Don’t know what to do when facing these 16 risks?
What comes to mind?
Hypothermia, getting lost, storms, lightning...
To get home safely, these 16 outdoor “killers”
must be on your guard against.
To avoid accidents, you fundamentally need the ability to foresee risks, an accurate assessment of your own and your team’s ability to deal with them, and a strong spirit of teamwork.
Many novice hikers lack experience and foresight for various risks; some experienced ones, though able to foresee risks, may be overconfident and underestimate difficulties; others lack team spirit, ignore the guide’s advice, and prefer to act on their own. All these can be hidden hazards.
You must know how to respond to 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, where most people will begin to experience altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness occurs because as altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases, reducing the oxygen content in the air. This results in insufficient oxygen entering the bloodstream, leading to altitude sickness.
Main symptoms include: dizziness, tinnitus, vomiting, poor taste, loss of appetite, drowsiness, slight fever. Severe cases may involve delayed reactions, rapid breathing, anxiety, restlessness, memory decline, and hallucinations.
(1) Control daily ascent height, ideally limiting it to around 700 meters per day.
(2) Plan a reasonable itinerary and avoid excessive fatigue. (Many hikers note that managing backpack weight is crucial.)
(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 with acclimatization.
(5) Get adequate sleep; unless 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. Separation from the Group
In the wilderness, becoming separated from the group is extremely dangerous. To prevent this, emphasize discipline repeatedly before departure and assign a deputy leader to bring up the rear.
If an individual member temporarily leaves the group due to fatigue or other reasons (such as needing to use the restroom along the way), the group ahead should be immediately notified to stop moving and rest in place. A designated person should accompany the individual who has left the group. 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 members must be clear about the daily itinerary and arrival time at destinations, and should not blindly follow the leader without independent judgment.
2. Everyone must carry essential personal equipment 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 you are physically limited or 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.
4. The leader should constantly check the headcount. If someone is found to be missing, the entire group should either wait in place or send someone to search immediately.
In rarely visited wilderness environments—especially in dense thickets or areas full of large rocks—it’s easy to lose track of footsteps and become lost without realizing it. Sometimes, poor visibility due to rain, fog, or evening light can also lead to getting lost.
To avoid getting lost again, after returning to a familiar spot, choose a direction and try moving ahead once more. Keep 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 Camp on Time
During outdoor activities, if you are running late and it gets dark before reaching your 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 lantern light.
(2) However, if other unfavorable conditions arise—such as rain causing temperatures to drop, getting lost and being unable to return, a teammate 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, get into the habit of carrying an adequate supply of water and emergency food at all times.
5. Encountering Venomous Snakes
When encountering a venomous snake in the wild, it often happens under the following circumstances: accidentally stepping on a snake; brushing against one while grabbing tree branches; finding a snake when packing up in the morning; and so on.
This is usually caused by people entering the snake’s territory. These unexpected encounters can cause extreme panic, and being bitten by a venomous snake’s instinctive defensive bite is very dangerous.
To prevent snakebites, it’s advisable to carry a walking stick and use it to rustle through grass as you walk, since snakes rarely attack humans on their own and will usually slither away 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 use a rock or a “forked” branch to strike or control the snake’s head. Avoid using your hands to touch 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 Leeches
There are two types of insects that bite people: bloodsucking insects such as mosquitoes, horseflies, and gnats. Their bites are not only painful and itchy but can also transmit serious diseases like malaria and encephalitis. The preventive measure is to use mosquito repellent spray or coils, though this can pollute the environment.
A more environmentally friendly method is to use smoke or natural insect-repelling plants like tuberose or medicinal chrysanthemums. In areas with many mosquitoes or horseflies, wash your entire body with soap at least once a day. Carry mosquito repellents like oil of menthol or wind oil.
7. Encountering Wild Predators
Except for hungry carnivores or injured beasts, most animals rarely attack humans. As long as we don’t provoke them, they won’t initiate an attack.
However, it becomes quite 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. Keep your back against a rock wall or large tree to prevent attacks from behind, and look for opportunities to climb a tree for safety.
8. Marshes
Marshy terrain is mainly formed by silt accumulation. The converging water lines created by the downward slope of both sides of a ridge guide collected rainwater over a relatively long distance into a reservoir. As the rainwater flows toward the reservoir, the mud and fine sand carried along settle and are left behind, forming muddy pits—marshes.
Prevention:
(1) When traveling in a group, if you encounter marshes or wetlands, pay attention, assess the risks, and do not proceed recklessly.
(2) When crossing, link every five people together with a rope, maintaining a vertical spacing of 2–3 meters between individuals. If a member unfortunately falls into a marsh, teammates can promptly provide assistance.
(1) If you fall into a swamp while traveling 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 at a time. Alternatively, place the backpack on your chest, lie on your back on it, and "swim" out of the swamp.
9. Falling Rocks from Heights
When encountering areas with severe falling rocks, you should quickly escape the site during the pause between rockfalls. In advance, look for large rocks or sheltered corners where you can take cover while passing through. It is crucial to protect your head; wearing protective gear (such as a helmet, thick clothing, wooden boards, or an iron pot) is advisable.
