Many of us heavily rely on gadgets in various aspects of our lives. This means that if our preferred gadgets, such as smartphones, laptops, or thermostats, stop working, we struggle to carry out our daily tasks.
Many outdoor recreationists now rely solely on apps or handheld GPS receivers to navigate in the backcountry and use cellphones or emergency beacons to call for help if needed. While these resources are useful, they should not replace the traditional paper map and compass, and overall wilderness knowledge, in order to be fully prepared and responsible in outdoor activities.
In this article, we will first cover the basics of backcountry-navigation 101. This will serve as an introductory overview, which can either kickstart your learning process or serve as a refresher. After that, we will delve into the topic of getting lost and finding your way back.
The Importance of Learning How to Navigate in the Backcountry
Many of us seek out the wilderness and semi-wilderness areas to reconnect with the primal world that humans used to spend more time in. Even in developed parts of the U.S., there are secluded areas that awaken our sense of adventure and can be confusing to navigate if we’re not cautious.
To put it simply, we’re fortunate in North America to still have plenty of unpopulated areas available for the general public to explore and enjoy. These areas, regardless of their size, may not necessarily be vast mountains or deserts. However, in these places, our personal safety depends heavily on our own judgment, abilities, and expertise, more so than in our daily routines.
Even in a relatively small area with low-relief countryside and few prominent landmarks like flatland woods, swamps, open steppeland, or desert, it is quite easy to lose your way.
In a heavily used state park or forest with roads and trails, it is possible to get lost. If you are not prepared for an extended stay in the woods, including an unplanned overnight experience, you may find yourself facing risky situations even on a seemingly simple dayhike, especially when the weather is bad.
Navigation Tips
Regardless of whether you possess a GPS or not (as mentioned below), having the capability to understand a map and guide oneself using a compass are essential skills that every dedicated hiker should be familiar with in the wilderness.
Pay Attention
Paying attention is the crucial element to becoming skilled at navigating. In fact, I would approximate that 70% of navigational expertise is dependent on this single factor. Developing the routine of constantly being aware of your location entails consistently matching what you observe on the map with what you observe in reality.
Close at Hand
Make sure to keep your map and compass either on your person or in a readily accessible pocket in your backpack. They won’t be of much help if they are buried deep at the bottom of your rucksack.
Know your Route
In addition to providing directions, a topographic map allows the hiker to visualize the landscape they will be crossing.
Prior to embarking on each hiking day, I examine the maps and mentally picture the route I intend to take, encompassing rivers, valleys, ridges, peaks, cliffs, buttes, gullies, and the gradient represented by contour lines. This process allows me to transform my imagination into a concrete plan, fondly known as the backcountry remix.
Baby Steps
If you have no experience using a map and compass, begin by trekking on easily navigable trails that are close to civilization. As you become more skilled in navigation, slowly progress to more challenging ventures in the wilderness.
Patience
Always take your time and don’t rush. If you’re unsure, pause for a moment, have a chocolate bar, and examine your map and surroundings. It’s best to be at a high point to figure out where you are, but keep in mind that high points aren’t always available when you need them, just like phone chargers and spare change. Wait until things become clearer before continuing your journey. It’s more advisable to spend five minutes finding your bearings than wasting an hour going in the wrong direction. Backtracking is always more difficult for hikers.
If you are uncertain of your whereabouts and the day is coming to an end, it is usually more advisable to accept the losses and establish a camp. After a restful night’s sleep, things typically appear clearer in the morning.
Landmarks & Time Checks
If you encounter a distinguishable landmark while hiking (such as junctions, lakes, passes, summits, river crossings, etc.), remember to take note of the time. This information will come in handy if you happen to get lost, as it can help you find your way back.
Pace
One aspect of navigation that is frequently underestimated is pace. If you find yourself lost, it is crucial to know how fast you can walk in different terrains and conditions. This knowledge will help you estimate the approximate distance you have traveled since your last known location.
Keys to success include having experience and paying attention once again. It is important to take note of your average miles per hour when hiking in various environments.
With over twenty-five years of hiking experience, I have developed a clear understanding of my pace in various situations. When it comes to straightforward, level dirt trails, I typically maintain a speed of approximately four miles per hour. However, when navigating through open, untamed landscapes, my pace may decrease to two miles per hour. If I encounter slippery snow, deep mud, or dense vegetation, my speed may be as slow as one mile per hour. It is crucial to establish these benchmarks as a reference in case of any unexpected circumstances, even though the speeds mentioned can differ based on the conditions.
Magnetic Declination
The angular difference between true north, which is indicated on a map, and magnetic north, which is displayed on a compass, is known as magnetic declination.
If you consistently walk on well-marked paths that are easy to follow, is it truly crucial to consider declination? However, in the event that the trail gets covered in snow, making it difficult to determine which adjacent notches represent the pass you must climb, a discrepancy of twenty degrees in your compass bearing can lead to either staying on course or spending hours retracing your steps in deep snow.
