9 Tips for Keeping Your Bearings While Rucking

Rucking can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it's important to stay safe and avoid getting lost. Whether you're a seasoned rucker or a beginner, these 9 tips can help you keep your bearings and stay on track during your next outdoor adventure.

Plan your route ahead of time

Before you hit the trail, make sure you have a clear understanding of your route. Study maps and trail guides, and familiarize yourself with landmarks and other points of interest along the way. Consider using a GPS device or smartphone app to help you navigate, but don't rely solely on technology. Always carry a paper map and compass as a backup. And be sure to let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return.

Bring a map and compass (and know how to use them)

One of the most important things you can do to keep your bearings while rucking is to bring a map and compass, and know how to use them. While GPS devices and smartphone apps can be helpful, they can also fail or lose signal. A paper map and compass are reliable backups that can help you navigate even if technology fails. Before you hit the trail, take the time to learn how to read a map and use a compass. Practice orienteering skills in a safe, controlled environment before you head out on a ruck.

Pay attention to landmarks and trail markers

While a map and compass are important tools for navigation, it’s also important to pay attention to landmarks and trail markers. Look for distinctive features like rock formations, trees, or streams that can help you identify your location on the map. Trail markers like blazes on trees or cairns (piles of rocks) can also help you stay on the right path. However, be aware that some markers may be old or misleading, so always double-check with your map and compass.

Stay on the trail

One of the most important tips for keeping your bearings while rucking is to stay on the trail. Straying off the path can lead to confusion and getting lost. Stick to the designated trail and avoid taking shortcuts or creating your own path. If you do need to leave the trail for any reason, make sure to mark your location on the map and take note of any landmarks or trail markers to help you find your way back.

Don't rely solely on technology

Technology can be a helpful tool for navigation, but it should not be relied on solely. Batteries can die, signals can be lost, and devices can malfunction. Always bring a physical map and compass as a backup, and make sure you know how to use them. Familiarise yourself with the terrain and landmarks before setting out on your ruck, and pay attention to natural landmarks such as mountain peaks, valleys, lakes, or prominent trail intersections and signs such as the position of the sun and the direction of water flow.

While rucking, periodically cross-reference your electronic devices, such as smartphones or GPS units, with the physical map and compass. This serves as a double-check and a back up to ensure consistency and accuracy. Remember that electronic devices can drain their batteries unexpectedly, so conserve power by using them sparingly and carrying extra batteries or bring a portable charger/power bank to keep devices topped up.

Keep track of time

One crucial aspect of maintaining your bearings while rucking is to stay aware of time. Knowing how much time you have before sunset or understanding how long it takes to return to your starting point can be invaluable for planning your route and ensuring you don't get lost in unfamiliar terrain.

While rucking, periodically check your watch, phone, or any other timekeeping device you have on hand. This will allow you to gauge your progress and make necessary adjustments to your pace or route if needed. If you notice that you're falling behind schedule, it might be wise to skip certain side trails or expedite your movements to ensure you have enough time to return safely before sunset.

Knowing how much time you have before sunset or how long it takes to get back to your starting point can help you plan your route and avoid getting lost.

Bring plenty of water and snacks

Rucking requires physical exertion, which means your body needs a constant supply of energy to function optimally. Trail mix, energy bars, fruits, sandwiches, and nuts are all excellent options for providing sustained energy during your ruck. Opt for lightweight and non-perishable snacks that are easy to carry and consume on the go. Aim for a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to keep your energy levels stable throughout the ruck.

Staying hydrated and fuelled up can help you stay alert and focused on your surroundings. It can also help prevent fatigue, which can make it harder to stay on track. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, impaired decision-making, and even more serious health complications. It's important to bring an ample supply of water with you, especially when embarking on longer rucks or when hiking in hot and dry conditions.

To better understand optimum hydration while on a ruck, check the article - Staying Hydrated - How much water to bring on a ruck

Ruck with a partner

Having a rucking partner can greatly enhance your overall experience. Not only does it provide an extra set of eyes and ears to help keep you on track, but it also offers numerous benefits in terms of safety, camaraderie, and enjoyment of the ruck.

One of the main advantages of rucking with a partner is the increased level of safety it provides. Having another person with you means there is someone to share the responsibility of navigation and decision-making. Two minds working together can help ensure that both of you stay on the right path and avoid getting lost. Your rucking partner can help identify trail markers, read maps, and collaborate in route-finding, reducing the chances of taking wrong turns or straying off course.

Rucking with a partner can help alleviate any feelings of solitude or anxiety that some individuals may experience when hiking alone. It offers a sense of companionship, making the ruck more enjoyable and less intimidating. Sharing the experience with someone allows you to engage in conversation, share observations about the surroundings, and support each other during challenging sections of the trail.

Additionally, having a rucking partner provides an extra layer of safety in case of any unforeseen circumstances or medical emergencies. In case of an injury or illness, your rucking partner can assist with first aid, seek help if needed, or provide moral support until help arrives. It's essential to communicate and establish a plan in advance regarding what to do in emergency situations, ensuring both of you are prepared to handle unexpected events.

Trust your instincts

If you have a feeling that you're going the wrong way, trust your gut and retrace your steps. It's always better to take a little extra time to make sure you're on the right path than to risk getting lost.