Mountain passes and arroyos clogged with twisted foliage can be confusing when you’re lost. The sun might peek into a canyon for only a brief moment before disappearing behind the rim again. Subtle turns of the trail mask your direction.
Being lost can induce a panic that’ll sap your energy, along with your ability to reason and make smart decisions. There are many myths and methods associated with the cardinal directions: moss on trees, flights of birds at dusk, the direction squirrels sit while they’re eating. Which ones are true, and which are just old wives’ tales? Do you remember? Hmmm … if only you had a compass.
Other gear can help you keep your mind clear and focused on your destination and will often be at least as important to your progress as knowing in which direction to proceed. Some can also be part of your EDC loadout-as you’ll see here.