The Survival Series #2: Tactical Survival and Navigation
In our first Survival Series topic, we talked all about First Aid. Next up, Navigation and Lighting!
As a kid, I remember my dad taking us (my brother and me) out deer scouting. He was (and is) an avid deer hunter and we spent loads of time out in the woods looking for deer tracks, rubs, and the perfect place to set up a tree stand. One of the things I always wondered about was how the heck he managed to find his way in and out.
As I grew older, I realized just how much navigation is an invaluable skill. Back in the day, my dad would use tiny little tacks, with reflective tape on the heads to help him track in and out. Now, I realize that he did much more prep work than that. He would study maps of the area we were headed, along with mapping out the route to where he thought he would want to be on that map. He would drive the roads around the area so he had a good idea of his outer-boundary surroundings. In short, he was prepared.
Finding Your Way
Before you head out, your first step should be to study, study, study! Grab an up-to-date map of the area you will be headed, and commit the big landmarks to memory. Plot your route and notice where the landmarks will be in relation to your planned course. Take note of where the sun will be when you are hiking your path, that way you can use your knowledge of the sun rising in the east and setting in the west to your advantage. Once you have your bearings, you can picture a compass - if the east (morning sun) is on your right, you are facing north. If the east (morning sun) is on your left, you are facing south.
Next up, practice some orienteering! If you haven’t earned your First Class rank or earned the Orienteering merit badge yet, you can still grab the merit badge pamphlet and start working on your skills. If anything, it covers the basics for reading a map.
No Map? No Problem
Most likely, you will have a map with you. But… what if, for some random reason, you don’t? Don’t fret. Nature is cool, and you just need to let it help you out! Using your observation skills is key here.
- As I said earlier, take note of the direction you came in, in relation to the sun. Unless it is the cloudiest day ever, you will be able to use it as a directional marker.
- If you get caught out after dark, use the North Star in the northern hemisphere and the Southern Cross in the southern hemisphere.
- Check the trees around you. Generally, moss grows on the more shaded side of the tree, which is typically the side that faces north in North America (and the northern hemisphere). Also note that this can be altered a bit in very shaded areas or on steep slopes. You want to find a solitary tree that is exposed to the sun for this method.
- I thought this one was super neat: drive a stick into the ground so you can see its shadow and put some sort of marker at the end of that shadow (a rock will do). Wait about 20 minutes for the shadow to move and then put a marker at the top of the new shadow. The imaginary line between the two markers will form a line that is moving east to west. Knowing that the sun stays on a slightly southern path, whichever way the shadow favors will be more north. So, draw a perpendicular line to your original east to west line, and the way the shadows favor is north. Boom. (Almost) instant compass!
Take note that no matter what, you should always look at a map and have your bearings before you head out anywhere… because knowing what direction is what does you no good if you have no idea what is in those directions! It goes without saying that your priority is to be prepared. Whenever you can, use the buddy system, and ALWAYS let people know where you are going and about your planned route.
If you missed our First Aid blog, check it out, and stay tuned for the third installation of the Survival Series: Hydration.
Have you ever found your way out of a little bit of a “lost” situation? Tag us on social media by using the #ScoutShopBSA hashtag for your chance to be shared and get #ScoutShopFamous!
