Originally Posted by
LazyLightning
maps and compasses will be obsolete soon to since every smart phone has a fail proof version.....
jokes aside, it really isn't hard to get lost or turned around on the AT stepping off trail in certain places. I was in ME getting near the end of the day looking for a stealth spot. I saw a clearing so I put my bag down on trail and stepped off no more then 15-20' to check out the spot. It was only for a minute but I had a minor freak out moment not able to see my bag and totally mixed up on direction. Look at what happened to Inchworm, it could happen when you least expect it... going off trail to the point where you can't see it is common for digging a cat hole along the trail. I got totally turned around that way in Connecticut (not on the AT). I walked 20-30 feet when done and realized it was the wrong way so I said "alright, I'm just gonna go back where I went to the bathroom and 'regain my bearings'"..... well I couldn't even walk back and find where I just went to the bathroom. Ended up walking in different directions yelling for my buddy who eventually heard...
Now that was close to civilization but it's an example and was a good lesson. I would of found my way out on my own but how far from camp? and then my buddy wouldn't have a clue... sure you can say I'm an idiot but stuff happens - and now I take every precaution I could to make sure that doesn't happen again. I even added a little reel of fishing line to my gear - haven't used it yet but I got the idea from someone in ME (tie to tree close to trail then reel yourself back in).