Rick
09-03-2010, 07:59 PM
We've talked about this from time to time but we have a lot of new folks on here so I thought maybe it was time for a reminder. When you are out hiking, don't forget to look at where you've been. Knowing what the trail looks like behind you can be an invaluable tool if you find yourself having to backtrack for any reason.
How often you look back has an awful lot to do with the terrain you are in. Woods or brush requires constant vigilance while in open country you may not need to look back but every 100 yards or more.
Certainly when the trail makes a blind turn or passes a fork take a moment and study what the trail looks like once you have passed it. Make certain you know the landmarks and which direction you will need to go. If you are forced to return along the same route, that fork in the road WILL look completely different than it did traveling in the opposite direction. The difference may be enough to trick you into making a wrong turn.
Know the trail behind you and make looking back a habit.
How often you look back has an awful lot to do with the terrain you are in. Woods or brush requires constant vigilance while in open country you may not need to look back but every 100 yards or more.
Certainly when the trail makes a blind turn or passes a fork take a moment and study what the trail looks like once you have passed it. Make certain you know the landmarks and which direction you will need to go. If you are forced to return along the same route, that fork in the road WILL look completely different than it did traveling in the opposite direction. The difference may be enough to trick you into making a wrong turn.
Know the trail behind you and make looking back a habit.