Navigation
Gear Know where you are! I'm a map and compass
freak. After being a Cavalry Scout for years, and teaching land navigation, I
have a compulsion to always check maps, know about my surroundings, and know
where I'm going at all times. I have used GPS, but find they don't have much use
for a backpacker on a trail. I chuckle at the techies that have these things on
a trail as obvious as the AT, Pinhoti, Mammoth Cave trails, etc. Some don't even
have maps - a GPS really won't tell you anything unless you have a map to
reference it to. |
| Weight in Ounces |
Item |
Description |
| 1.0 |
Suunto Compass |
 |
For accurate dead
reckoning. |
| Nil |
Protractor |
 |
Use the protractor and the map to determine the bearing
you need to follow, then use the compass to follow it |
| 5.8 |
Maps at 2.9 per sheet |
 |
A good Topographic (Topo) map is a must for
me. It greatly enhances my enjoyment if I can see where I'm going, what the
names of the area are, and see what areas and trail are available besides the
way I'm going. |
| 0.7 |
2 Laserlyte Minibrite Light |
 |
I include them here because they help
read maps and guidebooks at night. Some people strap headlamps on themselves to
hike in the dark, but I prefer night hiking without any lights. It isn't hard
when you practice. As lights go, I prefer to use colored lenses to prevent
destroying your night vision. |
| 0.5 |
Zip Lock Bag |
Makes a good waterproof map
case and a dry spot for your trail journal and trail guide. |
| 3.5 |
Trail Journal with Pen |
Write down thoughts, lessons
learned etc. Zebra makes a nice pen that writes at angles. I used a
pencil, but the writing can fade. |
| 5.7 |
Guide Book |
They aren't always available, but
when they are they can be a wealth of knowledge. History, flora, fauna, geology,
re-supply, side trial, etc. I always get one when they are available for trails
I'm hiking. |
| 17.3 |
Total |
|
