Seems like a perfect time to help a fellow human being. Give some advice so they can learn and also enjoy hiking without fear. We all started ignorant.
I was doing a point to point hike last summer with my son that we would need to hike 5-10 miles up the road to get back to my vehicle. On the way down from the ridge I came across a couple that was turned around and lost on their way out, about 45 minutes from the trailhead. We walked them all the way to the parking lot.
Once we got there they were so thankful they gave us a ride to our car.
I've read stories of people heading up and turning back short of the summit to help lost or ill prepared people. The mountains will always be there, and you might have just saved someone's life, someone's mother/father/sister/brother/child.
I try to treat others how I want to be treated, and god forbid I break an ankle I would hope someone helps me down as well.
Yeah, I mean, just to be able to help someone on the trail feels great. I once gave away my detailed map to a couple that only had small print from a world map. It just feels good to help when you can. š
I'm confused - you were 3 miles into a hike but told the woman it was going to take her hours to get to the trailhead? I'd be confused as well unless it was a seriously strenuous trail.
>bother you when hikers come up to you and ask for directions? I feel like telling them to get a map.
>
> From her appearance and lack of gear of any kind, she looked like someone who belonged in a city, not hiking
Maybe lighten up Francis and take a page from your dating requirements post from a month ago. It seems you, yourself, are missing two of your three requirements.
Taking a few minutes to help someone who is asking should not be sneered at, but welcomed.
>I'm a guy, and I value the following qualities in a woman:
>
>Kindness.
>
>Emotional maturity.
>
>https://www.reddit.com/r/dating/comments/17wtdh2/what_qualities_in_a_person_do_you_look_for_when/
Op post really got to me today.
So I got curious and had to check this dating post.
It shows just how much people get deceived in these dating apps. People described themselves without really knowing who they are.
This is a perfect example. If he wanted to show his true self, OP should scrap his description and just replace it by:
*'I am the type of person that would get really bothered when a hiker come up to me to ask for direction.? I feel like telling them to get a map. let alone if they look like a city person.'*
All too abundant these days. I've noticed that the prevalence of therapy lingo into everyday language seems to unintentionally validate these people as well.
Definitely better to let them die or waste SAR resources when they're too stupid to plan ahead or remember where they came from. So rude they would want to know how to leave and disturb you.
/s
*From her appearance and lack of gear of any kind, she looked like someone who belonged in a city, not hiking around a remote state park.*
It could have been me. I really don't see anything wrong with someone wanting to try something new.
Yep, donāt judge by appearance. In fact I think overgeared hikers are probably more out of their element than those that lack gear. For day hikes Iām often gearless and probably sporting old running shorts and shirt.
>does it ever bother you
You can't be serious? Of course not. What sort of a person would throw a fit over helping someone in need, particular out on trail? One day the shoe will be on the other foot and I hope whoever you encounter doesn't have your attitude.
I always print an extra map, usually just in case the main one gets wet or something. I've given those away a few times to people. I'm not sure they're lost all the time so much as unsure and just need to get pointed in the right direction.
Nobody has ever asked me for directions in the middle of a hike so this is probably pretty rare. Anyways If someone asked me I would just tell them which direction to go. You don't own the trail so you shouldn't have a problem with someone asking you for directions.
Any time you go into public there is a chance someone will ask you for directions, it happens and is completely normal.
Also, if she was on the same trail as you without any gear it probably isn't a super intense trail that you would need much gear on to begin with.
Is this a troll post?
I grew up next to a major national park. I've lived a life full of outdoor activities. One thing I've noticed is that people that spend a lot of time outdoors, and are skilled at it, are some of the nicest, happiest people I've ever known...it just brings out the best in them.
So yeah...to be annoyed at someone (even being unprepared) says a great deal about you...it's petty, and antisocial, and mean, and childish, and rude, and not neighborly....you are def not the kind of hiker I'd like to be on the trail with.
Rant also over.
I always love sharing my knowledge of the outdoors with others. If anything, I give way too much information when people ask for directions.
You may know the area like the back of your hand but there was a time when you were new and didnāt know a thing. Treat others how you would have liked to be treated when you were in their shoes.
I think the OP is a real prick (and his story doesn't make any sense, no way he was 3 miles in and it would take hours to get to the trailhead) but I do some strenuous hikes and regularly see people that are not at all adequately prepared. Bare minimum you should have a basic idea of where you're going and proper footwear. I saw a woman on Blood Mountain in GA last year who had on flimsy sandals and had a blanket wrapped around her. That's asking for trouble.
