Originally Posted By PaHiker
Originally Posted By Zuuk
[quote=edfardos]
All you need to do is go in reverse, using what is called a back bearing, and follow your steps back out.... Also has the effect of a double check of your route.


Save the math, that's why God made the compass needle with two poles. Just follow the other end of the needle. For example, my needle is red/silver, red points north, silver south. To backtrack I just follow the silver needle.


That works if you are going due South or due North, but if you are hiking a trail that runs SW to NE and you head off trail to take a leak to the NNW...you'll need a reciprocal bearing to get back to the trail. Also called a back bearing, I guess.

Or you could leave a trail of breadcrumbs to follow back to the trail--no wait, that's not a good idea of witches are around...or birds.


Edited by balzaccom (11/21/16 02:13 PM)
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