Surviving the Trail: Five Essential Skills to Prepare Every Hiker for Adventure's Most Common Perils

by Dr. Rob Scanlon

Equip yourself with the knowledge to avoid common hiking hazards and stay safe on the trail

The statistics are difficult to believe, but every week more than ten hikers die and at least another two hundred require rescue in North America, amounting to more than 500 lives lost and more than 10,000 people rescued every year. Analysis reveals they span the full spectrum of trail experience. The silver lining among this alarming data reveals that most hiker deaths and rescues come from just a handful of preventable causes. This presents an opportunity for this book to make a significant impact. Despite a number of articles published over the years in the attempt to raise trail-goers’ awareness of this issue, the data remain unchanged. Every week, hundreds continue to fight to survive among avoidable circumstances while awaiting overwhelmed and understaffed wilderness rescue teams.

The most common reasons for hiker death and rescue are falling, drowning, dehydration, heat injury, hypothermia, and a lost hiker. Many hikers venture out inadequately prepared, possess a limited skill set, and exhibit poor decision-making when problems arise. That’s what Dr. Scanlon’s Surviving the Trail is intended to prevent and—if something untoward happens—ameliorate.

 

Genres: Survival

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Michelle Mallette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a frequent hiker. Even in this winter season I’m out on trails three and sometimes four times a week. They are all day hikes, but because I am often a leader, I go out well prepared – lots of water, a bit of extra food, extra clothing, a first aid kit, an emergency kit, that sort of thing. I’ve helped other hikers, and they have helped me. Once I found myself out of water on a loop hike, and nearly gave in to drinking from a stream. I now carry a LifeStraw, a Canadian invention that filters even the most brackish of water for emergency use. And still, I found so much to learn from this book! I read it cover to cover, told all my hiking pals what I was learning, and practised using a compass again. Scanlon opens by emphasising the need for every hiker to be prepared – “Preparation is the ultimate survival skill.” Even the strongest hiker can lose her way, twist an ankle, or run into someone in trouble, and it’s up to each of us to get ourselves back home safe. So what are those five essential skills? Each is a chapter on its own: Hydration Strategy; Weather and Managing Body Temperature; Crossing Waterways; Awareness of Heights and the Risk of Falling; and Land Navigation. Each section begins with a scary set of real-life scenarios in which hikers faced life-threatening risks, and many succumbed due to poor preparation. Scanlon then takes the reader through how to prepare and mitigate the risk, from calculating how much water one should drink while hiking to safe selfies and staying on the trail. In each chapter he emphasises the importance of preparing – advance studying routes that are unfamiliar, considering weather and elevation, making note of landmarks on the map and on the trail, etc. There is much to absorb, but he takes the reader through it step by step, supporting with science and occasionally geeking out on processes, which is entertaining. The map section is the longest, and it’s filled with pictures to help the reader follow along. There’s also an excellent index. And I appreciated his frequent references to Canadian locations and resources. If I were to have one criticism, it’s that Scanlon does the job too well – even as a seasoned hiker I found myself getting nervous about being insufficiently prepared for an upcoming backpacking trip I have planned, and it’s one I’ve done twice before! Perhaps a future edition could include more success stories of people who have gotten into difficulty but, having prepared well, overcame the challenge. Still, it’s highly recommended for new and experienced hikers. My thanks to the Grand Forks (B.C.) & District Public Library for including this title in its adult nonfiction collection.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving the Trail, Five Essential Skills to Prepare Every Hiker for Adventure’s Most Common Perils by Dr. Rob Scanlon is an absolute must have for those who enjoy hiking. I have been hiking for years and appreciate the collection of common skills that are so often overlooked. The skills included are situations I have encountered many times and have asked some of these same questions. Having this guide handy while on the trail affords you details that you may otherwise forget or not think of in the moment. Use this to refresh what you thought you knew, to prep for your next trip, or to have on hand as a reference when you’re out on the trail. The topics include Crossing Waterways, Awareness of Heights and the Risk of Falling, Hydration Strategy, Weather and Managing Body Temperature, and Land Navigation. It is written in language that is easy to understand, is practical and actionable.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Ula Tardigrade · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a very useful, no-nonsense guide for anyone who wants to be prepared for the challenges of trekking in the wild. The author shares cautionary tales and practical tips from his own extensive experience. As a hiker, I can attest to the accuracy of his advice.

As hiking and mountaineering become more popular—and this is partly because of all the Instagram pictures of remote places—too many people are risking their own health and life, as well as those of rescue teams, by attempting adventures without the necessary gear and skills. So this book comes at the perfect time.

Thanks to the publisher, Globe Pequot Falcon Guides, and NetGallet for an advanced copy of this book.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Draft: This book reminds me of some people I know: it’s got amazing resources in it but it belabors obvious points, spends too long (too many words) getting to the important parts, and repeats the trite points over and over, and still manages to not be detailed enough.
5 stars for content but presentation brings it down.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. It has some great tips for going hiking and being prepared. At the start of each chapter, it gives examples of people that have experienced heat stroke, dehydration, etc…. Definitely a must before going hiking or camping.

[Andrew Cutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guide on how to successfully survive on the trail-one of the best I’ve read. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[T Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a lot of life-saving information, and it's smart to study this before hitting the trails. The problem is that in showing all the dangers, people may not want to hit the trails at all.