Why should you pack a headlamp for a “short” fall hike?

Fall daylight disappears quickly, and a small delay from a wrong turn, injury, or slower pace can turn an afternoon walk into a dark descent. A headlamp keeps both hands free for balance and illuminates trail edges better than a phone, whose battery you may need for navigation or an emergency call. Check it before leaving, carry spare batteries or a charged backup, and still turn around early enough to finish before sunset.