One of the most important skills in the Mountains will be the navigation. This part you practise and train wherever you are. first of all you need to have a updated map. The trails and other parts can be changed, so it is important that the map is up to date.

you must be prepared for tough conditions..

The next thing you need is a good compass. Most of the compass today is good, but choose one with high quality.

(Illustration: Per Hardestam)

How to use the compass:

1. Put the side of the compass in the direction you want to go. 2. Turn the compass-house so the lines will be parallel with the lines in the map(The nail in the right in direction) 3. You just change the compass for the direction you want to got to. 4. the arrow shows the direction to follow.

When reading the map, which is very important, try to see it three dimension..

Try to see the map in three dimension, it will help you..

In the mountain environment it is extra difficult to navigate. It it is foggy or ”white out” of snow, just must know how to find the right direction. Here the help will be three parts: 1. A fixed compass direction. 2. Knowledge and good planning of distance. 3. The height were you are.

Always take as routine to set a fixed compass direction when you start your journey. You can put the directions of the day on a tape at the compass. Plan how long time every part of the planned distance will take, have catch up places during the navigation. Check with a altimeter, so you know exactly were you are. As a extra safety, you can check a reserve way out, if the wheatear becomes stormy or if you need to get down from high area fast. Check the map often, and take time. A mistake will maybe cost you a lot of time and effort..

I prefer to have a sighting compass, than you can have fixed direction and lock the compass with it…

See ya soon..