"... less than a mile from my house. It just doesn't make sense..."

Actually, it might. Depending on the terrain, and possibly other factors. Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone. You might not need to build a fire, shelter, boil water, etc, but you might very well become injured, and not be able to walk home. So you could need to summon aid/make yourself visible/be located. At least a whistle and mirror could come in handy. Plus of course a small first aid kit...