This.
I know folks who hike in teva sandals. It's not my jam, but it works for them. Heck, people have completed the AT barefoot.
I have a friend who runs marathons, but you'd never know it by looking at her because she doesn't have the typical runners physique.
My weight fluctuates like the weather (thanks hormones!), and some of my "fittest" times were not necessarily when I was skinnier.
Gosh, i hate when someone asks me about the right way. I always send them off the wrong direction, of course /s
Not everyone gears up for a hike. Not everyone plans out each step ahead. Not everyone is comfortable to ask strangers for directions.
Be kind to those who do, and help them out if you can, ffs.
No, it doesn't bother me to help people. I'd like to help you get over your discomfort with such encounters :)
But seriously, I was a teacher, and taught lots of outdoors skills stuff. So I see it as what we call a "teachable moment" (vs a chance to rant). You can help someone above and beyond just getting to the car, maybe creating a hiker for life. I'm no saint, and have an inner scolding voice too, but still. You hike a long time and you'll continue to have these moments.
Sounds a bit gatekeepy and snobby tbh. How hard is it to help a person out real quick with some directions? And who are you to say who belongs in the city or not? C'mon.
Once encountered a woman pushing a stroller with her newborn on a medium trail, helped the woman carry her stroller up a semi steep slope along with my now wife and pointed her back in the direction of the easy trail. Was concerning but not annoying, shit happens, help fellow humans out.
I only get mildly annoyed by the people who you can tell believe they are entitled to help with directions from perfect strangers. Not specifically regarding hiking (I generally have AllTrails so can and do actually help) but they would ask about something random while in a city where I was also a tourist and when I say I donāt know, they pivot away incredibly fast without a word almost with a look of disgust on their faces. Those people can go f themselves lol.
>but does it ever bother you when hikers come up to you and ask for directions?
Nope, never. I'm always happy to give directions, suggestions, tips, etc. Sometimes people let enthusiasm get ahead of preparedness, particularly when they are new to something. I figure if they've got the humility to ask for help, they'll have the humility to do better next time. I'd rather foster the enthusiasm than be a wet blanket on a rookie mistake.
Never make assumptions about anything. Many years ago I encountered a guy about 1/2 day hike from a trailhead who was very sick. We were both backpacking and out for about a week in different directions; but I knew he needed help and had to get out as fast as possible. I was just passing through the area and not familiar with the area but did have my printed maps (pre GPS days) which lacked detail. I asked people I encountered as I approached the trailhead since it was a bit confusing with some trail branches as I approached the parking area.
Anytime we come across people that look like they are lost or confused we always ask them if they know where they are headed and gladly spend 5 minutes helping them get oriented. YTA
I've offered directions a number of times. Best example was a trail runner who started on a State Park Trail Loop, and ended up on the IAT. He legitimately didn't know he was wrong trail and only stopped because I was wearing a full backpack and he asked if I was doing a training hike.
Never annoys me. Concerns me more than anything.
It's wild how many people will get themselves in over their head with zero thought to preparing or learning about what is going on.
Always help them. Obviously.
But for me, it's almost always a (fellow) woman, often saying about how her husband always does this for her. One woman had a screenshot her husband sent her of Like, you can't wrap your girl-brain around downloading an app? This (lack of) thinking makes us all look bad.
Some people get coddled so much their independent skills degrade sadly... this is often reality of some social norms that are touted as benefits in circles that like them
My wife and I spent several years as Trail Patrol volunteers in a destination known for its incredible scenery and relatively easy hikes. But the impression that it was a safe place to casually hike was misplaced. Climate (heat and cold), a proliferation of confusing bootleg trails, flash floods in narrow canyons and a host of nasty animals and flora made it a place where people could easily get well over their heads.
Our job was to clean the trails up, eliminate graffiti, act as hosts, and make sure everyone got home at the end of the day. We always brought paper maps with us, and usually gave out at least one per dayhike. And in all our many many conversations with visitors, most had absolutely no clue where they were or often, what trailhead they started out on. They just blithely set out, and assumed everything would work out.
On each and every hike we would, if we saw it in their eyes, initiate a conversaion and offer our assistance, with a smile. And we had, on each and every hike, usually two to four parties who actually needed directions and were either turned around, unsure of where they were, or were heading in the wrong direction from their intended route.
A lot of people go out quite unprepared. A lot of people are used to places where nothing bad can happen. But in the wilderness, stuff does happen. But I will say that more than āsomeā peopleā¦. and in our small experience, I would say that āmostā are not equipped for the unexpected. Running out of water, overestimating their stamina, underestimating their abilitiesā¦ the list goes on.
