When Technology Fails, This Skill Still Matters

 

I can’t count the number of miles I’ve logged on trails over the years, hiking and climbing wherever the path led. The photos above are circa 2002—one taken near the peak of Mount Washington during a brutal snow and wind storm, the other on a calm, peaceful fall day in Tennessee. Two very different moments, both etched into my memory. Over the past two months, I’ve found my way back to the trail, and I’ve been reminded just how much I missed it. I’ve also been struck by how dramatically technology has changed over the last 25 years. Today, navigation can live on your wrist in the form of a watch—but what happens when the battery dies? At that point, you need the fundamental skills: knowing how to read a map and use a compass. That’s where simple, old-school tools still shine. When working with traditional topo maps, having the right gear makes a real difference. One recent addition to my pack is The Tech Prepper’s land navigation kit. It’s American-made and does a great job of keeping essential navigation tools organized. After using it consistently over the past couple of months, it’s earned a permanent place in my pack. It’s not for everyone, but if you value quality and preparedness, it’s worth a look. Last week, I wrote about goals for 2026. One of my personal goals is to spend more time on the trail. Some days that will mean carrying a camera and a radio. Other days, the radio will stay in my pack—powered off unless needed—so I can fully disconnect and simply enjoy being outdoors again.