Almost always camp in isolated locations, sometimes called ‘stealth’ camping, where no one else is camping, or likely to be anytime soon. Also, must have been blessed with the ability to dump on schedule, which is in daylight before breakfast, and well away from anyplace where folks coming along might choose to camp. But have trouble seeing how one could get lost in the dark just stepping a short distance away from the tent to P in the forest. Have noted, however, that when setting or returning to a food cache, always need to make a detailed map, showing number of paces in each direction with clear landmarks and bearings at turns, since I want the cache to be well away from any place where it might be visible. (Additional precautions are taken in case someone does come bushwhacking along and spots the cache). So for longer distances, agree that care must be taken to chart the route, with or without a GPS.
One morning, after I found an out of the way place to dig a cathole, my two dogs waited until I was incapacitated, came to the location, and danced around me making what I am sure was laughing in dog language. They were very amused to see the old man doing it their way. But they had their fun, and never acted that way again. If only people could be that way more often.
Am sorry to hear about the person who strayed too far. Don’t think trekking is a solitary sport for newbies in the wilderness. After gaining experience with partners, groups, scouts, outing clubs or what have you, only then is it a good time to safely venture out alone. Even so, there have been some pretty close shaves. Nimblewill Nomad’s (Eb Eberhart’s) book, “Where Less the Path is Worn,” is a good read and covers this subject well; but I see that used copies on Abe Books are now going for hundreds. Yikes. But his website is free: https://nimblewillnomad.com/
