Cheat sheet: Orientation and navigation

1. 1Read the legend and margin information – Before use, read the scale, contour interval, publication year, grid and symbol key.
2. 2Measure distances – Measure the route with a ruler or a piece of string along the path and convert using the scale.
3. 3Read terrain from contour lines – Look for height numbers to tell uphill from downhill.
4. 4Choose handrails and landmarks – Mark easily recognisable features along the route – streams, path junctions, forest edges, hilltops.
5. 5Check as you go – Compare map and terrain regularly.

Caution: Maps can be outdated: paths are moved, bridges removed, forest roads newly built. When in doubt, follow the actual terrain and local closures, not the map blindly.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-map-reading

1. 1Hold the map flat – Hold the map level or lay it on a flat surface, away from metal.
2. 2Orient with a compass – Place the compass with its edge parallel to a north–south line on the map.
3. 3Or: with terrain features – Without a compass: find a surely identified feature (summit, lake, church tower, straight road) and turn the map until its direction on the…
4. 4Match the surroundings – Compare further features.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-orienting-map

1. 1Read the map margin – Look in the map margin for the grid type, zone, datum and a worked example.
2. 2Identify the square – Find the grid line to the left of the point (easting) and the line below it (northing).
3. 3Refine within the square – Estimate or measure with the romer how far into the square the point lies to the right and up, and append the digits.
4. 4Cross-check with a device – Set your GPS or map app to the same format and datum as the map and compare a known position.
5. 5Write down and pass on – Write the coordinate down, name the format when passing it on (e.g. 'UTM, zone …' or 'decimal degrees') and have it read back to you.

Caution: Coordinate formats (decimal degrees, degrees-minutes, degrees-minutes-seconds, UTM) look similar but, if mixed up, produce errors of many kilometres. In an emergency call, name the format and repeat the digits slowly.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-grid-coordinates

1. 1Read the contour interval – The map margin states the height difference between lines.
2. 2Work out uphill and downhill – Use height values, summit points, lakes and streams: water always flows downhill, so V shapes at streams point uphill.
3. 3Name the landforms – Find ridges, valleys, saddles, knolls and steep slopes on the map and in the landscape, and match them to each other.
4. 4Judge steepness – Compare line spacing: where they bunch up, it gets steep.
5. 5Use slope aspect – Point the compass down the fall line of the slope you are standing on. Compare this direction with slopes on the map – it narrows down your…

Caution: Rock steps and drops smaller than the contour interval can disappear between two lines. A convex slope also hides what lies below it. Never descend steep sections 'blind'.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-contour-features

1. 1Fold the map – Fold the map so the current section is visible and keep it oriented.
2. 2Place your thumb – Put your thumb right next to your position, tip pointing in your direction of travel.
3. 3Name the next features – Tell yourself (or the group) the next two or three features in order: e.g. bridge, then climb, then forest edge on the left.
4. 4Tick off and move your thumb – At each feature reached, move your thumb and confirm briefly.
5. 5Take a missing feature seriously – If an expected feature does not appear after a reasonable time, stop instead of walking on.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-thumbing-map

1. 1Line up the compass between start and destination – Place the edge of the baseplate on the map so that it connects your position and the destination, with the direction-of-travel arrow…
2. 2Turn the housing to map north – Turn the housing until its orienting lines are parallel to the map's north–south lines and the housing's north arrow points to the top of…
3. 3Apply declination – Look up the declination on your map.
4. 4Turn yourself with the compass – Hold the compass level in front of your body, direction arrow pointing forward.
5. 5Sight a landmark and walk – Pick a distinctive point in the arrow's direction (a tree, a rock), walk to it, and from there sight the next one.
6. 6Monitor distance and progress – Estimate the distance covered (time or pace counting) and check for expected terrain features.

