Navigation Gear

Topographic Maps and Compass: The Reliable Foundation

What They Are

Topographic (topo) maps use contour lines to represent three-dimensional terrain on a two-dimensional surface. Each line represents a specific elevation, and the spacing between lines indicates steepness—close together means steep, far apart means gentle. These maps show trails, water sources, elevation changes, and key landmarks.

A compass is a simple magnetic instrument that always points toward magnetic north, providing consistent directional reference. Combined with a topo map, it allows you to orient yourself, identify landmarks, and navigate cross-country.

Benefits and Advantages

• Never Runs Out of Battery: Paper maps and mechanical compasses work indefinitely without power. In extended wilderness travel or emergencies, this reliability is invaluable.
• Big Picture View: Maps show large areas at once, helping you understand terrain context, alternate routes, water sources, and escape routes that screens can't convey as effectively.
• No Signal Required: Work anywhere, regardless of satellite visibility, cell coverage, or weather conditions.
• Durability: Waterproof map cases protect against rain. No screen to crack, no electronics to fail.
• Low Cost: Maps cost $10-15, compasses $10-30. One-time purchase with no subscriptions or updates needed.
• Skill Development: Learning map and compass builds terrain reading ability and spatial awareness that makes you a better navigator overall.

Limitations

• Requires Skill: Reading topo maps and using a compass effectively takes practice and education. Not intuitive for beginners.
• Can't Show Your Location: Maps don't automatically tell you where you are—you must determine position through terrain association, triangulation, or tracking your progress.
• Less Convenient: Stopping to unfold a map in wind and rain is less convenient than glancing at a phone.
• May Be Outdated: Trails change, roads are built, and maps can be years old. Check publication date and look for updated versions.

Basic Skills You Need

Understanding Contour Lines

Contour lines connect points of equal elevation. The vertical distance between lines (contour interval) is noted on the map—typically 40 or 80 feet in the U.S. Learn to read terrain:

• Ridges: Contours form "V" shapes pointing toward lower elevation
• Valleys and Drainages: Contours form "V" shapes pointing toward higher elevation
• Peaks: Concentric circles with elevation increasing toward center
• Steep Terrain: Closely spaced contours indicate rapid elevation change
• Gentle Terrain: Widely spaced contours indicate gradual slopes

Orienting Your Map

Place your compass on the map aligned with the north arrow. Rotate the map and compass together until the compass needle points north. Now the map matches the terrain around you—what's to your left on the map is to your left in reality.

Taking a Bearing

To navigate toward a visible landmark: Point the compass direction-of-travel arrow at the landmark, rotate the bezel until the orienting arrow aligns with the magnetic needle. Read the bearing (degree number) at the index line. Follow this bearing by keeping the needle and orienting arrow aligned as you walk.

Triangulation (Finding Your Position)

Identify two or three visible landmarks you can also locate on the map. Take a bearing to each landmark, then draw those bearing lines on your map from the landmarks. Where the lines intersect is your approximate position. This skill is crucial when you're unsure of your location.

What to Buy

• Maps: USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle maps (1:24,000 scale) for detailed terrain. National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps are excellent waterproof options for popular areas. Cost: $10-15 per map.
• Compass: Baseplate compass with adjustable declination (accounts for difference between magnetic and true north). Popular models: Suunto M-3 ($25-35), Silva Ranger ($40-60). Features needed: clear baseplate, rotating bezel with degree markings, direction-of-travel arrow, orienting lines.
• Map Case: Waterproof map case protects against rain and allows map reading without removing. $10-20.

Learning Resources

Don't just buy a map and compass—learn to use them. Take a navigation course through outdoor clubs, REI, or community colleges. Practice in familiar areas before depending on these skills in remote terrain. Books like "Be Expert with Map and Compass" by Björn Kjellström are excellent self-teaching resources.

Smartphone with Offline Maps: Modern Convenience

What It Is

Your smartphone can function as a powerful GPS device using apps that download topographic maps for offline use. Once maps are downloaded, GPS functionality works without cell service—your phone receives satellite signals to determine position and displays it on detailed maps.

Benefits and Advantages

• Already Own It: No additional gear purchase needed. Most hikers carry phones anyway.
• Shows Your Position: GPS pinpoints your location on the map in real-time. No triangulation or terrain association needed.
• Tracks Your Route: Records your path automatically, making it easy to retrace steps or share routes.
• Detailed Information: Apps often include trail descriptions, distances, elevation profiles, waypoints, and user comments.
• Multiple Maps: Carry unlimited maps without weight—download entire regions.
• Easy to Use: Intuitive interface requires minimal training. Most people can navigate with basic map reading skills.
• Photo Integration: Take photos that automatically include location data for trip documentation.

Limitations and Serious Risks

• Battery Life: The critical limitation. GPS and screen use drain batteries quickly. Cold weather accelerates drain. A dead phone is useless. Expect 4-8 hours of active navigation depending on phone model and conditions.
• Fragile: Screens crack, phones get wet despite "water resistance," devices fail in cold. One drop onto rock can end your navigation capability.
• Requires Satellite Signal: Dense forest, deep canyons, and heavy cloud cover can interfere with GPS signal. Initial position fix can take several minutes.
• Requires Downloaded Maps: Offline maps must be downloaded before you lose cell service. Forgetting this step leaves you with a blank screen and GPS coordinates but no map context.
• Touchscreens in Gloves: Difficult to operate with gloves in cold/wet weather. Special gloves or screen stylus helps but adds complexity.
• Over-Reliance Risk: Easy navigation can breed complacency. Users often fail to learn terrain awareness and backup navigation skills.

