I grew up in the woods doing stupid stuff that occasionally gets people killed like camping for days without telling anyone where I'm going or relying on hunting/fishing for food instead of bringing enough for a whole trip, or not bringing any metal tools etc. unsafe stuff.

I'm an adult now with a family and responsibilities now so I can't just walk into the rockies with a bow and a backpack full of nuts and fruit snacks anymore. it's been years since I've spent time in the woods, but I have the opportunity to do quite a bit of that this year. what do normal people do to not die in the mountains? what should I bring? GPS? any good alternatives to firearms for self-defense? a lot of stuff I see in recommended gear lists and pics looks silly and like it won't get used.