Heads up, that misleading fork on the High Sierra Trail cost me an hour.

I sorted it out by checking the sun's position against my compass, which pointed me back on track.

3 comments

3 Comments

What compass model were you using on the High Sierra Trail? I keep a basic Silva Ranger in my pack but rarely practice with it. Getting proficient before you're lost seems like the real trick.

william_carter27d ago

You actually used the sun and a compass to find your way? That's an old school method I haven't heard anyone rely on in years. I'm surprised it worked well enough to get you back on course that quickly. Most folks I know would have just fumbled with their phone GPS until it got a signal. It's a good reminder that the basics still work when the tech fails you out there.

the_eric22d ago

Yeah, I mean it's one of those things that feels like magic when it works. I keep a cheap orienteering compass in my car glove box too, just in case. It's not about being some expert, just knowing enough to not walk in circles when your phone dies.