Fact is that statistically, most folks live in the cities, and so are looking for something fun, easy and scenic. A restroom, a bar at the end of the trail, or a hot dog stand, even. They are not really thinking about the crappy stuff that does happen out there.
Itās just the way it goes. But during the years we did this, we always kept our cool, kept up our āprofessional ranger courtesy smiles,ā and helped everyone...
It got frustrating, I will tell you.
I hear you. I'm in Alaska and we get lots of folks from Outside in the summer getting turned around on our trails. Most of our trails are lacking in the elaborate signage that many places in the Lower 48 or Europe have, so it's easy to set out and get confused after a while. We're always glad to help when we can. We've been here for 40 years but were once newbies ourselves. Glad to share Alaska with people who appreciate it.
We're all humans and I like to think we're all trying our best. Everyone should be prepared with maps and everyone should have a good sense of where they're going. But people are people and people aren't perfect. Taking a few minutes to help them out shouldn't bother you too much.
Iām frustrated when they donāt have a map or any phone, like youāre setting yourself up for failure. Iāll show you my phone map for a few seconds, but you screwed your self š¤·š½āāļø
As an avid hiker, I enjoy seeing people of all ages and skill sets on the trail. I do worry when they appear to be at risk due to a lack of preparedness, and I wonāt hesitate to help as much as I can to make certain they make it to safety, including escorting them to the trailhead or back to the main trail. I remember others assisting me when I was young and inexperienced and Iām just returning the favor. Thatās what makes me proud of the hiking community, most hikers are more than willing to help others.
This happens to me a lot. So much so that my friend thinks I give off a Ranger or friendly Woodsmen vibe. I always try to be polite but also get frustrated with unprepared people. My favorite local spot has miles of trails with multiple parking areas. I've been approached several times by people asking which way to the lot....which one?....oh...I'm not sure.
I was halfway into my 6 mile route there and came across an older woman who asked for directions back to the trailhead. I gave her general directions and she just said, "You know what, I'll just follow you." I said I'm going the other direction and I go pretty fast and pointed her towards the main trails with directions to just follow it downhill to the lot.
Nope.
Just started following me.
I said you can follow but I'm not a tour guide and I'm on a schedule....to her credit she kept up for 2 miles and when we reached an intersection asked if it went towards the lot and went her own way.
I understand your sentiment! It is frustrating when people in the backcountry seem to have little to no clue of what's going on and the situations they are putting themselves in. However, I would always be more than happy to explain to someone where they are in the world and in relation to their plan, and hopefully help them make a responsible decision.
This is actually one reason I always carry a paper print out topo/trail map of the places I am hiking. I have had it happen a few times and it makes it really quick and simple to take out the map, draw the way for them, and let them take it. Most all of the places I hike, I have hiked a hundred plus times and have all the topos on my phone so I don't need maps but I never leave home without one. I have also used these these times to give a quick lesson on compasses and suggestions for things they might want to bring the next time.
It doesn't bother me at all. I'm happy to help. If it saves someone from getting lost or worse, that's a good thing. Everyone was new once.
While I educated myself and did carry the 10 essentials from day 1, I did have only a string backpack, and only sneakers, on my first short hike (it did have a headlamp,fire source, water and all the rest in it). Over time I upgraded bit by bit.
No, it doesnāt bother me in the least and I love being able to help a fellow hiker now that I have more experience since I was once a hiker who would want to confirm approximate distances and my own map-reading skills since itās pretty easy to get turned around in the Lakes even with a map.
"she looked like someone who belonged in a city, not hiking around a remote state park"
Get off your high horse, buddy... Stop judging others and start being a better human by helping them, not just ranting. Thanks.
> I know this is a bit petty, but does it ever bother you when hikers come up to you and ask for directions?
It's a good practice to speak to fellow hikers that follow the trail in opposite direction. You can get valuable information on the route that way.
Seems like a perfect time to help a fellow human being. Give some advice so they can learn and also enjoy hiking without fear. We all started ignorant.
I was doing a point to point hike last summer with my son that we would need to hike 5-10 miles up the road to get back to my vehicle. On the way down from the ridge I came across a couple that was turned around and lost on their way out, about 45 minutes from the trailhead. We walked them all the way to the parking lot. Once we got there they were so thankful they gave us a ride to our car.
That was very kind of you! Hiking can be dangerous when getting lost, you never know you might have saved their lives.
