Forest Path Loss explores the pervasive challenge of getting lost in forested environments, emphasizing that disorientation isn't just misfortune but a result of interactions between the environment, psychology, and navigational choices.
The book uniquely blends cognitive science with practical survival skills, arguing against over-reliance on technology like GPS, which can fail due to battery issues or signal obstruction.
Instead, it champions a balanced approach, combining traditional wilderness survival techniques with modern tools.
The book begins by examining the psychological factors affecting our spatial awareness, such as stress and fatigue, and how terrain, weather, and vegetation contribute to disorientation.
It then progresses to outline both traditional and modern navigation techniques, detailing survival strategies and self-rescue methods.
Drawing on case studies, search and rescue analyses, and spatial cognition data, Forest Path Loss uniquely incorporates interviews from search and rescue personnel, offering real-world insights.
It concludes with preventative measures, focusing on trip planning and risk assessment, making it valuable for anyone from casual hikers to search and rescue professionals seeking enhanced navigation and survival skills.
