Even “short” hikes... can turn in to search and rescue situation if you are not prepared. Here are some key tips that would have helped in this situation:
Know when the sun goes down and set a turnaround time. Our subjects left at 1430 and arrived at their first major intersection at 1630 - two hours later. The sun sets in this area around 1700. If they hit the camp and immediately turned around they would have to walk an hour and half in the dark.
Bring a Flashlight with Extra Batteries. Leaving as late as they did a flashlight is a must have. Though this is what ultimately led to their rescue, your cell phone does not count because more often than not it will be out of batteries when you need it most. Even if you leave at first light, it is always smart to have a flashlight as you never know what can happen.
Bring a Map, Compass and GPS. Ultimately it came down to the simple fact that they were lost. You also need to know how to use these tools. Though a GPS is a great tool, when the batteries die, it is just dead weight so always carry paper maps.
HJ
