MAPS + NAVIGATION

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Finding your way through remote terrain requires the right maps, compasses and navigation tools to keep your expedition on track. You can find detailed OS maps, precision baseplate compasses and handheld GPS units that work when the cloud comes down or your phone battery fails in the cold.

Navigating safely in the mountains requires a mix of digital and traditional tools to handle changing visibility. A baseplate compass with clear markings and a rotating housing allows for accurate bearings on exposed ridges and forest trails. Detailed 1:25,000 scale maps provide the terrain data needed to spot safe routes and avoid hazards during winter treks. For dedicated campers and mountain teams, having a waterproof map or a protective case ensures you can still read your route in heavy rain or snow.

Handheld GPS units and altimeters offer fast location fixes and tracking for ski tourers, mountaineers and long-distance hikers. These devices sit alongside your technical gear to provide elevation data and grid references even in whiteout conditions. Whether you are at a high-altitude pass or exploring local woodland, using a compass and a map together builds the confidence to explore further. Accurate navigation gear makes every trip safer by helping you stay on the path and reach your camp before dark.

Shop Snow+Rock maps, compasses and navigation to find high-performance gear that handles the wild as well as you do.

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For hiking and walking, OS Explorer maps offer detailed information on footpaths, rights of way, and terrain at a 1:25,000 scale. For cycling or longer routes, OS Landranger maps provide a broader overview at a 1:50,000 scale. Choose the map type based on your activity and the level of detail you need.

Place the compass on your map, aligning the edge between your current location and your destination. Rotate the compass housing so the orienting lines match the north-south grid lines on the map. Then, hold the compass flat and turn your body until the needle lines up with north - your direction of travel arrow now points the way.

Basic compasses show direction but lack precision. Baseplate (or orienteering) compasses are ideal for accurate navigation with maps, while mirror compasses provide greater accuracy for long treks. Sighting compasses are designed for taking precise bearings from distant objects, often used in triangulation.

Magnetic variation is the difference between grid north on your map and magnetic north indicated by your compass. This variation changes by location and over time. Adjusting for magnetic variation ensures your bearings are accurate, which is crucial for precise navigation in unfamiliar terrain.

Yes, you can use visible landmarks and terrain features to orient yourself, but a compass greatly improves accuracy, especially in areas with few obvious features or poor visibility. A compass is considered one of the Ten Essentials for safe outdoor navigation.