ADVENTURES
© Christopher Earls Brennen
AROUND THE WORLD
Navigation
Introduction
Navigation is more important when one ventures off the beaten track. On the maintained trails it is usually sufficient to carry several trail maps and to stop regularly to try to identify your location. On adventure hikes, navigation becomes much more important and significantly harder.
Maps
The first essential equipment in locating yourself and the trails is a collection of trail maps that should be studied in detail before setting out. Simplified or shaded maps are of little or no value on adventure hikes. In the National Parks of the United States it is usually possible to purchase a detailed topographical map (``topo'' map) on which the maintained trails have been imposed. Alternatively, you could obtain 7.5 minute series US Geological Survey maps (``topo'' maps) for the area(s) covering your hike. One problem with the USGS topological maps is that the information on the trails marked on the maps may be very out of date. Many of the trails that are marked have long vanished, either because they were washed away or because they have become completely overgrown. Other, newer trails may not be marked. In other countries it may be difficult to obtain topographical maps and even when you do it may not be easy to read them (for example in China and Japan). In these cases a thorough search for adequate maps is important.
Whichever type of map you obtain, it is valuable to practice reading the topology (the mountains and other identifying features) from these maps as you hike along. Initially, it is not easy to look at a topographical map and to relate it to the scenery around you. But, with a little practice, this becomes second nature and greatly aids in your navigation, to say nothing of your peace of mind. You should also equip yourself with a compass that will allow you to adjust the map to the same orientation as your surroundings. It is important to make a habit of stopping at high points on your hike to consult your maps and the topology of your surroundings. Try to fix the principal features and landmarks in your mind for later reference.
Use-Trails
The adventure hiker will come to learn that many of the negotiable canyons contain ``use-trails'' beaten down by some combination of animals and humans. These are often useful, particularly when you must find a way around a waterfall or other obstruction. Moreover, the absence of a use-trail is usually a sign that a major obstacle lies ahead.
Altimeters and GPS Units
Another useful navigation device is an altimeter watch that you can now purchase for about $80.00. If this is properly adjusted to the known elevation at your starting point, it can tell you your altitude to within about 40ft. Not only is this valuable for its own sake, but, in combination with a topographical map, it can greatly help you locate your position. By identifying the contour corresponding to your known altitude and following it on the topo map, you can often factor in other observations (such as a compass bearing to a nearby peak or knowledge that you are in a particular canyon) to closely identify your position. Of course, GPS positioning units can now be purchased for less than $150.00 and are highly recommended for those who are not confident in using the more primitive methods. In combination with a topographical map, a GPS unit can locate your position to within a few tens of feet. The only circumstance in which the GPS unit might fail to operate is in a deep canyon where line-of-sight with one or more of the satellites can be lost. However a GPS unit is of little value without a map that tells you of the options for forward progress.
Retracing your steps
Another simple rule of navigation that is often overlooked by the novice hiker is the ability to retrace your steps. One of the essential and enjoyable elements of adventure hiking is the challenge of venturing into the unknown. But a necessary corollary is the chance that you might encounter an obstacle that you cannot surmount. Then, it may be necessary to retrace your steps though you had not initially planned to do so. You might also need to retrace your steps in the event of an accident. Therefore, it is a basic safety measure to ensure that you can do this without running the risk of taking a wrong turn and getting lost.
There are several simple steps that you should always take to minimize this danger. When you pass a junction, look back and fix the right path in your mind. If you are in any doubt mark the entrance to the correct return route with a ``duck'' or ''cairn''. Ducks are readily-recognizable human-generated markers created from naturally occuring materials. Most frequently they take the form of a prominently displayed pile of two, three or more rocks sitting unnaturally on top of one another. A series of ducks spaced 20-50yds apart is often used to mark a trail that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to follow. Markers that should not be used are any that may damage plants or animals; do not, therefore, carve marks on trees or break limbs from trees and bushes in order to mark the way; even excessively large ducks should be avoided. In summary, visualize your return by looking backwards fairly frequently and leave markers wherever necessary to remind you of the correct route.
Last updated 1/1/00.
Christopher E. Brennen