Caution: A bearing shows only the direction, not whether the direct line is passable. Go around obstacles and then pick up the bearing again; never follow it stubbornly into steep terrain.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-compass-bearing

1. 1Download offline maps – Before the trip, download maps of the whole area plus surroundings and check in airplane mode that they display.
2. 2Charge and pack a reserve – Fully charge phone and power bank and take the matching cable.
3. 3Save energy – Dim the screen, switch off unneeded apps and radios, use airplane mode when you do not need the network (satellite positioning usually…
4. 4Keep the battery warm – In cold weather carry the device close to your body in an inside pocket.
5. 5Know how to find coordinates – Practise at home where the app shows your coordinates so you can read them out quickly in an emergency.
6. 6Set an emergency reserve – Decide on a battery level below which the phone is used only for emergency calls, and plan to turn back before you reach it.

Danger: A flat battery takes away navigation and the emergency call at the same time. Conserve the battery, keep a reserve for an emergency call, and do not rely on the phone as your only aid.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-phone-gps

1. 1Find the value – Read the declination, its reference year and the annual change from the map margin – or use a current calculator from a geomagnetic service.
2. 2Judge whether it matters – Small values may be negligible over short distances, large ones are not.
3. 3Set the compass or write down the rule – If the compass has an adjustment, set the value there; it then corrects automatically.
4. 4Test in the field – From a known point, take a bearing on a point identifiable on the map and compare it with the map direction.

Caution: Declination changes with place and time. Old maps can show outdated values; take account of the annual change stated or look up a current value.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-declination

1. 1Choose intermediate targets – Sight a distinctive point along the direction arrow (a tree, a rock), walk to it, sight again.
2. 2Leapfrog in a group – If there are no target points, one person walks ahead until just still visible.
3. 3Aim off deliberately – If the target lies on a line feature (path, stream), deliberately set the direction slightly to one side.
4. 4Box around an obstacle – Turn 90° to one side and count paces until clear of the obstacle.
5. 5Check with a back bearing – Look back occasionally: if the starting point lies exactly on the reciprocal bearing, you are on course.

Caution: A direction or a position on the map says nothing about whether the terrain in between is safe to cross. Go around cliffs, water, avalanche and rockfall terrain, and turn back when in doubt.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-bearing-techniques

1. 1Set at the start – Set the altimeter at a point of known height (spot height on the map or a sign).
2. 2Write heights into the plan – Note the height of key route points: junctions, saddle, hut, turnaround point.
3. 3Combine height with a line – If you are on a path, ridge or stream, look for where the displayed contour crosses that line.
4. 4Recalibrate on the way – At every confidently identified point with a spot height, compare and reset.

Caution: A line on the map says nothing about whether the terrain is safe to cross. Go around cliffs, water, avalanche and rockfall terrain, and turn back when in doubt.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-altimeter

1. 1S – Stop – Stop, sit down, have a drink and breathe calmly.
2. 2T – Think – Where was the last point you were sure of?
3. 3O – Observe – Check your surroundings, the weather, remaining daylight, battery, equipment, water and your own condition.
4. 4P – Plan – Decide deliberately: only go back to the last known point on a safe, known route – or stay, call for help and make yourself findable.
5. 5If staying: visible and warm – Choose a safe, preferably open spot nearby, make yourself visible and audible (signals, bright clothing) and protect yourself from cold.

Danger: If injured, exhausted, with darkness falling in difficult terrain or at risk of hypothermia: call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) early. An early call is better than a late one.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-lost-stop

1. 1Find a handrail – Look on the map for a line running roughly your way: path, stream, fence, forest edge, power line, valley floor.
2. 2Set a catching feature – Identify a line lying across your route beyond the target (road, stream, foot of a slope).
3. 3Choose an attack point – Pick an unmistakable feature close to the target (junction, bridge, summit).
4. 4Tick off features – Decide which features must appear on the way (e.g. stream crossing, clearing).

