>>1414197>I may be missing some critical factor in my thought process.•Communication device with extra battery.
•Topographical map of the area.
•Knowledge about how to use a map and a compass together and some experience in doing it recently. See this book to help refresh your memory:
>>1412148 and do some practicing.
•Tell more than one person where you are going and when you plan on being back. Don't skip this one. Make sure to tell them you are back when you return and don't forget that.
•Extra flashlight and extra batteries.
•Bring enough food and water for 2 days. Don't ration the water, drink it normally.
10-15 miles is quite a distance for a day hike when you need to turn around and go back. Especially, if you've never done any such thing before. Walk in the dark is not fun and should be avoided for safety reasons. Start out with nothing more than a 3-5 mile hike instead. That will let you know if your shoes/boots are fit enough and if you need to get new ones. When deciding to return, do so far before you think you should. As in head back much earlier so that you don't get caught out in the dark unexpectedly.
>firearmCheck to see if there are hunting seasons going on first. If there are, make sure you are not confused with being a hunter or a game warden will want to fuck around with you. Also, if it is hunting season then wear blaze orange even if you are not hunting. If you have a conceal-carry permit just take the revolver if you feel you need it.
While some may think this is all over planning, it is very good practice for when you want to do much longer trips.
