I know that there is a big difference between being "off route" and "lost." They way I understand it, when you're "off route" you still have a general idea of where you are, what direction you are facing, etc. "Lost" is when you don't know where you are, or how to get where you're going. In simpler terms: "Lost" means that any step you take could be taking you farthe from your destination, whereas when "off route," you're still going in the right directin towards your destination. Is this right and can I get more clarification (maybe an example)?

I guess that distinction is a step in the right direction, so it's off-route.

Example?

Once when bushwhacking in southern Indiana, I was not sure whether we were on Ridge A or Ridge B, but I was quite certain we were on one or the other. Either option meant that if we moved southeast, we'd hit our exit trail.

My eldest wanted me to say whether we were on A or B, and I said well, if I had to guess, it was B. Turned out to be A.

He says, "We were lost." I could say, "Off route." But in a way, we were on-route, since climbing the ridge and then going southeast was the original plan of the bushwhack.

This might sound brash but to me "off route" vs "lost" is more about your state of mind. If you're panicked then you're lost and will only continue to get yourself more lost. If you're calm but frustrated then you're off route. That said, I rarely climb in areas that are not either ridges or valleys or do not have sufficient line of sight to get my bearings.

This would be a great topic for "Off-Route."

Agreed with EverydayExplorer. Being lost is all about your anxiety level. If you're making dumb mistakes because you're freaking out, youre lost.

Also, if you need to get up on a ridge or climb a tree to find your bearings, you're probably lost. If you have a general idea of where you are plus know which way is N S E W or at least know the car's at the bottom of the valley, you're off route.

I'd also say that if you are separated from your group and don't know where they are, then you're lost.

Are you sure this belongs in the PNW forum and not in "off route"?

Word to the wise...

If you're climbing UPWARDS in fog, etc. ... you'll always know where you'll be - at the summit.

If you're descending... watch out! You can end up on ANY ridge and anywhere around the base of a mountain.
Now, that is LOST!

Some good points here, I especially like the point about it being a mental state of mine. Where this question comes from is when a certain climbing buddy and I lose a trail on an approach, they start freaking out and saying we're lost. I wondered how accurate this statement was, so here I am. Thanks for the clarification.

I am fairly new to summit post, and didn't know there was a section for "off route" or I would have posted it there.

if your out looking for an adventure, how could you ever get lost!

if you you're just trying to tag a summit expecting everything to line up perfectly, you will be lost....

i'm surprised this topic is even on the PNW board...

fredzurensick wrote:I am fairly new to summit post, and didn't know there was a section for "off route" or I would have posted it there.

That was my poor attempt at humor...in actuality, that forum is designated for non-climbing related chatter. Anyway, carry on...

billisfree wrote:Word to the wise...

If you're climbing UPWARDS in fog, etc. ... you'll always know where you'll be - at the summit.

If you're descending... watch out! You can end up on ANY ridge and anywhere around the base of a mountain.
Now, that is LOST!

Depends on where you are. Where I hike (in Shenandoah Park), if you're lost, going downhill is the best way to get yourself found - sooner or later you'll either hit a road or a stream that will take you to a road.

I am never lost - only temporarily misplaced! )

This is what being truly lost means...

Buz Groshong wrote:

billisfree wrote:Word to the wise...

If you're climbing UPWARDS in fog, etc. ... you'll always know where you'll be - at the summit.

If you're descending... watch out! You can end up on ANY ridge and anywhere around the base of a mountain.
Now, that is LOST!

Depends on where you are. Where I hike (in Shenandoah Park), if you're lost, going downhill is the best way to get yourself found - sooner or later you'll either hit a road or a stream that will take you to a road.

Excellent Point Buz. I've gotten "off route" on many a descent, and its quite easy to get back on route using my mental map (or a physical one). Just use what you know about the terrain.

x15x15 wrote:if your out looking for an adventure, how could you ever get lost!

if you you're just trying to tag a summit expecting everything to line up perfectly, you will be lost....

i'm surprised this topic is even on the PNW board...

I'm all for having a good time. However, if you can't find your car and you have to be back in town that evening, it's a slight problem.