Caution: A direction or a position on the map says nothing about whether the terrain in between is safe to cross. Go around cliffs, water, avalanche and rockfall terrain, and turn back when in doubt.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-handrails-attack-points

1. 1Calibrate your pace – Walk a known distance at normal pace and count double paces (each time the same foot lands).
2. 2Write the values down – Note your count per distance for different surfaces on a card or on the compass.
3. 3Count on the move – Measure the leg length on the map, convert to double paces and count.
4. 4Record time – Note the start time of each leg.
5. 5Compare with the terrain – If the counted distance is reached but the target is missing, do not keep walking: stop and search systematically.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-pacing-timing

1. 1Decide: continue or wait – Honestly assess whether the route is safe.
2. 2Plan short legs – Split the route into short sections to unambiguous features (junction, stream, foot of slope).
3. 3Measure direction, distance, time – Hold the direction with compass and leapfrogging, count paces and note start times.
4. 4Use light deliberately – Use the lamp for map reading and obstacles, otherwise dimmed.
5. 5Check often – After each leg, check whether the expected feature is there.

Danger: If you get into steep or unknown terrain in poor visibility, stop, keep warm and call for help if needed (local emergency number, 112 in the EU) rather than carrying on. Many accidents happen when people push on under pressure.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-night-fog

1. 1Stop – Stop as soon as doubt arises.
2. 2Identify the last certain point – Where were you last certain of your position?
3. 3Match the terrain – Orient the map, determine slope aspect and landform (ridge, valley, saddle) and look for matching places within the circle.
4. 4Resection – Take bearings on two or three positively identified landmarks, convert them to map bearings, and draw each back bearing from the landmark.
5. 5Decide – If the position is clear, plan the way on. If not: go back along the known route to the last certain point, head for a large catching…

Danger: With injury, exhaustion, risk of hypothermia or approaching darkness, getting help (local emergency number, 112 in the EU) takes priority over relocating.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-relocation

1. 1Learn a reference distance – Memorise a known distance, e.g. a football pitch, and look at it from different angles.
2. 2Lay it out mentally – Estimate how many times the reference distance fits to the target.
3. 3Watch details – Can you make out single branches, windows, fence posts?
4. 4Check with the map or walking time – Measure the distance on the map or note how long it actually takes you.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-distance-by-eye

1. 1Identify the water on the map – Note flow direction, tributaries, bridges, islands and shoreline shapes; these are your checkpoints.
2. 2Use as a handrail – Walk on a path at a safe distance from the bank and tick off tributaries or bridges.
3. 3Use as a catching feature – A stream or lake shore lying across the route tells you that you have gone too far.
4. 4Plan for tides on coasts – Check the tide table, know narrow points and exits and allow plenty of time.

Danger: Do not automatically follow a stream downhill when lost. Stream courses can lead into gorges, over drops and waterfalls or into impassable terrain. Clarify your position first (STOP rule), then choose a safe route.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-water-features

1. 1Stop first, then observe – Stop, have a drink and think about whether you need to move at all (STOP rule).
2. 2Read wind-shaped trees – In exposed places – hilltops, ridges, coasts, single trees in a field – a prevailing wind shapes the crowns: branches grow more on the side…
3. 3Recognise the sunny side – In the northern hemisphere south-facing slopes get more sun.
4. 4Use man-made signs – Many old churches in Europe are 'oriented': the altar end lies to the east and the tower often to the west – but there are many exceptions.
5. 5Rule out the myths – Moss and lichen grow where it is damp and shady – in forest often all round, by streams on any side.
6. 6Combine the signs – Collect at least two, better three independent signs – for example wind-shaped trees, remaining snow and the sun behind the clouds.
7. 7Mark and hold the direction – Lay the direction you found on the ground as a cross of sticks and mentally label N, E, S, W. Then pick a distinctive far-off target in the…

Danger: If you are lost, stop first (STOP rule). If someone knows where you are, it is usually safer to stay at a clearly visible place than to set off on a hunch. With phone signal, call the emergency number 112 straight away (in Austria the mountain rescue also on 140).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-natural-signs-myths

1. 1Recognise the moon phase – Look at how much of the moon is lit: thin crescent, half moon, almost full or full.
2. 2Join the tips – Hold a straight stick in front of your eye so that it touches both tips of the crescent.
3. 3Read the lit side – The lit side faces the sun.
4. 4Full moon and time – The full moon rises in the east at about sunset, stands roughly in the south around midnight (daylight saving time: around 1 a.m.) and sets…
5. 5Rising and setting only roughly – The moon rises roughly in the east and sets in the west, but depending on the day of the month it is shifted far to the north-east or…
6. 6Mark and check – Lay the direction you found on the ground with sticks.

