I have to respectfully disagree somewhat with one point you made BuckSecrets. While it is always best to make it out of the woods by dark (a GPS should make it quite easy), if for some reason you should find yourself out there when darkness falls, by all means stay put and make a fire. It' s best to have a flashlight with you, as well as a couple of (brand new) lighters, and matches in a waterproof case or a magnesium firestarter. Carry energy bars, trail mix, jerky, or similar foods to keep you fueled, as well as water. Getting dehydrated can make matters much worse. If it is about to get dark and you are still way out in the woods, find shelter from the elements and gather a good supply of firewood and get a fire started. The space blanket will help to conserve body heat, but you also want to stay awake and moving around a bit. Don' t lay down on the cold ground, gather some evergreen boughs to sit on and stay close to the fire. Many people have become hopelessly lost by running aimlessly around in the pitch black woods at night. Don' t let fear and paranoia get the best of you, there' s nothing different about the woods at night except you can' t see as well. Daylight will come soon enough if you keep a level head.

You likely won' t find youself in this situation, and this is not meant to scare you at all - it' s just best to be prepared for any situation when you are in the big woods.