Читать книгу Afoot & Afield: Atlanta. 108 Spectacular Outings in North-Central Georgia онлайн

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When hiking in cold weather, keep in mind that you should bring a stove or other heat source to make a warm drink in case you get wet and chilled. It’s also a good idea to carry energy bars that can deliver quick fuel to increase your energy level.

MAP AND COMPASS

Even experienced hikers can become disoriented in the outdoors, especially at the end of a long, tiring hike. And in some places, such as designated wilderness areas, trails may not be marked with signs. Whenever possible you should carry a map to aid in your navigation. I realize that more people are using electronic devices to navigate, but it’s still good to have a non-digital compass and a paper map because electronics can lose power. Before you set out on your trip, learn the basics of reading a map and matching contour lines and other map features to your surroundings while traveling in the environment. You can give yourself some peace of mind by learning to use a compass and to properly orient your map.

Agencies responsible for trails in an area can generally provide you with the most accurate map available. USGS 7.5-minute maps also offer good detail, but you should be aware that you might need several maps to cover the entire area of a route.