On: US hiker 'lost for 26 days before dying'

[DarkTree]

> you simply go back the way you came until you find it again

In a densely wooded, unfamiliar remote area, it isn't so simple just to backtrack, especially if you begin to panic.

In a way, it is similar to falling through ice, and not being able to simply find your way back to the hole you fell through. Panic plays a role.