Going into the wilderness is possible in any weather with the right gear. But how do you navigate those hidden trail routes?
If your running navigation technique is to follow the person in front of you and hope they know the way, you run the risk of being led astray.
You’ll need to develop your own ways of navigating the terrain. And it’s not all about GPS devices that can run out of battery and leave you stranded – it’s a good idea to have some low-tech solutions as a backup.
HOW TO READ A MAP
Maps are your best friend out on the trails, whether they’re on an electronic
device or printed on laminated paper. Here are 5 basic tips for reading
it right:
- Choose the right scale – for trail running you need a map with a 1:25,000 scale so you know the smallest details about the terrain you’re exploring
- Check the map’s orientation – paper maps will usually have north at the top, but virtual maps will sometimes rotate with you
- Understand the contour lines – lines very close together indicate a steep gradient, so be prepared
- Don’t be misled by the map colours – white usually means the highest terrain, while green doesn’t always indicate lush countryside
- Check the symbols in the key – different types of paths will be coloured differently, and it’s important to stick to the routes your trail running shoes and clothes are designed for
Get the right running shoes for the trail paths you’re planning to tackle. Check out our trail running shoes
WHAT CAN YOU USE TO NAVIGATE?
You can back up your map with other navigation tools, as well as natural
landmarks that aren’t going anywhere.
- Compass – get a basic idea of where you are, and in which direction you’re heading
- GPS device – track your run in real time and get directions along the route
- Altimeter – know your altitude and work out how far you have to go up or down
- Natural landmarks – orientate yourself with mountains, oceans or rivers that are easy to spot on the map
- Mountain bike tracks – get back on the right path by finding these established routes
- Bothies – check where you are in these free-to-use huts
BUILDING A TRAIL RUNNING ROUTE
It’s a good idea to add new trail paths to routes you’re already familiar
with – that way you already know the area and you’re not doing a completely
new run.
It also means you can get back to familiar ground quickly, should you get lost along the new route.
Remember that your times will be slower over technical trails – so take into account that you may be out there longer than usual.
