Level 1 Mountaincraft Certificate Course - Student Notes

Organization: Wilderness Adventure / Sze The World Instructor: Coach Sze

Table of Contents

1. Map Reading

2. Compass Application

3. Day Hiking Equipment

4. LNT, Country Code & Safety

5. Wilderness First Aid

6. Local Weather

7. Hiking Skills

8. Trip Planning

Chapter 1: Map Reading

1. What is a Map?

A map is a planar record of artificial and natural features on the ground, represented by various symbols as seen from a vertical view.

2. Pros & Cons of Maps

Advantages	Disadvantages
Represents a large area on a limited surface.	Updates cannot keep pace with actual changes (e.g., new buildings).
Provides a clear overview of ground features.	Lacks 3D depth and realism.
Shows terrain elevation and shape.	Only measures planar (2D) distance.
Shows direction and distance.

3. Marginal Information (Key Data)

Reading the map margins is essential for understanding the map content:

• Scale: The ratio of distance on the map to distance on the ground (e.g., 1:20,000 for HM20C series).

• Grid Data: Information on the grid system used (e.g., UTM).

• Conventional Signs (Legend): Explains symbols for roads, rivers, vegetation, etc..

• Contour Interval: The vertical distance between contour lines (typically 20m in HM20C maps).

4. Grid References (G.R.)

Used to pinpoint locations using Eastings (vertical lines) and Northings (horizontal lines).

• 4-Figure G.R.: Represents a 1km² area (e.g., 8454).

• 6-Figure G.R.: Represents a 100m² area (e.g., 846545), providing higher precision. Remember: "Read Eastings first, then Northings".

5. Representation of Relief (Terrain)

• Spot Heights: Specific heights of peaks or locations.

• Trigonometrical Stations: Precise survey points (Triangulation pillars).

• Contour Lines: Lines connecting points of equal height.

  • Close lines: Steep slope.

  • Far apart: Gentle slope.

  • V-shape pointing uphill: Valley.

  • V-shape pointing downhill: Spur.

Chapter 2: Compass Application

1. Types of Compasses

• Baseplate (Silva) Type: Best for map work, measuring distance, and determining bearings.

• Prismatic/Lensatic Type: More precise for sighting field bearings but harder to use on a map.

2. The "1-2-3 System" (Measuring Map Bearings)

To find the direction from Point A to Point B on the map:

1. Place: Place the compass edge along the line from A to B. Ensure the Direction of Travel Arrow points towards the destination.

2. Turn Dial: Turn the compass dial until the Orienting Lines are parallel to the map's grid lines (Northings), with the arrow pointing to Map North.

3. Read: Read the bearing at the index line. (To walk, hold the compass flat and turn your body until the magnetic needle aligns with the orienting arrow—"Red in the Shed").

3. Finding Your Position (Resection)

If you are lost but can identify features, use Compass Resection (Cross Bearing Method):

1. Identify 2 or 3 prominent features on the ground that are also on the map.

2. Take a Field Bearing to each feature.

3. Draw lines from those features on the map using the measured bearings.

4. Your position is where the lines intersect (a small triangle of error may occur).

Chapter 3: Day Hiking Equipment

1. Selection Principles

Equipment should be: Safe, Practical (multi-purpose), Lightweight, Durable, Affordable, and Aesthetically pleasing.

2. Clothing Guidelines

• Summer: Breathable, quick-drying, light colors, long sleeves/trousers (sun/insect protection), and a hat.

• Winter (Layering System):

  1. Base Layer: Wicking (keeps skin dry, distinct from cotton).

  2. Mid Layer: Insulating (fleece/wool for warmth).

  3. Outer Layer: Wind/Waterproof shell (Gore-tex, etc., with hood).

3. Essential Gear Checklist

• Boots: Ankle support ("mid/high cut"), deep tread (Vibram), waterproof/breathable. Buy 0.5–1 size larger to accommodate socks and swelling.

• Socks: Two pairs suggested (Thin inner liner for wicking + Thick outer for cushion/friction reduction).

• Backpack: ~30L capacity, comfortable hip belt to transfer weight to hips.

• Water: At least 1.5L - 2L. Do not rely on untreated stream water.

