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The reality of wilderness risk is that nature itself remains the primary antagonist in most emergencies. While true crime podcasts might suggest otherwise, the vast majority of hiking incidents are caused by environmental factors: treacherous terrain, sudden weather shifts, dehydration, or the physical toll of overconfidence. The American Hiking Society notes that hikers who stick to marked trails and carry essential gear—such as a physical map, extra nutrition, and a backup power source for their phone—are statistically unlikely to encounter serious trouble. Nature is indifferent, not malicious, and preparation is the primary tool for mitigating its dangers.
