegu point (between the thumb and index finger), Shixuan (tips of the ten fingers), Yongquan (on the sole of the foot), and Mingmen (on the lower back).
12. Floods
Continuous rainfall can easily lead to floods. Water that was once clear suddenly turning muddy is a sign of an impending flash flood. In such cases, choose the treetops of tall trees as a shelter and evacuate to higher ground immediately.
If unfortunately swept away by water, desperately hold onto your backpack (which can act as a flotation device) or grab onto large trees washed down by the flood. Never underestimate the power and speed of a flash flood. The flow of a small stream can quickly turn into a massive torrent within minutes due to heavy rain upstream. If you're in the stream when this happens, you can be easily washed away, leading to injury or death.
(1) Unless it's a planned stream-trekking activity, do not hike along stream beds or river channels.
(2) During summer rainy seasons or after heavy rain, avoid entering streams.
(3) Do not stay to rest in river channels when it is raining, especially downstream.
(4) When it starts to rain, quickly leave the river channel and head for higher ground on either bank.
(5) Do not attempt to cross bridges already submerged by water; leave the river channel immediately.
(1) During outdoor activities in valleys or canyons, if the weather turns bad and it rains, closely monitor changes in rainfall intensity.
(2) If you notice the water flow becoming rapid, murky, and mixed with mud and fallen trees, it is a sign of an impending flash flood — quickly move away from the river channel or valley.
(3) If you are unfortunately swept into fast-moving water, grab onto rocks, tree trunks, or vines along the shore and try to climb back to land or wait for your companions to rescue you.
Apart from fires caused by lightning or dry climates, human negligence is the biggest hazard for wildfires. Pay attention to fire safety in the wild, strictly follow wildfire prevention regulations, and do not discard cigarette butts or other fire sources carelessly.
When having a campfire, prepare a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies. Before leaving the campsite, make sure the fire is completely extinguished.
14,Rockfalls
Rockfalls commonly occur on hillsides, riverbanks, lakeshores, and coastlines, typically on steep slopes over 50 meters high with gradients between 30 and 60 degrees. They also frequently occur in areas with well-developed karst fissures and fractured rock structures. Rockfalls mostly happen during the rainy season or when snow and ice are melting.
Rockfalls are more likely to occur when rock strata and fissure planes are aligned with the direction of the slope. During or after prolonged heavy rainfall, natural or artificial slopes that have absorbed large amounts of rainwater can easily trigger landslides or rockfalls.
(1) Avoid approaching or lingering near steep slopes during or after heavy or prolonged rainfall.
(2) If a large amount of muddy water seeps out from the base or drainage holes of a slope, or if cracks appear midway or at the top of the slope, or if freshly exposed soil is visible, these are signs of an impending landslide or rockfall. You should evacuate the area as soon as possible.
(3) If a landslide or rockfall blocks your path, do not attempt to walk across the mud. Retreat immediately and find a safe alternative route or cancel your trip.
Emergency Response:
(1) If a teammate is buried by a landslide or rockfall, do not attempt to rescue them on your own to avoid further casualties.
(2) Immediately notify the relevant authorities to prepare appropriate tools for rescue.
15,Debris Flows
Debris flows usually occur during the thunderstorm season around July and August each year. How can you tell if a debris flow is happening? A normally flowing stream suddenly stops or a flood suddenly surges, often carrying a lot of branches and trees.
If you hear a sound resembling a train rumbling or distant thunder in a deep valley—even if very faint—you should assume a debris flow has formed and evacuate quickly. If a river valley or stream valley suddenly becomes dark and is accompanied by landslides, you should leave immediately, as it could be either a flash flood or a debris flow.
(1) Do not enter valleys during heavy rain or after several consecutive days of rain, especially if it is still raining, to avoid flash floods, landslides, and debris flows.
(2) Debris flows often occur after the heavy rain or storms.
(3) Do not rely on luck.
(1) Do not run up or down the gully; instead, run toward the sides of the hill to quickly get away from the riverbed, valley, or stream area.
(2) Do not stay on slopes with loose soil or unstable ground.
(3) Take shelter in areas with stable foundations and relatively flat terrain.
(4) Do not climb trees for shelter.
16,Hypothermia
The normal core body temperature is 36.5–37°C, and the surface temperature of hands and feet is about 35°C. Common causes of hypothermia include wet and cold clothing, exposure to cold winds, hunger, fatigue, old age, or physical weakness.
Symptoms of hypothermia include: feeling cold, cold extremities, persistent shivering, pale complexion, memory loss, slurred speech, uncontrollable muscle movements, sluggish reactions, changes in temperament or loss of rationality, slowed pulse, and loss of consciousness.
Emergency response:
[Recommended: Just remember two words to avoid hypothermia — “diligence”: too hot? Take off clothes. Too cold? Add layers. Wet? Change clothes.]
(1) Conserve energy, stop activity or set up an emergency camp, and consume high-calorie food.
(2) Get out of the cold, harsh environment, remove wet and cold clothing promptly, and change into warm, insulated clothing.
(3) Prevent further heat loss, help regain body temperature, and consume warm sugar water.
(4) Stay conscious, eat easily digestible hot food, lie flat, place a hot water bottle in the sleeping bag, or use body heat transfer from a rescuer.
(5) For those who are confused or in severe condition, immerse in 40°C warm water.
(6) Do not drink alcohol, and do not massage the limbs.
How to correctly judge and respond to hypothermia — here’s what you should do:
Above 10°C, it can still kill you?! It’s the ultimate outdoor killer.