Back in 80s and 90s when we all felt disconnected…

For those who are old enough… the early millennials… there was a time without cell phones, smartphones, GPS devices… WITHOUT THE INTERNET!… and we had different expectations on how much we stayed in contact with each other. The horror!

Whether that be going outside all day long and not checking in with our parents for hours on end, exploring a nearby forest for a day hike or bike adventure, driving to a town not travelled to before; there was a certain feeling of adventure where you didn’t know exactly where you were or exactly how to navigate your way. Sometimes it was waiting for that phone call of someone checking in but they never do, only to show up at home when it got dark (this drove my parents nuts when I did this!); or on that hiking trip only to finally make your way out after a few hours of going in circles (this really happened during my scouts trip as a kid).

Kids (and adults) live in a different world today. We are all connected, all the time — as a new social norm and comfort. We all have supercomputers in our pockets (compared with the technology in the 80s and 90s), GPS, barometers, satellite maps, text messaging, a phone number per person, video chat, friend tracking, etc. We can instantly reach anyone where ever they are; as long they’re in cell service. Even cell service may soon not to be an issue either; with mass satellite communication networks emerging to be the next norm. I think we all might have forgotten the feeling of disconnected, and that being disconnected was OK.

I challenge you to not take your smartphone with you to work, in your car, or going out for errands. You will start feeling like you’re back to much simpler times.

Getting lost in the wilderness is 100% preventable in today’s age…

Now, there are times that technology is a must to ensure your safety in potential life-and-death situations. Remote regions.

There’s no cell service. There’s no one around. Panic sets in when you are lost. The elements and lack of sustaining resources could essentially be your doom if help is not reached in a certain period of time.

Recently, a family member was on a remote adventure trip deep in the Canadian wilderness where they had an emergency, lost their gear, became lost and needed help. Without technology, it would have been a gruelling adventure or misadventure with severest of consequences. Luckily, they made it out alive with the help of technology and search and rescue.

Each year I also go on remote trips lasting a week with no contact to the outside world. This doesn’t come without the anxiety of not knowing exactly where you are. You bring your cell phone but nothing works, nothing shows up on in the built-in map apps, and you don’t always have a wall outlet nearby to charge your phone. You rely on marking tape, remembering where you’ve been, deciding on how far to go based on the surroundings — can you get out the same way you got in?, partnering with others, and have backup strategies in place to mitigate any serious risks. Real adventure kicks in when things don’t go according to plan.

Primitive technology works best…

Feeling confident navigating relies on basic understanding of your surroundings. Know the environment and major landmarks. For example, understand where the main roads are, any major obstacles such as lakes or cliffs, the weather conditions for the time of year, the risks for dangerous wildlife and protections needed. You should always carry supplies to sustain yourself for at least 24–48 hours — first aid, whistle, flashlight, water resistent matches, thermal blanket, fresh water, high energy food, medications, sunscreen, hat, etc.