Danger: If you are lost, stop first (STOP rule). If someone knows where you are, it is usually safer to stay at a clearly visible place than to set off on a hunch. With phone signal, call the emergency number 112 straight away (in Austria the mountain rescue also on 140).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-moon-direction

1. 1Don't trust your feeling – Be clear about it: without a reference point you walk in circles, even if it feels straight.
2. 2Sight a target – Face the direction and pick a distinctive point exactly on the line: a striking tree, a rock, a gap.
3. 3Line up two targets – It gets more precise with two targets one behind the other, a near one and a far one.
4. 4Look back – Turn round every few minutes.
5. 5Guide each other in pairs – In dense forest one person walks ahead until they are just still visible.
6. 6Go around obstacles in a rectangle – If a thicket or bog is in the way, step off at a right angle and count your paces, then continue in the old direction until you are past…
7. 7Check the direction regularly – Re-check the direction with the sun, the wind or natural signs every 15 to 30 minutes – the sun moves during the day.

Danger: If you are lost, stop first (STOP rule). If someone knows where you are, it is usually safer to stay at a clearly visible place than to set off on a hunch. With phone signal, call the emergency number 112 straight away (in Austria the mountain rescue also on 140).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-walking-straight-line

1. 1Decide first: stay or go? – Apply the STOP rule.
2. 2Find water and check the flow – Go downhill, into hollows and gullies, and listen for rushing water.
3. 3Walk beside the water – Walk on paths, game trails or the slope above the bank, not in the stream bed and not over wet stones.
4. 4Bypass gorges and waterfalls – If the valley narrows, the banks turn into rock walls or you hear a loud roar, do not go further in. Climb out sideways in good time and…
5. 5Avoid thickets and bogs – Banks are often overgrown with brambles or willow scrub, or they are boggy.
6. 6Watch for storms and rising water – Look at the sky regularly, especially up the valley.
7. 7Decide at a path or road – When you reach a path, forestry road or power-line corridor, follow it downhill – paths lead to settlements.

Danger: Never walk in gorges, ravines or stream beds when thunderstorms threaten or it is raining upstream: a flash flood can come from rain far away and raise the water within minutes. If the water turns muddy, rises, carries wood or you hear a roar, climb sideways to higher ground immediately.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-follow-water-downstream

1. 1Go quiet and listen – Stand still, everyone in the group falls silent, hood down.
2. 2Interpret the sounds – A steady hum with occasional louder vehicles is a road.
3. 3Check the direction several times – Check the direction from two or three different places, ideally from an open hilltop or a forest edge.
4. 4Use smells – Wood smoke, the smell of a barn, freshly cut grass or exhaust fumes always come from the side the wind is blowing from.
5. 5Take a line on lights at night – At night you can see house lights, car headlights or the bright glow above towns on the clouds.
6. 6Look for human traces by day – Smoke columns, power lines, fences, logging areas, forestry roads and signposts are signs of people nearby.
7. 7Decide and draw attention to yourself – Only set off if staying is not a better choice, the terrain in between looks safe and enough daylight remains.

Danger: If you are lost, stop first (STOP rule). If someone knows where you are, it is usually safer to stay at a clearly visible place than to set off on a hunch. With phone signal, call the emergency number 112 straight away (in Austria the mountain rescue also on 140).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-sound-signs-of-civilization

1. 1Set up the stick – Push a straight stick upright into level ground so that it casts a clear shadow.
2. 2First mark – Mark the tip of the shadow with a stone or twig.
3. 3Wait – Wait about 15 minutes or longer until the shadow tip has clearly moved.
4. 4Second mark and line – Mark the new shadow tip.
5. 5Cross-check with other clues – Compare with the map, known landmarks or the sun's position.