Essential Practices

Always Download Maps Before Your Trip

At home with WiFi, download all maps for your hiking area. Don't assume you'll have cell service at the trailhead—you probably won't. Download generously—include surrounding areas in case you wander off your planned route.

Manage Battery Life Aggressively

• Enable airplane mode (GPS still works but prevents constant cell signal searching)
• Reduce screen brightness to minimum usable level
• Turn off GPS when not actively navigating—check position periodically rather than continuous tracking
• Carry external battery pack (10,000+ mAh) for multi-day trips
• Keep phone warm in cold weather (inside jacket, not external pocket)
• Consider battery case for longer trips

Protection and Durability

• Use rugged case with screen protection
• Waterproof bag or case (dry bag, Ziploc, or specialized phone case)
• Keep secure—use wrist strap or chest pocket, not pants pocket where it can fall

Mark Waypoints

Mark your trailhead, camp location, water sources, and junctions as you travel. If you need to navigate back in low visibility or darkness, these waypoints are invaluable.

Recommended Apps

• Gaia GPS: Professional-grade with multiple map layers, excellent offline functionality. Subscription: $20-40/year. Highly recommended for serious hikers.
• AllTrails: Huge trail database, user reviews, photos. Good for researching and following established trails. Subscription: $30-60/year.
• Avenza Maps: Free app with purchasable maps. No subscription. Good budget option.
• CalTopo (via web app): Powerful free web-based tool that can be used offline if you save pages. Favored by search and rescue professionals.
• OnX Backcountry: Excellent property boundary and land management data. Subscription: $30-100/year.

The Bottom Line on Phones

Smartphones with offline maps are excellent primary navigation tools for most hiking. They're convenient, accurate, and intuitive. However, they are not sufficient as your only navigation system. Battery failure is not an "if" but "when" question on multi-day trips. Always carry backup map and compass.

Dedicated GPS Devices: Specialized Reliability

What They Are

Dedicated GPS devices are purpose-built navigation computers designed specifically for outdoor use. Brands like Garmin, Magellan, and others make handheld units that receive satellite signals, display your position on detailed maps, and provide navigation features without relying on cell networks or internet connectivity.

Benefits and Advantages

• Better Battery Life: 15-30+ hours on a single charge or set of batteries. Some models use AA batteries allowing indefinite runtime with spare batteries.
• Purpose-Built Durability: Designed for outdoor abuse—shock resistant, truly waterproof (not just water-resistant), function in extreme cold and heat.
• Better GPS Reception: Dedicated antenna and processing provide faster satellite acquisition and better signal in difficult terrain than phones.
• Easier with Gloves: Physical buttons and simpler interfaces work with gloves in cold weather better than touchscreens.
• SOS/Emergency Features: High-end models include satellite communication for emergency messages from anywhere (requires subscription).
• Dedicated Tool: Does one job exceptionally well without distractions of phone notifications or temptation to use for other purposes that drain battery.

Limitations

• Cost: Entry-level units start around $200, advanced models $400-700+. Significant investment for a single-purpose device.
• Less Intuitive Interface: Learning curve is steeper than phone apps. Interfaces can be clunky compared to modern smartphone UX.
• Map Costs: Detailed topographic maps often cost extra ($30-100+ per region depending on model). Some manufacturers charge for map updates.
• Additional Item to Carry: Another device in your pack rather than using phone you already have.
• Smaller Screens: Typical 2-3 inch screens show less map context than phone screens (though newer models have larger displays).
• Still Electronic: Can fail, though less likely than phones. Still a good idea to carry paper backup.

Who Needs a Dedicated GPS?

Consider a GPS device if you:

• Do multi-day trips where phone battery life is insufficient even with external battery
• Travel in extreme conditions (winter mountaineering, desert, extreme cold) where phones fail
• Navigate off-trail frequently and need reliable real-time positioning
• Want satellite communication/SOS capability for remote travel
• Are professional guide or SAR volunteer who needs maximum reliability

For most recreational day hikers and weekend backpackers, a dedicated GPS is nice-to-have rather than essential. A smartphone with offline maps plus paper map backup covers navigation needs adequately and costs much less.

Popular Models

• Garmin eTrex series ($150-300): Entry-level, compact, uses AA batteries. Good starting point for GPS navigation.
• Garmin GPSMAP 66 series ($350-500): Larger screen, excellent battery life, highly durable. Popular with serious backpackers.
• Garmin inReach Mini/Messenger ($300-400 + subscription): Satellite communication (text messaging) with basic GPS. Excellent safety device for remote travel.
• Garmin Montana series ($500-700): Large touchscreen, advanced features, extensive mapping. Professional-grade device.

Using a GPS Effectively

Like any navigation tool, GPS devices require practice. Learn the interface, understand waypoint and route creation, practice tracking, and familiarize yourself with all functions before depending on the unit in the backcountry. Read the manual (seriously), and practice on local hikes.