While wilderness navigation is comprised of many techniques that could range from terrain association to triangulation to utilizing a GPS enabled device, normally navigation will involve multiple techniques that when used together, help us keep track of our current location throughout the day and keep us on track as we move towards our backcountry destination of choice. One technique that can be utilized and that’s especially helpful in mountainous terrain is adding altitude into the equation. By knowing your approximate elevation, combined with another terrain feature shown on a map along with a general idea of where you’re at in the first place, your near exact location can be kept track of during the day. For example, by knowing your elevation as well as the trail that you’re on your approximate location can then be pinpointed on a map, even in deep forest where traditional compass triangulation wouldn’t be possible and without the need for firing up a secondary electronic GPS device if you carry one.

While backcountry navigation encompasses a variety of techniques, one technique that can help is using elevation data, combined with a good map, to your advantage.

Navigation by Elevation: The Gear

Of course, you can’t navigate by elevation without an altimeter – although an exception can be made if you’re very familiar with a specific area – treeline for example is pretty predictable in the same mountain range at a given latitude. In these cases you might not even need to glance at your watch, but we’ll probably still be estimating to some extent. While many GPS units or apps will relay your elevation, this is a bit of a moot point since your exact location will already be relayed on the screen. A great solution is your typical altimeter capable ABC watch (altimeter, barometer, compass) featuring a rechargeable battery and varying in complexity from basic units to units with GPS functions all on their own. A personal favorite – due to ease of use is a simple barometer based watch that recharges on its own via solar like the Casio PRG-270 ABC watch. The caveat here however is that varying weather will vary the accuracy of the altimeter requiring frequent calibration. I’ve found that once a day calibration is usually sufficient – before leaving camp or at the trailhead is the perfect time and usually enough to keep up with the weather with reasonable accuracy.

Final Thoughts

While not a navigation tool to completely rely upon as a single method, adding altitude into your overall navigation strategy and especially when matched with other features (a trail, creek, lake, etc.) on a good topo map just makes it easier to navigate and to keep track of one’s location throughout the day, and best of all is a simple and quick way to stay on top of your location while on the move.

For more techniques and a more detailed guide on backcountry navigation, see our full navigation guide in the Issue 56 PDF (included / a free download with an active TrailGroove Premium Subscription).

Editor's Note: This trail tip originally appeared in Issue 42 of TrailGroove Magazine. You can read the original article here.