Lost tips summary

This is a bit of a summary on how not to get lost. But also a couple of reminders or new tips if you will.
First when you go to a new area, somewhere you have never been remember a few tips to avoid getting lost and being able  to find your way back.
#1 When hiking remember to look behind you a lot. This way you see what it looks like when going back. You will have a feeling of I have been here before, which of course you have. But it helps you find the way back
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#2 Look for out of place "landmarks". Things such as a stump, a downed tree, an unusual shaped tree, and  rocks large and small.And take note of whether you walked under, over or around these "landmarks".

#3 Heads up.If you walk with your head down you likely will get lost. At the very least you will get turned around, and that can lead to being a long way from where you think you are.Possibly lost.

#4 Use long distance "landmarks" as reference points. Things like a distant mountain or meadow.

#5 Don't Panic! If you realize you don't know where you are and don't know the way back, sit down and remember to breath for enough time to calm your self. Then you can look around for the large "landmarks" to orient yourself. In short time you will see the smaller "landmarks" and you will be back on your way.

 Today's tip:
Don't take for granted today's technology. Don't solely rely on it. It can and at some point will let you down.Handheld devices are very good but the can fail. Always have a backup plan. A compass, map of the area are good things to have.A topo map is the best because you can look at what the terrain looks like and Identify where you are. Compare this with your large "landmarks".
Another good way to learn the area is to quiz yourself. Where am I going to come out? Where I want to?If not why? How did I come out into a different area? Different path? Missed trail?
This will help you learn a new area.It will also sharpen your skills. Also If you go back to the same area. Don't walk the same way every time.Maybe even just 50' away from where you would normally go, or zig zag through a given area.If you make a circle, go backwards from time to time.
 So I hope these tips can be of help to you. They have saved me before. They also have helped me to learn a new area without getting lost. And yes I have been turned around many times and have had to walk a long way to get back but I did get back, Tired but made it back.
 If you have any tips feel free to add to this post.
Travs