In backpacking, bringing too much stuff (especially the wrong kind of stuff) is a beginner mistake. If he hadn't brought 3 pounds for the large knife and machete and made similar reduction in equipment elsewhere, he would have exerted himself less.

Also, an experienced hiker knows that if you drink half your water but you aren't yet halfway done the trail, you should turn around and go back. You can estimate this based on elapsed time if necessary.

Yeah i guess am hiking incredibly unprepared all the time and would hazard most others are too. 14 mile out and back should take a day, he got lost and things went bad. Doesn’t feel like justice to me but will make me rethink my packing list next time I hit the trail.

> more than 100°F and bone-dry

37+ degrees C though I feel I would need or at least want far more than just 3-4 Liters of water! Far more than a machete on a day like that anyway.

I am not that experienced a hiker though to be fair.

He was incredibly unprepared. He brought useless gear while skimping on the stuff that keeps you alive.