Three Navigational Tools You Should Have On a Hike
1. Maps
You should have a topographic map or at least a screen capture from Google Earth of the area you are hiking through. I make multiple maps. I usually use a large area map and then smaller zoomed in maps that focus on where the trail is or the where the route I want to take is.
The large area map is great for the overall view of where you are going. Zoomed out, it becomes easier to see how the land flows and gives you a better idea of what you can use as landmarks. Besides, if you get off route, this larger map will hopefully include your newly found trip on it so that you can get back to where you need to be.
The smaller, more focused maps will give you a better look at creeks, small knobs, and sometimes has the trail printed on it. This also helps with finding the best camp site around and if you follow along with the map on the trail, each page conquered becomes a small victory!
Tip! -Store them in a zip-lock bag to keep them dry!
2. Compass
Although I've never had to use my compass, I always take it. And so should you!
It doesn't take much to get turned around in the woods. I've heard of people that have gone only 300' off the trail to set camp and forgot in the morning which way they came in from! By simply knowing the direction you were walking on the trail and remembering if you went off trail to the right or left, you can use your compass to lead you back.
For example: Say you know the trail runs south to the lake. After deciding to stop for camp you went left into the woods to find the perfect place. South then left is east, right? Grab your compass, point it west and you've found your trail. Follow a game trail that left you stranded? Where's the highway? Point you compass that way and you've just self-rescued yourself.
Bottom line: compasses are small, lightweight, life saving devices that you need to have.
3. GPSr
A Global Positioning Satellite Receiver is a handheld, battery powered device that gives you real time position, altitude, direction, and ,if programmed, the direction to your destination or car.
The GPSr does everything that the topographic map and compass do in real time without much thinking from you but you should always have the map and compass in case the batteries die or the unit gets wet. Never fully depend on technology!
Before your trip, find the GPS coordinates of the places you want to see and enter them into the unit. The newer models have built in maps of most forests and if not, you can order and install them onto the unit. They will also "track" everywhere that you walk, so if you become lost, you can follow your "tracks" back to where you need to be. Perhaps you find a nice little brook that you want to remember, you can mark it and the unit will store it.
