ON MOUNTAIN NAVIGATION WITH A MAP AND COMPASS | HOW TO XV

On Mountain Navigation is an essential skill in the backcountry, whether out for a multi-day mission or a one day adventure. We are lucky with the tech available to make navigating in the backcountry much simpler… but what happens when the batteries run out?
In this episode of How To XV I look quickly at the tech options available, but then look at how to navigate with a map, altimeter and compass, discussing the key points to help you find your way and stay safe. As always, it is great to get out and practice this in safe conditions and an environment you know before heading out into the wilderness.
Thanks to: The North Face, Rossignol and FATMAP
Edit: Tim Burgess
Try FATMAP EXPLORE Free for one month: fatmap.typefor...
VIDEO CONTENT
0:00 Introduction
0:20 Overview of on mountain navigation
1:07 Smartphone maps like FATMAP
2:13 Paper map declination
2:29 Finding your location
3:41 Reading the terrain around you
4:30 Using maps to get to your next destination / waypoint
5:14 Using map scale to calculate distance and timing
5:38 Conclusion

[@soaringibex]

For the longest time I believed maps are the right backup for a GPS device until a 65 year old mountain guide convinced me that the right backup for a device is another device. He argued that the complexity of context switching to a completely different navigation paradigm is prone to error. Maps also provide limited assistance in white out conditions. His recommendation is to carry a backup device and small battery pack in addition to sharing the route with others in your touring party. This further aids team dynamics through shared decision making and situational awareness. While phones are prone to malfunctioning in extreme cold due to battery limitations, modern Garmin GPS devices can withstand extreme cold. I also find a Garmin watch with trackback capabilities very useful as they can be checked without having to take out a device from a pocket and can be operated with gloves.

[@jakewright5080]

Interesting point but what if you’re not traveling in a guided party with many members? Electronics run out of batteries or can break. Reliance on gps devices also makes one less aware of their surroundings compared to when using a map and compass.

[@jakewright5080]

Compass is also helpful when navigating on your phone so you can be sure your phone map is lined up correctly.

[@soaringibex]

@@jakewright5080 A Garmin Inreach+ can run for up to 30 days. My watch runs up to 122 hrs in GPS mode. Min operating temps for both devices is -20C.

[@soaringibex]

This is not an issue with the aforementioned devices. Both include highly accurate compasses and don't require manual correction for compass deviation.

[@soaringibex]

@@jakewright5080 I use Fatmap for the general view of the area. Maps are interesting when you're in the hut away from the wind. They're terrible for this purpose once you're out in the field with snow and wind.

[@freredelacote6439]

top du top. Faut viser le million d'abonnés minimum !

[@HOWTOXV]

Merci Xv

[@jamesmclean2023]

Be careful taking compass bearings next to metal like on your splitboard, it will throw it way off. Same goes for when you spread the map on the hood of the car in the parking lot! Same goes for holding the compass with the same hand as your smart watch!

[@HOWTOXV]

Oh nice tips - thanks Xv

[@vipecrx]

So we can no conclude that Xavier has not yet been sponsored by a gps company. Or tried to start some sort of navigation gadget either.

[@HOWTOXV]

Haha - what do you mean - of course I have! Do you want to try it out for free for a month - tell me what you think, head to Fatmap fatmap.typeform.com/XavierDLR

[@albinomattosfilho9394]

millenials being millenials......