Back country navigation class

Bernoff · Feb 11, 2019

This is a great idea but where does a person find these maps that shed moisture and can be stuffed in the backpack. I have tried to take the ones from the motels and even being careful they don't last very long. Would like to get good maps forsure. Does a guy need a good compass too.

snowcannon · Feb 11, 2019

Bernoff said:
This is a great idea but where does a person find these maps that shed moisture and can be stuffed in the backpack. i have tried to take the ones from the motels and even being careful they don't last very long. Would like to get good maps forsure. Does I guy need a good compass too.

Just get it laminated.

Bernoff · Feb 11, 2019

snowcannon said:
Just get it laminated.

There ya go questions answered. Thanks

Bnorth · Feb 12, 2019

Bernoff said:
This is a great idea but where does a person find these maps that shed moisture and can be stuffed in the backpack. I have tried to take the ones from the motels and even being careful they don't last very long. Would like to get good maps forsure. Does a guy need a good compass too.

Yes a good compass is needed. I carry this one https://www.suunto.com/en-ca/Products/Compasses/Suunto-MC-21/Suunto-MC-2-Mirror-NH-Compass/

Keith Brown · Feb 12, 2019

Silva Ranger 2 is a professional grade option

Bnorth said:
Yes a good compass is needed. I carry this one https://www.suunto.com/en-ca/Products/Compasses/Suunto-MC-21/Suunto-MC-2-Mirror-NH-Compass/

Lund · Feb 12, 2019

Bernoff said:
This is a great idea but where does a person find these maps that shed moisture and can be stuffed in the backpack. I have tried to take the ones from the motels and even being careful they don't last very long. Would like to get good maps forsure. Does a guy need a good compass too.

So as mentioned already, once you decided on the map your going to need, laminate it. This will protect it and allows you to make directional lines, calculate distances, mark interest points or if your like me write notes on it. I pack an erasable marker with it.
As for a compass, you don't need to go crazy, Suunto, Silva are top brands readily available for around the $80-$100.
There are many options out there that can throw confusion into the mix but for navigational purpose this is all and what you need.

weeksy · Feb 12, 2019

I would be interested if the dates line up.

C of Red · Feb 12, 2019

Bernoff said:
This is a great idea but where does a person find these maps that shed moisture and can be stuffed in the backpack. I have tried to take the ones from the motels and even being careful they don't last very long. Would like to get good maps forsure. Does a guy need a good compass too.

I use waterproof paper for printing maps, radio freq, contacts and anything else I may require. Works great for sledding, boating etc.

https://www.riteintherain.com/copier-paper-500-white-20-bond-8-1-2-x-11

climbmax · Feb 12, 2019

Excellent Idea Mike. I would like to support with the use of a conference room in Revelstoke. Let me know dates and I will arrange.
Thanks for going the extra mike and giving back to the community.
RS

Lund · Feb 13, 2019

climbmax said:
Excellent Idea Mike. I would like to support with the use of a conference room in Revelstoke. Let me know dates and I will arrange.
Thanks for going the extra mike and giving back to the community.
RS

Thank's Randy, that is very much appreciated it would help a lot in getting this off the ground and a huge obstacle taken care of.
This was an off the cuff idea and thought why not see if there is any interest for it, so i have not done any preparation.
I need to put together a course out line and be able to do it in a 4-6hrs session.
I also need to gather up at least a dozen compasses and hopefully as many GPS's.
Map's are a no issue as i can easily print them and laminate them.
So lots to do before i can put dates together, but if the interest continues i will have to get it off the ground sooner then later.

deaner · Feb 13, 2019

I wonder if there is a way you could make the content available online and make it worth your time? It would take a lot of filming and editing, but would be a tremendous resource. Just thinking it would reach SO many more people. A weekend course is going to reach what....50 people? Online content could reach thousands and thousands. Could really save lives and save S&R a lot of needless call outs. Not just snowmobilers either. Would really portray snowmobilers in a positive light too. Not sure how many views it takes on youtube before you start getting paid from the ads, but free and easily accessible is obviously going to reach/help the most people.

Just a thought.

Lund · Feb 13, 2019

deaner said:
I wonder if there is a way you could make the content available online and make it worth your time? It would take a lot of filming and editing, but would be a tremendous resource. Just thinking it would reach SO many more people. A weekend course is going to reach what....50 people? Online content could reach thousands and thousands. Could really save lives and save S&R a lot of needless call outs. Not just snowmobilers either. Would really portray snowmobilers in a positive light too. Not sure how many views it takes on youtube before you start getting paid from the ads, but free and easily accessible is obviously going to reach/help the most people.

Just a thought.

Ya good thought except one problem, no field day.
Part of using these tools goes much farther then theory and head knowledge, being able to do it confidently is important. Being put in a situation and using the tools at hand to figure it out is more important then watching youtube vids.
The course would include a field day in the hill's where i would simulate numerous situations and leave it up to you to figure it out. I think you would be very surprised with out that field training how much most would "F" up and get confused. So my point is, if your going to "F" up doit while i'm there so i can show you what went wrong.
My goal would be to build confidence in your knowledge and trusting your gear and not second guessing your self..."did i did it right"

broke'n'nuts · Feb 14, 2019

Lund said:
Thank's Randy, that is very much appreciated it would help a lot in getting this off the ground and a huge obstacle taken care of.
This was an off the cuff idea and thought why not see if there is any interest for it, so i have not done any preparation.
I need to put together a course out line and be able to do it in a 4-6hrs session.
I also need to gather up at least a dozen compasses and hopefully as many GPS's.
Map's are a no issue as i can easily print them and laminate them.
So lots to do before i can put dates together, but if the interest continues i will have to get it off the ground sooner then later.

If dates lined up I would also be interested. As per the compass and GPS gathering up, I am of the opinion this should already be in your kit. If you dont have the basic tools you shouldn't be taking a navigation course. Prerequisite of course should be to bring your own. Awesome idea for sure

DV-ENT · Feb 15, 2019

Myself the wife and a few others from the Sicy area would attend as well so please keep us informed.

Lund · Feb 21, 2019

I'm working on it guy's.

If anyone has a basic map reading compass similar to the one pictured kicking around and not being used and would like to donate it to help get this course off the ground it will greatly appreciated.
I'm on the hunt for about 12 compasses. THX

Please PM me

snowcannon · Feb 21, 2019

Lund said:
I'm working on it guy's.

If anyone has a basic map reading compass similar to the one pictured kicking around and not being used and would like to donate it to help get this course off the ground it will greatly appreciated.
I'm on the hunt for about 12 compasses. THX

Please PM me
View attachment 215897

Why not make it a prerequisite to have compass to participate in that course?

Rbrduk · Feb 21, 2019

That’s a good question.
I think everyone should carry a compass. Especially if they are thinking about taking a course like this.

Lund · Feb 21, 2019

snowcannon said:
Why not make it a prerequisite to have compass to participate in that course?

Rbrduk said:
That’s a good question.
I think everyone should carry a compass. Especially if they are thinking about taking a course like this.

Well that's a good idea..LOL.
Was thinking that today most don't carry a compass but maybe that's not so.

snowcannon · Feb 21, 2019

Lund said:
Well that's a good idea..LOL.
Was thinking that today most don't carry a compass but maybe that's not so.

Or even better, just buy a bunch of them (for the participants to keep) and incorporate the cost into the course fee.

ferniesnow · Feb 22, 2019

snowcannon said:
Why not make it a prerequisite to have compass to participate in that course?

Absolutely! Like taking an avy course without a beacon, probe, or shovel.

Back country navigation class

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