Winter note
Cold drains batteries quickly, and snow can hide tread. Keep electronics warm and make the map-and-compass layer real.
10 Essentials spoke
Navigation
Navigation is a layered system: carry a map and compass you can use without power, then add phone or GPS tracks as a convenience rather than the only plan.
Catalog items13
Source families4
Typical range20-380 g
How to use it
Topographic map, compass, and a downloaded GPS track with backup battery.
- Download the route before leaving service and confirm it opens offline.
- Keep a paper map accessible enough that you can check it during breaks.
- Use the compass to orient the map and verify direction at trail junctions.
- Carry enough power to keep your electronic navigation alive after a delay.
Packing tip
Put the map in a waterproof sleeve and keep the compass on a lanyard or in a consistent pocket.
GearCatalog items
Structured item stats transferred from the PeakList GearCatalog source families.
Topographic Map
- Family
- Navigation References
- Weight
- 40 g
- Best for
- off trail, alpine, long route, backpacking
- Suitability
- excellent
Pros: Provides complete topography; durable; waterproof.
Cons: Requires skill to read; may not show new trails.
Route Cue Sheet / Guidebook
- Family
- Navigation References
- Weight
- 60 g
- Best for
- race, trail running, day hike route, stage hike
- Suitability
- good
Pros: Concise directions; easy to follow; quick reference.
Cons: Limited to planned route; not helpful if you deviate; paper may soak.
Baseplate Compass
- Family
- Navigation Instruments
- Weight
- 35 g
- Best for
- three season day hike, off trail, beginner nav
- Suitability
- good
Pros: Lightweight; simple; durable.
Cons: No declination adjustment; no mirror for sighting; limited precision.
Mirror Compass
- Family
- Navigation Instruments
- Weight
- 65 g
- Best for
- technical navigation, alpine, off trail, wilderness search
- Suitability
- excellent
Pros: Accurate sighting; adjustable declination; built‑in mirror useful for self‑care/emergency.
Cons: Heavier; more expensive; some learning curve.
Analog Altimeter
- Family
- Navigation Instruments
- Weight
- 80 g
- Best for
- alpine, above treeline, off trail, mountaineering
- Suitability
- limited
Pros: Provides elevation and weather trend; no batteries; complements map.
Cons: Needs calibration; susceptible to pressure changes; heavier than compass.
Smartphone with Offline Maps
- Family
- Electronic Navigation & Communication
- Weight
- 200 g
- Best for
- day hike, trail running, urban trail, short backpacking
- Suitability
- good
Pros: Multi‑function; ubiquitous; easy to use; large screen.
Cons: Battery dependent; fragile; requires protective case.
GPS Unit
- Family
- Electronic Navigation & Communication
- Weight
- 150 g
- Best for
- remote backcountry, off trail, alpine, multi day
- Suitability
- excellent
Pros: Dedicated device; long battery life; robust; accurate GPS.
Cons: Small screen; separate cost; requires map downloads.
Satellite Messenger
- Family
- Electronic Navigation & Communication
- Weight
- 115 g
- Best for
- remote backcountry, alpine, winter, solo, high remoteness, off trail
- Suitability
- good
Pros: SOS and two‑way messaging; independent of cell coverage; long standby life.
Cons: Subscription cost; minimal navigation; small screen; weight adds up.
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
- Family
- Electronic Navigation & Communication
- Weight
- 125 g
- Best for
- remote backcountry, solo, high consequence, off trail, winter
- Suitability
- emergency_only
Pros: Reliable SOS; no subscription; long battery life.
Cons: One‑way distress only; no messaging or navigation; cannot test easily.
Small Power Bank (5 000 mAh)
- Family
- Power & Charging
- Weight
- 100 g
- Best for
- day hike, overnight, ultralight, smartphone nav, headlamp recharge
- Suitability
- good
Pros: Light; enough capacity to recharge smartphone once; inexpensive.
Cons: Limited capacity; not enough for multi‑day or multiple devices.
Large Power Bank (20 000 mAh)
- Family
- Power & Charging
- Weight
- 380 g
- Best for
- multi day, remote backcountry, group, multiple devices, winter
- Suitability
- excellent
Pros: High capacity; can recharge multiple devices; robust.
Cons: Heavy; expensive; slower to recharge.
Solar Panel
- Family
- Power & Charging
- Weight
- 250 g
- Best for
- multi day desert, remote backcountry, power redundancy
- Suitability
- limited
Pros: Renewable power; reduces reliance on pre‑charged banks.
Cons: Requires sun; heavy; delicate; slower charging.
Charging Cable & Adapter
- Family
- Power & Charging
- Weight
- 20 g
- Best for
- all trips, smartphone nav, gps unit
- Suitability
- good
Pros: Minimal weight; essential for charging; low cost.
Cons: None; small parts may be lost; ensure correct connectors for devices.
Related essentials
Most safety margins come from systems working together.