• Light: Headlamp/Torch with spare batteries.

• Emergency: Whistle, Map, Compass, First Aid Kit, Mobile Phone, Emergency Blanket.

Chapter 4: LNT, Country Code & Safety

1. Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles

To protect the environment from degradation:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Research route and weather.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to trails.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Take your litter home.

4. Leave What You Find: Do not pick plants or disturb artifacts.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use stoves instead of fire.

6. Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Keep noise down.

2. Hiking Safety Rules

• Never hike alone: Ideally 4-8 people per group.

• Plan: Leave a route plan with family/police.

• Weather: Cancel if bad weather is forecast (Thunderstorms, Typhoons).

• Don'ts: Do not take shortcuts into dense bush; do not eat wild plants; do not enter catchwaters.

Chapter 5: Wilderness First Aid

1. The Priority: DRABC

In an emergency, follow this sequence:

• D - Danger: Ensure the scene is safe for you and the casualty.

• R - Response: Check if the casualty is conscious.

• A - Airway: Clear the airway.

• B - Breathing: Check for breathing (Look, Listen, Feel).

• C - Circulation: Check for pulse/bleeding.

2. Common Conditions & Treatments

• Heat Exhaustion: Pale, clammy skin, sweating, rapid weak pulse. Treatment: Cool down, shade, water.

• Heat Stroke: Red, hot dry skin, no sweating, strong rapid pulse, high temp. Treatment: Medical Emergency. Cool immediately.

• Hypothermia: Shivering, pale, confusion. Treatment: Warm dry clothes, warm sweet drinks, shelter. Do not rub limbs.

• Cramps: Muscle tight/painful. Treatment: Stretch and massage, rest, hydrate. Do not take excessive salt immediately.

• Snake Bite: Pain, swelling. Treatment: Keep calm, immobilize limb, hospitalize immediately. Do not cut or suck the wound.

Chapter 6: Local Weather

Seasonal Characteristics:

• Spring (Mar-Apr): Humid, foggy, misty (low visibility).

• Summer (May-Sep): Hot (28-36°C), humid, heavy rain, thunderstorms, typhoons. Risk of Heat Stroke.

• Autumn (Sep-Nov): Dry, clear, mild temperatures. Best hiking season.

• Winter (Nov-Feb): Cold (can drop below 10°C), dry, northerly winds. Risk of Hypothermia.

Forecasting Signs:

• Approaching Rain: Halo around sun/moon, low flying birds, ants returning to nests.

• Good Weather: Morning fog, spider webs, high flying birds.

Chapter 7: Hiking Skills

1. Walking Technique

• Flat Foot: Use the whole sole to grip the ground.

• Rhythm: Maintain a steady pace; synchronize breathing with steps.

• Hands Free: Keep hands free for balance.

• "Zig-Zag": On steep slopes, ascend/descend in a zig-zag pattern to save energy and protect knees.

2. Conservation of Energy

• Rest steps: Lock the rear leg straight momentarily to rest the muscles.

• Pacing: "Slow and steady". Don't rush ("Haste makes waste").

• Rest: Small breaks (5-10 mins) every hour. Don't sit immediately; lean against a tree to keep blood circulating.

3. Emergency Signals

• Whistle/Light: 6 blasts/flashes in a minute, pause 1 min, repeat.

• Reply: 3 blasts/flashes.

• Phone: Dial 999 or 112 (works on any network).

Chapter 8: Trip Planning

1. Naismith's Rule (Estimating Time)

This rule helps calculate walking time (excluding rest):

• Flat distance: 4km = 1 hour (or 100m = 1.5 mins).

• Climbing: Add 1 hour for every 300m ascent (or 20m = 4 mins).

• Descent: Add 1 hour for every 600m descent (or 20m = 2 mins).

2. Route Planning Factors

• Group Ability: Plan based on the weakest member.

• Water Sources: Are there refill points?

• Escape Routes: Planned shortcuts to safety (e.g., to a road) in case of bad weather/injury.

• Route Card: Prepare a detailed plan with checkpoints (check-points), bearings, distances, and estimated times.
  

Coach Sze's Reminder: Always prioritize safety. "Guts with Caution" (膽大心細) is the basic principle of mountaineering.