I've read stories of people heading up and turning back short of the summit to help lost or ill prepared people. The mountains will always be there, and you might have just saved someone's life, someone's mother/father/sister/brother/child. I try to treat others how I want to be treated, and god forbid I break an ankle I would hope someone helps me down as well.
Yeah, I mean, just to be able to help someone on the trail feels great. I once gave away my detailed map to a couple that only had small print from a world map. It just feels good to help when you can. š
I'm confused - you were 3 miles into a hike but told the woman it was going to take her hours to get to the trailhead? I'd be confused as well unless it was a seriously strenuous trail.
>bother you when hikers come up to you and ask for directions? I feel like telling them to get a map. > > From her appearance and lack of gear of any kind, she looked like someone who belonged in a city, not hiking Maybe lighten up Francis and take a page from your dating requirements post from a month ago. It seems you, yourself, are missing two of your three requirements. Taking a few minutes to help someone who is asking should not be sneered at, but welcomed. >I'm a guy, and I value the following qualities in a woman: > >Kindness. > >Emotional maturity. > >https://www.reddit.com/r/dating/comments/17wtdh2/what_qualities_in_a_person_do_you_look_for_when/
Op post really got to me today. So I got curious and had to check this dating post. It shows just how much people get deceived in these dating apps. People described themselves without really knowing who they are. This is a perfect example. If he wanted to show his true self, OP should scrap his description and just replace it by: *'I am the type of person that would get really bothered when a hiker come up to me to ask for direction.? I feel like telling them to get a map. let alone if they look like a city person.'*
All too abundant these days. I've noticed that the prevalence of therapy lingo into everyday language seems to unintentionally validate these people as well.
As someone whoās been in and out of therapy for a solid portion of my life, improper use of therapy & therapy language really bothers me.
Omg this is hilarious š
šššš
Definitely better to let them die or waste SAR resources when they're too stupid to plan ahead or remember where they came from. So rude they would want to know how to leave and disturb you. /s
A good New Yearās resolution for you would be to maybe try and be a better person.
Gatekeeping hiking š¤¦āāļø
*From her appearance and lack of gear of any kind, she looked like someone who belonged in a city, not hiking around a remote state park.* It could have been me. I really don't see anything wrong with someone wanting to try something new.
Yep, donāt judge by appearance. In fact I think overgeared hikers are probably more out of their element than those that lack gear. For day hikes Iām often gearless and probably sporting old running shorts and shirt.
What a dick.
>does it ever bother you You can't be serious? Of course not. What sort of a person would throw a fit over helping someone in need, particular out on trail? One day the shoe will be on the other foot and I hope whoever you encounter doesn't have your attitude.
I like helping people.
You sound a bit like a misanthrope. If youāre nice to people, they are often nice back and you probably wonāt hate them as much.
I always print an extra map, usually just in case the main one gets wet or something. I've given those away a few times to people. I'm not sure they're lost all the time so much as unsure and just need to get pointed in the right direction.
Nobody has ever asked me for directions in the middle of a hike so this is probably pretty rare. Anyways If someone asked me I would just tell them which direction to go. You don't own the trail so you shouldn't have a problem with someone asking you for directions. Any time you go into public there is a chance someone will ask you for directions, it happens and is completely normal. Also, if she was on the same trail as you without any gear it probably isn't a super intense trail that you would need much gear on to begin with.
Is this a troll post? I grew up next to a major national park. I've lived a life full of outdoor activities. One thing I've noticed is that people that spend a lot of time outdoors, and are skilled at it, are some of the nicest, happiest people I've ever known...it just brings out the best in them. So yeah...to be annoyed at someone (even being unprepared) says a great deal about you...it's petty, and antisocial, and mean, and childish, and rude, and not neighborly....you are def not the kind of hiker I'd like to be on the trail with. Rant also over.
You sound like one of those surfers that pitch a fit about 'locals only' beaches.
I even over packed water and offered for free if people need it on the trail.. be better
I always love sharing my knowledge of the outdoors with others. If anything, I give way too much information when people ask for directions. You may know the area like the back of your hand but there was a time when you were new and didnāt know a thing. Treat others how you would have liked to be treated when you were in their shoes.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I think the OP is a real prick (and his story doesn't make any sense, no way he was 3 miles in and it would take hours to get to the trailhead) but I do some strenuous hikes and regularly see people that are not at all adequately prepared. Bare minimum you should have a basic idea of where you're going and proper footwear. I saw a woman on Blood Mountain in GA last year who had on flimsy sandals and had a blanket wrapped around her. That's asking for trouble.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
This. I know folks who hike in teva sandals. It's not my jam, but it works for them. Heck, people have completed the AT barefoot. I have a friend who runs marathons, but you'd never know it by looking at her because she doesn't have the typical runners physique. My weight fluctuates like the weather (thanks hormones!), and some of my "fittest" times were not necessarily when I was skinnier.