Caution: The method is only rough. A small error in direction leads far from the target over longer distances. It does not replace a decision by the STOP rule or an emergency call.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-sun-direction

1. 1Set the route and alternatives – Choose the route on the map, note key sections, junctions, water sources and possible shortcuts or escape routes.
2. 2Estimate the time needed – Consider distance, height gain, terrain, the fitness of the slowest person and breaks.
3. 3Set a turnaround time – Decide by when a certain point must be reached, otherwise you turn back.
4. 4Leave the plan – Tell a trusted person: route, start and end point, participants, equipment, vehicle and registration, planned return and when they should…
5. 5Stick to the plan or report changes – Deviate on the way only when necessary, and report changes as soon as you have signal.
6. 6Check in – Check in with your contact person immediately after returning.

Danger: Agree with your contact person when they should call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) if they have not heard from you – and reliably check in when you return to avoid false alarms.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-route-planning

1. 1Northern hemisphere: find the Big Dipper – Find the Big Dipper (Plough).
2. 2Alternative: Cassiopeia – If the Big Dipper is low, the 'W' of Cassiopeia lies on the other side of the North Star and can help locate it.
3. 3Southern hemisphere: Southern Cross – Find the Southern Cross (not the similar, larger 'False Cross').
4. 4Mark the direction – Lay a stick or stones pointing the way you found, so you still know it in the morning.

Caution: Knowing a direction does not mean it is safe to walk at night. Night travel into the unknown is risky; use the star direction rather to set off the right way next morning.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-stars

1. 1Allow for daylight saving – If daylight saving time applies, use 1 o'clock instead of 12 as the reference.
2. 2Northern hemisphere – Hold the watch level and point the hour hand at the sun.
3. 3Southern hemisphere – Point 12 at the sun.
4. 4Cross-check – Compare with other clues (sunrise and sunset, shadow stick, terrain) and treat the result as a rough estimate.

Caution: The watch method can be far off depending on place, date and time. Never navigate long distances or into dangerous terrain by it alone.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-watch-method

1. 1Find the coordinates – Learn at home where your phone shows coordinates (map app, compass app or offline map app) and in which format.
2. 2Wait for accuracy – Wait a moment under open sky until the displayed accuracy is stable.
3. 3State format and digits – In an emergency call, name the format, then the digits slowly, and have them read back.
4. 4Add a description – Describe the trail, summit, hut, water, altitude, slope aspect and what you can see.
5. 5Share with trusted contacts – For trips: share live location or regular positions by message with a contact who knows your trip plan.

Danger: In an emergency, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) first. Sending your location only to friends is no substitute for an emergency call.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-location-sharing

1. 1Choose leg points – Divide the route into sections between unambiguous points that are recognisable even in poor visibility.
2. 2Measure direction, distance, height – For each leg, note the map bearing (converted to a magnetic bearing if needed), length and height gained and lost.
3. 3Estimate time – Estimate the time per leg from your own experience or a rule of thumb (e.g. Naismith) and add a buffer.
4. 4Escape routes and turnaround time – Note a safe way out for critical legs and set a turnaround time.
5. 5Use and compare on the way – Note the start time of each leg and compare it with the plan.

Caution: A line on the map says nothing about whether the terrain is safe to cross. Go around cliffs, water, avalanche and rockfall terrain, and turn back when in doubt.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-route-card

1. 1Prepare – Get a paper city map and mark home, work, school, meeting points and emergency contact points.
2. 2Remember the big lines – Memorise a few main axes: river, ring road, railway line.
3. 3Read signs and house numbers – Street names at junctions, the direction of house numbers and maps at stops show position and direction.
4. 4Use landmarks – Tall, highly visible buildings serve as direction indicators.
5. 5Ask – Passers-by, shops, taxi and transport staff know the area.

Caution: In a crisis, roads, bridges or districts may be closed. Always follow barriers and instructions from police and rescue services, even if the shortest route leads that way.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-urban-no-phone

1. 1Brief before setting off – Discuss route, destination, turnaround time, whistle signals and what to do if separated ('stay where you are and blow your whistle').
2. 2Assign roles – One person navigates, a second follows along on the map, an experienced back marker always goes last.
3. 3Regroup at every junction – The front waits at every junction until the back marker is in sight.
4. 4Count heads regularly – Count heads after breaks, at junctions and before each leg.
5. 5Stop together when in doubt – If anyone voices doubt, stop together and check the position – doubts are welcome, not a nuisance.

