Walking and Hiking question???

Question

Do you think ii is better to not use a map and to just go and seek and ye shall find or... is this a relatively daft idea?

Answer 1

Personal opinion I suppose. : )

Answer 2

If you like survival situations? In most wilderness areas food is relatively scarce, so you'll have to have some plan, some schedule, some idea of the range of your travels, and some goal toward eventual re-supply or return to civilization. It's one thing to plan a cross country route, from a map, carry a compass, or just to wander the trails in a National Park, going with the flow, and returning when supplies are low, but it's another to purposely get lost and run the risk of dying or requiring expensive rescue.

Although, I do know what you're talking about, and unlike some people who obsess with getting lost, downloading or buying 15 degree topo maps, I tend to get by with just a general area topo map, like of an entire park, or simply a line drawing with the trail names indicated. If I stick to the trail, I rarely need a compass, although I sometimes get a little lost, or take the wrong trail for a minute, so far I've been lucky.

I'm fairly confident that with my large area map and compass, extra food, enough gear to survive a night out or a storm, and good sense, I could get "lost" and still find my way to a road no matter what.

Answer 3

It depends. If you know the area well and you often go there and it has good and reliable signposts and paths, you don't really need to use a map.

But, if you go to an area you're unfamiliar with, in bad weather with horizontal rain and unforgiving winds and thick fog, it's essential that you have an up-to-date map and compass, otherwise you'll just get lost and in serious trouble!

But, whether you know the area or not, and even if you won't be using it, it's best to take a map of the area in case things don't go as planned!

Answer 4

It really depends where you are hiking. Some places are safe to just walk around and you will find something. Others, like Alaska, you absolutely MUST have a map or a guide. I would highly recommend getting a GPS and the proper software.

Answer 5

80% of all fatalities on the hill are through navigational error! Was out a few years ago and met guy with his girlfriend on hill in Scotland. There were 3 hills (Munros) and they had completed 2. The guy had already done the other one and she set off to do it herself. It was within site and less than half a mile away. They had 2 cars and guys car was - via road - 7 miles from hers, albeit only 2 from hill where he decided to come off. He told her to call him later when she got home. Anyway moral of story was, on clear defined path in broad sunny day (March) they parted company. 15 minutes later weather set in, she got lost and was found 2 days later by mountain rescue 4km away from path dead from exposure. No map, no compass, no basic survival skills. She just lay down and died! So you tell me, is it daft idea?

Answer 6

Easy day walks are fine without a map.

Anything over night/s then take a map, compass & either fill out an intentions book,let a park ranger(or equivalent) or friend or family member know of your intended route & return.

If you're uncertain, do these things anyway.

Answer 7

if you know the area fine, but bear in mind, if there is a downpour, no matter how well you know the area, weather conditions can play havoc, so it is best to carry a map and compass!
The rescue service does advise this as well as appropriate clothing, regardless of your experience!

Answer 8

by all means take a walk but if you get lost or have an accident your stuffed. always, always ,always carry a map, compass, survival kit, rations and always let someone know where you are going and your route to and from.

Answer 9

bring a map and go where ever u go but only use the map when u need to and also bring compass

Answer 10

It's always better to have a map with you, especially if you walk in hills or mountains, or way out in remote countryside, in case you get lost.

A compass comes in handy as well, if there's no sun, and plenty of fluid... i.e. water-based. lol

Answer 11

yes, go to the scottish highlands and trek thru the small villages,off the beaten track not in car but walking, you get to meet people and see things what you wouldnt ever do in a car.