In a situation where you cannot return to your vehicle or camp before dark, what should be your first consideration?

In a situation where you cannot return to your vehicle or camp before dark, your first consideration should be shelter. This is crucial because exposure to the elements can lead to serious health risks, such as hypothermia or dehydration. As night falls, temperatures can drop significantly, and being without proper shelter can make it difficult to stay warm, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Establishing a shelter helps create a safe environment to protect you from wind, rain, or cold. It can also help you conserve body heat, ensuring you remain in good condition until rescue or until you can safely move again. Once you have secured shelter, you can then consider your need for food, signaling for help, and finding water, which are also important but secondary to protecting yourself from the elements.