Outdoors

POSTED: Thursday, Jul. 09, 2009

THREE THINGS: 3 pillars of cross-country navigation

Overland movement off-trail through the backcountry is always problematic even for experienced, trained and carefully prepared travelers.

Getting and maintaining as precise a fix on your location every step of the way on a traverse is critical especially when terrain forces you to frequently go out of your way to get around obstacles or hazards.

An integrated set of skills and physical aids from fundamental readings of nature to instrumentation is the best form of preparedness for navigating through unfamiliar or complicated country.

1. NATURE

To gain valuable clues for orienting yourself, know and use the local tendencies of natural phenomenon such as how moss grows on trees or where frost persists on sunny, winter days. Learn how to use rudimentary stick/shadow and watch hour-hand methods to obtain general (east, west) direction. Acquaint yourself with the simple direction localizing techniques of celestial navigation such as identifying the star Polaris at night for north or picking up due south at high noon on sunny days (1 p.m. during daylight savings time).

2. MAPS

Together with a command of the above 'native' skills, detailed maps are considered critical equipment for backcountry travel. Typically, front-country 'road' maps don't depict enough information. They'll do in a pinch, but larger scale topographic maps (so-called 7.5 minute or 1:12,000 scale) maps featuring elevation contours and detailed hydrology (streams) are the gold standard as are newer aerial photos in similar scales. Always shroud maps and photos in plastic to protect them against moisture even on dewy clear-day mornings.

3. INSTRUMENTS

Compasses, altimeters and now GPS or cell phones equipment are the third navigational pillar. In the hierarchy of desirability, pick the compass first with a reliable altimeter. Equipped only with a map/compass system, persons experienced in their use can navigate through most terrain in near-zero visibility. While they can be highly accurate and take the mental strain out of cross-country navigation, electronic equipment can fail (batteries die or signals weaken). Use them only when you have the other elements on which to fall back.

Make a habit of observing for position referencing as you travel and otherwise enjoy wilderness areas.

Also, test your skills by making a game of fixing your position or that of local features such as tall or snag trees rock outcrops or open meadows within a uniformly forested area.

Practice using those features as focal points toward which you walk. Also set up a string of such waypoints to set route to an intended destination or camp.

Learn to use different combinations of navigation techniques under varying weather conditions

Frequently take back-bearings or leave some durable 'bread-crumb' markers so you can retrace your steps if necessary.

Such rehearsals are the 'training' you'll need to prepare for when the inevitable moment of disorientation occurs.