When hiking in a group through slopes that may trigger falling rocks, maintain a safe and appropriate distance.
10. Heavy Rain
In the event of heavy rain, the team leader should quickly decide, based on the route, the intensity of the rain, and the physical condition of the members, whether to continue the hike or seek shelter.
(1) If continuing, due to reduced visibility caused by heavy rain, pay extra attention to direction. Wet and slippery paths may require the use of safety ropes to ensure safety.
(2) When taking shelter, stay warm, watch out for lightning strikes, and guard against flash floods.
11. Lightning Strikes
When a mountain is covered by thunderclouds, lightning can strike from the sides as well. Therefore, be especially cautious: ridgelines are dangerous—stay in flat areas at the base of ridges. Do not huddle together; keep a low posture and remove all metal objects, storing them in your backpack.
If you're in a forest, staying at a distance equal to the height of the trees is also safe—but never directly under large trees. And remember, water conducts electricity easily, so avoid standing in puddles. Standing on a wooden board or a backpack is much safer.
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) Provide immediate first aid—there is still a chance of survival, do not give up.
(2) Lay the patient flat, loosen their clothing and belts.
(3) Perform artificial respiration and CPR.
(4) Use fingers or a needle to prick the Hegu point (between the eyebrows), Shixuan (tips of the ten fingers), Yongquan (the soles of the feet), and Mingmen (lower back).
12. Floods
Persistent rainfall can easily trigger floods. Water that was once clear suddenly turning murky is a sign of an impending mountain flood. In such cases, choose the treetops of tall trees as a refuge and move to higher ground promptly.
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 flash floods. Stream water often surges rapidly downstream due to heavy rain upstream, transforming into a massive flash flood within minutes. If hikers are in the stream, they can be easily washed away, resulting in injury or death.
(1) Do not hike along streams or riverbeds unless you are on a planned creek-trekking trip.
(2) Do not enter creeks during the summer rainy season or after heavy rain.
(3) Do not rest in the riverbed during rainfall, especially in the lower reaches.
(4) When it starts to rain, quickly leave the riverbed and head toward higher ground on either bank.
(5) Do not attempt to cross bridges already submerged by water; quickly leave the riverbed.
(1) During activities in canyons or valleys, if the weather deteriorates, closely monitor changes in rainfall while it is raining.
(2) If you notice the water flow becoming rapid, murky, and mixed with mud and rotten trees, it is a sign of an approaching flash flood. Quickly move away from the river or valley.
(3) If unfortunately swept into fast-flowing water, grab onto rocks, tree trunks, or vines on the shore and try to climb back to land or wait for companions to rescue you.
Apart from fires caused by lightning and dry climates, human negligence is the greatest hazard for wildfires. Be mindful of outdoor fire safety, strictly adhere to outdoor fire regulations, and avoid littering cigarette butts or other fire sources.
When having a campfire, prepare a bucket of water or sand next to the fire and have it readily available. Before leaving camp, ensure the campfire is completely extinguished.
14. Landslides
Landslides commonly occur on slopes, riverbanks, lakeshores, and coastlines, typically on steep slopes over 50 meters high or along rivers, lakes, and coasts with gradients between 30 and 60 degrees. They also frequently occur in areas with well-developed karst fissures and fractured structures. Landslides mainly happen during the rainy season or when snow and ice melt.
Especially when rock strata and fracture planes align with the direction of the slope, landslides are more likely to occur. During heavy rain or prolonged downpours, natural or man-made slopes that have absorbed large amounts of water are highly prone to mudslides and landslides.
(1) During or after heavy or prolonged rainfall, avoid approaching or staying near steep slopes.
(2) If large amounts of muddy water seep out from the base of a slope or from drainage holes, it indicates that the slope is saturated with water. Cracks appearing in the middle or top of the slope, or newly formed stepped patterns, as well as exposed fresh soil, are all warning signs of potential mudslides or landslides. You should move away from these slopes as quickly as possible.
(3) If a landslide or mudslide blocks your path, do not attempt to cross through the mud. Retreat immediately and find a safe alternative route or cancel your journey.
Crisis Management:
(1) If a teammate is buried by a landslide or mudslide, do not attempt to rescue them without proper assistance to avoid further casualties.
(2) Immediately notify the relevant authorities and 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 increases, often carrying a lot of branches and trees.
If you hear a sound similar to 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 heavy or prolonged rainfall.
(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 human body’s core temperature is 36.5–37 degrees Celsius, while surface extremities such as hands and feet are around 35 degrees. Common causes of hypothermia include wet and cold clothing, exposure to wind, hunger, fatigue, old age, and 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, cold clothing promptly and replace with warm, insulated clothing.
(3) Prevent further heat loss. Help the person regain body warmth by giving them warm sugar water.
(4) Keep the person conscious. Provide easily digestible hot food. Have them lie down and place a hot water bottle in their sleeping bag or use body heat transfer from the rescuer.
(5) For those with confusion or severe symptoms, immerse them in 40°C (104°F) warm water.
(6) Do not consume alcohol, and do not massage the limbs.
How to correctly judge and respond to hypothermia, you should do the following:
Above 10°C, it can still kill you?! It’s the ultimate outdoor killer.