What is a Route Card?
A Route Card is a vital tool for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. It serves as a detailed plan of a hiking route, containing important information such as key waypoints, distances, estimated time of travel, elevation changes, and emergency contact information.
Why are Route Cards Important?
Route Cards are essential for several reasons:
- They help hikers plan their routes effectively, ensuring they stay on track and reach their destinations safely.
- In case of an emergency, route cards provide crucial information for search and rescue teams, including the planned route and expected return time.
- They aid in navigation, especially in remote or unfamiliar terrain where GPS signals may be unreliable.
Components of a Route Card
A typical route card includes the following components:
- Start and end points
- Waypoints or landmarks along the route
- Distances between waypoints
- Elevation profile
- Estimated travel times
- Emergency contact information
Creating a Route Card
To create a route card, follow these steps:
- Plan your route carefully, considering factors such as terrain, weather conditions, and your hiking abilities.
- Identify key waypoints or landmarks along the route.
- Calculate distances between waypoints and estimate travel times.
- Create a grid or table format for your route card, including columns for waypoints, distances, elevations, and other relevant information.
- Share your route card with fellow hikers and leave a copy with someone responsible who can raise the alarm if you fail to return on time.