What
Build redundancy into your navigation capabilities and execution.
Why
As to the “why”, well, getting lost is no fun and could be deadly. Our phones are super capable, and with GPS navigation, it takes the work out of figuring out where you are and how to get somewhere. It also makes us a little too dependent on our phones. Breaking your phone, or running out of power can put you in danger if you don’t have a backup plan.
If your hike is on a well established trail, like the PCT, you may feel like your navigation risk is low but if a fire sparks up, or a flash flood closes off your return route, that won’t be the case.
Hikes that seem simple can look completely different on the way back under different lighting or become a real adventure if you are forced to take a different path.