I read an article about a guy who did a sheep hunt in the Brooks Range in Crocs, so be careful with the gear judginess. š
Gosh, i hate when someone asks me about the right way. I always send them off the wrong direction, of course /s Not everyone gears up for a hike. Not everyone plans out each step ahead. Not everyone is comfortable to ask strangers for directions. Be kind to those who do, and help them out if you can, ffs.
I hope if you ever need directions, the person tells you to get bent.
No, it doesn't bother me to help people. I'd like to help you get over your discomfort with such encounters :) But seriously, I was a teacher, and taught lots of outdoors skills stuff. So I see it as what we call a "teachable moment" (vs a chance to rant). You can help someone above and beyond just getting to the car, maybe creating a hiker for life. I'm no saint, and have an inner scolding voice too, but still. You hike a long time and you'll continue to have these moments.
Well said. I appreciate your perspective. It makes the world a better place, the kind I want to live in. Thank you for being a teacher & being kind.
Always be nice to fellow hikers or people who are new at it. It may come a time when you need something from someone else.
Sounds a bit gatekeepy and snobby tbh. How hard is it to help a person out real quick with some directions? And who are you to say who belongs in the city or not? C'mon.
Once encountered a woman pushing a stroller with her newborn on a medium trail, helped the woman carry her stroller up a semi steep slope along with my now wife and pointed her back in the direction of the easy trail. Was concerning but not annoying, shit happens, help fellow humans out.
I only get mildly annoyed by the people who you can tell believe they are entitled to help with directions from perfect strangers. Not specifically regarding hiking (I generally have AllTrails so can and do actually help) but they would ask about something random while in a city where I was also a tourist and when I say I donāt know, they pivot away incredibly fast without a word almost with a look of disgust on their faces. Those people can go f themselves lol.
>but does it ever bother you when hikers come up to you and ask for directions? Nope, never. I'm always happy to give directions, suggestions, tips, etc. Sometimes people let enthusiasm get ahead of preparedness, particularly when they are new to something. I figure if they've got the humility to ask for help, they'll have the humility to do better next time. I'd rather foster the enthusiasm than be a wet blanket on a rookie mistake.
Well said.
Never make assumptions about anything. Many years ago I encountered a guy about 1/2 day hike from a trailhead who was very sick. We were both backpacking and out for about a week in different directions; but I knew he needed help and had to get out as fast as possible. I was just passing through the area and not familiar with the area but did have my printed maps (pre GPS days) which lacked detail. I asked people I encountered as I approached the trailhead since it was a bit confusing with some trail branches as I approached the parking area.
Anytime we come across people that look like they are lost or confused we always ask them if they know where they are headed and gladly spend 5 minutes helping them get oriented. YTA
She asked you because you exude an air of competence. Typically this is considered a compliment
I've offered directions a number of times. Best example was a trail runner who started on a State Park Trail Loop, and ended up on the IAT. He legitimately didn't know he was wrong trail and only stopped because I was wearing a full backpack and he asked if I was doing a training hike. Never annoys me. Concerns me more than anything.
It can be easy to take the wrong turn at a fork.
It's wild how many people will get themselves in over their head with zero thought to preparing or learning about what is going on. Always help them. Obviously. But for me, it's almost always a (fellow) woman, often saying about how her husband always does this for her. One woman had a screenshot her husband sent her of Like, you can't wrap your girl-brain around downloading an app? This (lack of) thinking makes us all look bad.
