[Mr. Lucky]

I was going to chime in and point out that you don't need either a GPS or a compass; you merely need to always travel downhill and eventually you will end up in civilization.

I guess that wouldn't work all that well in the Everglades.

[RedMonqey]

you merely need to always travel downhill and eventually you will end up in civilization.

To be more precise, follow a stream.

No matter how it twists and curves it will eventually cross a bridge or roadway or lead you to more navigatable waterways that is heavily used.

This works for swamps because even they drain somewhere, albeit at a much, much slower pace..

In deserts, look at a distance object,and make a straight path towards it.

Or at the very least track the sun.

But, it is wisest to stay put, especially if you have told others that you have plans to be in that area and suppose to be back at an certain time.

Had a great Den father in cub/webelos who inisted we know this.

[driftdiver]

Yeah I was in Florida, there is no downhill, or uphill or hill.

I got lost in dense vegetation heading to my treestand. Was pissed at myself since I had those glowing nighteyes all the way to within about 4 feet of the tree my stand was in. Still managed to get turned around in the extremely dense brush on a moonless early morning.

[no-s]

you merely need to always travel downhill and eventually you will end up in civilization.

That thesis could kill you in winter on the coastal ranges in northern California (where the guy was lost). The ravines are where it's coldest, it's slippery, it's wet or frozen, and getting out once you're downslope may be impossible. The whole thing may end up in a pond or a marsh or an expanse of bottomless green-shaded mud. Or at the edge of cliff overlooking the ocean. Searchers can't see into the ravines so they won't see you or your signals.