5:56pm November 27th, 2017 [Facebook]

According to Backpacker.com, there are 52 common mistakes hikers make but could easily avoid making.

#23. TAKING A SHORTCUT

Alarm bells should sound when you hear any of these phrases: “Is this gun loaded?” “Jump it, you wuss!” and “Let’s take a shortcut.” Michael Hays should know. Last June, the Ohio hiker shattered his kneecap on an off-trail descent of Maine’s Katahdin. If not for vigilant rangers who noticed he was overdue, and a lucky helicopter flyover that spotted his orange poncho, Hays might have stayed there permanently. The problem: If you become lost or immobilized away from a known trail, rescuers won’t be looking in the right place. Is there ever a good time to take a shortcut? Maybe, if: You can see your destination and all the terrain in-between; have the skills to navigate to it or backtrack; and won’t be violating LNT ethics.

See more mistakes: https://www.backpacker.com/skills/the-wrong-way-top-52-hiker-mistakes

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