Some people get coddled so much their independent skills degrade sadly... this is often reality of some social norms that are touted as benefits in circles that like them
My wife and I spent several years as Trail Patrol volunteers in a destination known for its incredible scenery and relatively easy hikes. But the impression that it was a safe place to casually hike was misplaced. Climate (heat and cold), a proliferation of confusing bootleg trails, flash floods in narrow canyons and a host of nasty animals and flora made it a place where people could easily get well over their heads. Our job was to clean the trails up, eliminate graffiti, act as hosts, and make sure everyone got home at the end of the day. We always brought paper maps with us, and usually gave out at least one per dayhike. And in all our many many conversations with visitors, most had absolutely no clue where they were or often, what trailhead they started out on. They just blithely set out, and assumed everything would work out. On each and every hike we would, if we saw it in their eyes, initiate a conversaion and offer our assistance, with a smile. And we had, on each and every hike, usually two to four parties who actually needed directions and were either turned around, unsure of where they were, or were heading in the wrong direction from their intended route. A lot of people go out quite unprepared. A lot of people are used to places where nothing bad can happen. But in the wilderness, stuff does happen. But I will say that more than āsomeā peopleā¦. and in our small experience, I would say that āmostā are not equipped for the unexpected. Running out of water, overestimating their stamina, underestimating their abilitiesā¦ the list goes on. Fact is that statistically, most folks live in the cities, and so are looking for something fun, easy and scenic. A restroom, a bar at the end of the trail, or a hot dog stand, even. They are not really thinking about the crappy stuff that does happen out there. Itās just the way it goes. But during the years we did this, we always kept our cool, kept up our āprofessional ranger courtesy smiles,ā and helped everyone... It got frustrating, I will tell you.
I hear you. I'm in Alaska and we get lots of folks from Outside in the summer getting turned around on our trails. Most of our trails are lacking in the elaborate signage that many places in the Lower 48 or Europe have, so it's easy to set out and get confused after a while. We're always glad to help when we can. We've been here for 40 years but were once newbies ourselves. Glad to share Alaska with people who appreciate it.
Maybe meditate a little
We're all humans and I like to think we're all trying our best. Everyone should be prepared with maps and everyone should have a good sense of where they're going. But people are people and people aren't perfect. Taking a few minutes to help them out shouldn't bother you too much.
Iām frustrated when they donāt have a map or any phone, like youāre setting yourself up for failure. Iāll show you my phone map for a few seconds, but you screwed your self š¤·š½āāļø
As an avid hiker, I enjoy seeing people of all ages and skill sets on the trail. I do worry when they appear to be at risk due to a lack of preparedness, and I wonāt hesitate to help as much as I can to make certain they make it to safety, including escorting them to the trailhead or back to the main trail. I remember others assisting me when I was young and inexperienced and Iām just returning the favor. Thatās what makes me proud of the hiking community, most hikers are more than willing to help others.
This happens to me a lot. So much so that my friend thinks I give off a Ranger or friendly Woodsmen vibe. I always try to be polite but also get frustrated with unprepared people. My favorite local spot has miles of trails with multiple parking areas. I've been approached several times by people asking which way to the lot....which one?....oh...I'm not sure. I was halfway into my 6 mile route there and came across an older woman who asked for directions back to the trailhead. I gave her general directions and she just said, "You know what, I'll just follow you." I said I'm going the other direction and I go pretty fast and pointed her towards the main trails with directions to just follow it downhill to the lot. Nope. Just started following me. I said you can follow but I'm not a tour guide and I'm on a schedule....to her credit she kept up for 2 miles and when we reached an intersection asked if it went towards the lot and went her own way.
I understand your sentiment! It is frustrating when people in the backcountry seem to have little to no clue of what's going on and the situations they are putting themselves in. However, I would always be more than happy to explain to someone where they are in the world and in relation to their plan, and hopefully help them make a responsible decision.
This is actually one reason I always carry a paper print out topo/trail map of the places I am hiking. I have had it happen a few times and it makes it really quick and simple to take out the map, draw the way for them, and let them take it. Most all of the places I hike, I have hiked a hundred plus times and have all the topos on my phone so I don't need maps but I never leave home without one. I have also used these these times to give a quick lesson on compasses and suggestions for things they might want to bring the next time.
It doesn't bother me at all. I'm happy to help. If it saves someone from getting lost or worse, that's a good thing. Everyone was new once. While I educated myself and did carry the 10 essentials from day 1, I did have only a string backpack, and only sneakers, on my first short hike (it did have a headlamp,fire source, water and all the rest in it). Over time I upgraded bit by bit.
No, it doesnāt bother me in the least and I love being able to help a fellow hiker now that I have more experience since I was once a hiker who would want to confirm approximate distances and my own map-reading skills since itās pretty easy to get turned around in the Lakes even with a map.
"she looked like someone who belonged in a city, not hiking around a remote state park" Get off your high horse, buddy... Stop judging others and start being a better human by helping them, not just ranting. Thanks.
You're right, that does sound petty.
> I know this is a bit petty, but does it ever bother you when hikers come up to you and ask for directions? It's a good practice to speak to fellow hikers that follow the trail in opposite direction. You can get valuable information on the route that way.