Danger: If someone is missing and cannot be found after a short search along the route, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) early rather than having the whole group scatter.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-group-navigation

1. 1Record the starting point – Describe the starting point (e.g. car park, street name) and, if possible, save coordinates or a photo.
2. 2Note every junction – Write down or sketch the time, the direction taken (left/right, compass direction) and a distinctive feature.
3. 3Look back – After each junction, turn around briefly and memorise how it looks from the other direction.
4. 4Return with the sketch – Read the sketch backwards: reverse the directions, use times as a rough check.

Caution: A sketch does not replace a map. For trips away from known routes, take a map and leave a trip plan.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-sketch-map

1. 1React early – When fog rolls in or snowfall thickens, decide while you can still see something: memorise the track and terrain, fix the direction back…
2. 2Stop and wait in shelter – If you are in unknown, steep or avalanche-prone terrain, stopping is usually the safest choice.
3. 3Only go on with a fixed aid – Only go on if you can follow a known track, a line of marker poles or a compass bearing into flat, known terrain.
4. 4Single file within sight – Walk close together in single file, only so far apart that you can still see and hear each other.
5. 5Throw snowballs ahead – Throw a firm snowball a few metres ahead of you.
6. 6Avoid ridges and cornices – Cornices overhang on the downwind side of ridges and often break far behind the edge.
7. 7Emergency call and warmth – If you cannot go on, someone is exhausted or very cold, make the emergency call (112, in Austria also 140) and stay where you are.

Danger: Cornices are overhanging roofs of snow on the downwind side of ridges. They can break off far behind the visible edge. In a whiteout avoid ridges or stay well on the windward side – never go to the edge.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-whiteout-snow

1. 1A note at your starting point – Before you leave a place, write a note: name, date, time, which direction you are going, why, how you and the group are doing and what you…
2. 2Lay large arrows – At every junction and wherever you leave a path, lay an arrow of sticks or stones on the ground – at least one big step long, with the tip…
3. 3Cross out wrong ways – A cross (X) of two sticks means 'not this way'.
4. 4Mark conspicuously and regularly – Between junctions, conspicuous items at eye level help – marker tape, a coloured piece of cloth – placed so that the next can be seen from…
5. 5Read existing trail marks – In Austria hiking trails are marked red-white-red, often with the trail number in the white field; signposts give the destination and…
6. 6Lost the markings: go back – If you cannot see any more markings, stop, look around and if necessary go back to the last mark you were sure of. Do not follow faint…
7. 7Remove everything afterwards – When the emergency is over or it was only practice, remove arrows, crosses, tape and any cairns of your own and scatter stones and sticks.

Danger: If you are lost, stop first (STOP rule). If someone knows where you are, it is usually safer to stay at a clearly visible place than to set off on a hunch. With phone signal, call the emergency number 112 straight away (in Austria the mountain rescue also on 140).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/navigation/nav-trail-marking-for-rescuers

1. 1Know sunset beforehand – Before the trip, look up when the sun sets and write it down.
2. 2Measure with your hand – Stretch your arm out fully, hand sideways, fingers together and horizontal, thumb tucked in. Put the bottom edge of your little finger on…
3. 3Apply the rule of thumb – Roughly: one finger about 15 minutes, one hand of four fingers about an hour.
4. 4Calibrate your own hand – If you have a watch, measure the number of fingers on the first evening, note the time, and repeat until sunset.
5. 5Allow for the terrain – Measure to the real horizon behind which the sun will disappear – in the mountains that is a ridge that lies much higher than the flat…
6. 6Plan backwards – Think about what you need before dark: a safe spot, shelter, dry wood, water, warm clothes.
7. 7Be ready before dark – Put the headlamp, warm clothes and water within reach, collect wood for the whole night and finish the sleeping place while you can still…

Danger: Never look straight at the sun – not even briefly and not with sunglasses. Hold your hand so that the top edge of your fingers covers the sun, and only squint past it to the side.

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