First on the list of the Ten Essentials System is Navigation. This is a big topic, so I'll be splitting it up into several posts: one for the actual gear, and one to provide an overview of the knowledge needed to use the gear. Navigating through the wilderness, whether by GPS, map and compass, or both, is a tricky task that requires knowledge, the right gear, advanced planning, and lots of practice. Orienteering is definitely a skill that requires actual field use to really learn. Reading this (or any) blog alone won't prepare you to head out into the wilderness safely. The intent is to make you aware of what you do need to know, and encourage you to go learn these skills prior to heading out on anything more that the simplest hike through a city park. So, let's tackle the gear you're going to need.

At the most basic, orienteering involves knowing where you are at (Point A) and figuring out how to get to where you want to go (Point B). To do this, you'll need a map (or several, depending on the amount of ground you plan to cover and the scale of the map, but we'll get to that in a minute), and a compass. These days, you can also have a GPS. More advanced GPS devices attempt to provide both the map and compass in one device. These are a great tool to have, but I still wouldn't head out on a serious trip without a map and compass.

Maps

What kind of map do you need? Unless you in a small park with unmistakeable trails, you are going to want a map with enough detail to be able to figure out where you, and where you need to go. You want a topographical map. Topographical maps convey a lot of critical information: natural and man made features, distance between objects, and changes in elevation. In my next post on knowledge, we'll get into topographical maps in a lot more detail, but when selecting one, remember to consider one critical component: Scale. Scale is the ration between what is displayed on the map, and what you'll encounter in real life. Think of model car kits. Here is a chart of standard scales.

The scale shows what an inch on the map equates in real life. So, for the 1/24,000: one inch on the map reflects 24,000 inches on the ground. This will show a lot more detail that the 1/250,000 scale map. The key here is to select the map that covers the area in which you will be traveling in enough detail, in the fewest amount of maps. The 7 minute map will show a lot less territory, so you may need several of them if you are traveling, but you will have a lot more information available to you as well. In general, the 60 minute maps are good for providing you with an overview and doing some trip planning, but I would recommend taking the 15 or 7 minute maps with you when you head out. In my experience, I've always appreciated having the detail available in these scales for figuring out where I was. Its amazing how quickly things can look the same when you are in the middle of a forest, desert, or canyon. The detail can mean the difference between knowing where you on the map, thinking you know where you are, and guessing (neither of the last two are good).

You can find maps at your local outfitter. Some of the most popular that are carried include: Delorme, National Geographic, and the United States Geological Survey.

Compass

There are a number of different types of compasses, and I'll cover a couple of them here. For navigating with a map, you'll want a base-plate style compass at a minimum. You may also want to consider a sighting compass: either a mirrored compass (essentially a base-plate with an addition sighting mirror added) or a lensatic compass. At a minimum, these provide you with a direction of travel arrow, orienting arrow, orienting lines, and a ruler for measuring distance between objects on the map. All of these are critical for letting you figure out where you are at, and where you want to go. The sighting compasses provide a more precise way of shooting your azimuth and traveling from one object to the next. In my opinion, this is critical, especially if you are needing to travel longer distances. An error of even 1 degree can make a huge difference the more distance you travel. Personally, I've had the best luck with lensatic compasses, although, with practice, I've become quite good with the mirrored compass as well. I usually carry both with me. I can use the mirrored compass on the map, and the lensatic for shooting my azimuth from one landmark to the next. In addition, the mirror doubles as a safety measure, as it can be used to signal for help if you ever need it. It also comes in handy for putting in contacts, shaving, etc. Pretty good multi-functionality for a piece of gear that only weighs a couple of ounces! Plus, if one should break, you have a backup.

GPS

I own a Garmin Venture HCx GPS device and love it. I use it all the time, but I would never head out with this as my only way of navigating. It can break, run out of battery power, lose satellite signals, etc. As an additional tool though, I think its great. On a trip into some Utah slot canyons in 2001, it was indispensable in helping us better locate where we were (remember my comment about how things in a desert look a lot alike?!). There were times where we thought we knew where we were, but using the latitude and longitude provided by the GPS (even with minimal satellite coverage) really helped us pinpoint where we were. Especially toward the end of the trip when we were exhausted, dehydrated, and just not thinking clearly. It really kept us from making some mistakes that could have been costly. Please remember though, these are tools, not solutions unto themselves. So, why carry one?

1. They can give you an estimate of your coordinates that minimize the area on the map you need to look at to find where you are if you are lost. 
2. You can search the web and download actual hikes that get marked out on the topographical map displayed on the unit. The GPS then shows where you are at and where you are headed, right on top of that track. A great way to make sure you are staying on trail. 
3. You can leave "breadcrumbs" which you can then use to follow back to your base camp, car, etc. 
4. You can take the data off your GPS when you get home and save it as a map to share on the web, or take the trip again in the future. 
5. Depending on the model, you can plot out your trip to the trail head. This saves a lot of time getting there, leaving more time for the trip! I use mine for this purpose all of the time. 
6. Free map making software is now available from Garmin. These are great for high level trip planning.

Good Judgement

Ok, so this last one isn't really "gear", but you better take it with you whenever you head out. Or even before. A successful trip always starts with good planning. Take out the map and study it in detail. Search the Internet for the trip reports and experiences of others, you'll be surprised just how much you can find out about an area that will help you make sense of the map, give you an idea of what to expect once out there, and then provide you with additional clues to your environment once you are out there.

During your planning, use the map to figure out realistic travel times from one point to the next. Can you make it where you intend to in the time you have? Will you have enough food? Are there spots to replenish drinking water? Use this information to let others know a basic itinerary (when you expect to be on any given day), as this could be critical to help people find you should something happen. It also lets you set hard turn around points that you can use to monitor your progress and make adjustments accordingly. Its better to turn around today so you can be successful tomorrow. Its hard, especially when you get tired or are out on a dream trip, but don't ever mistake bravado, or count on luck or for everything to go perfect when making decisions. Stick with good judgement, and test it against your trip mates. If you have doubts, don't hold them back, share them. If your partner(s) express doubts, listen to them. Getting lost, or too far out or off plan is not a safe place to be.

So, now you have basic idea of the minimal gear you would need to navigate. In the next post, we'll discuss some of the skills and knowledge you'll need to use these tools. Don't rely on this information alone though, find a local club or outfitter that offers classes and take one. You'll be glad you did.