The world of off-road exploration is one that's based around the principle of getting lost in the woods. Yes, you start on a trailhead, and with a heading, but a fork in the road leading to somewhere you've never been is one that's an enthralling lure for those who love getting dirty and finding somewhere new. And, routinely, it leads to beautiful spots you didn't even know existed.
Yet, getting lost only goes so far before you want to return to civilization, though I personally don't really get the appeal of coming back...
At that point, however, you'll want to know which trail to take, which leads to a massive river crossing only Arctic trucks can wade, logging roads strewn with freshly cut trunks, or into the middle of mountain lion territory and you just ate a delicious and smelly steak for lunch. You want to know how to get the hell out of Dodge, which is where a backcountry GPS comes into play.
