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It can happen to even the most experienced of hikers: you are following a trail and enjoying your hike, when you suddenly realize you are lost. Getting lost in the woods can be extremely dangerous, but learning how to navigate in the woods ahead of time can ensure your safety during your next adventure. Read on to learn more on how to navigate in the woods.
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It can happen to even the most experienced of hikers: you are following a trail and enjoying your hike, when you suddenly realize you are lost. Getting lost in the woods can be extremely dangerous, but learning how to navigate in the woods ahead of time can ensure your safety during your next adventure. Read on to learn more on how to navigate in the woods.
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Introduction
- Navigating in the woods can be extremely challenging without the aid of a compass or other navigational device. So, you've purchased your compass or your GPS device—but do you know how to use it? And what will you do if your device breaks or gets lost? With practice, you can learn to use a map, compass or any other type of navigational device to help guide you safely as you enjoy the great outdoors.
Step 1: Maps and Compasses
- A compass and a map are extremely important tools to have if you will be spending any time at all in the woods. Both, however, are useless if you don't know how to use them properly. Before you venture into the great outdoors, familiarize yourself with the basics of map reading, including:
- Latitude and longitude
- Scale
- Map symbols and colors
- Map legend
- Contour lines
- Distances
- You will also need to know how to use your compass for navigation.
- Familiarize yourself with the different parts of a compass, including the:
- Base plate
- Magnetic needle
- Direction of travel arrow
- Orienting lines
- Index line
- The compass needle always points to the magnetic north. On the base card, you will see four quadrants. These quadrants will tell you which direction you should go to head south, east and west.
- Practice using your map and compass before you ever set food in a wooded area where you may become lost. The more preparation you do now, the more sure of yourself you will be when you are traversing in the woods.
Step 2: GPS Devices
- Global Positioning System (GPS) units can be invaluable tools for navigating through rugged terrain. You plug in your coordinates for your destination before you ever set foot on a trail. Some companies now manufacture GPS units especially for outdoor enthusiasts.
Step 3: Navigating without Technology
- It is possible to navigate in the woods without the aid of a GPS unit or a compass. While navigating sans tools is not recommended, knowing the skills needed to get around on your own can enhance your navigational abilities. You can:
- Note the position of the sun
- In the morning, the sun is to your east
- At high noon in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is due south
- By mid-afternoon, it is in the southwest
- Check the moss on the trees; they will have the most moss on the north side
- Even if you are sure you are an expert navigator, there are other things you can do that may help you if you become disoriented and need to return to a starting point. These include:
- Snapping off small tree limbs as you go
- Tying brightly colored items to trees at various points along your hike
- Making note of any major landmarks you pass
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