UIAA-Handbook_FLIP__

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A.3.22
How to lead a hike using a compass
Reduced visibility
Simply aim for a recognizable feature
(e.g., a tree, boulder, corner of a building,
etc.) and reach it; repeat until your target
destination. With sufficient practice, this
is the safest and most efficient technique
even in very poor visibility.
Very poor visibility
Choose a levelheaded group member
who can identify potential hazards, and
send this “rabbit” up ahead.
The rabbit goes as far as visibility allows
(sometimes no more than 20 meters)
while the group leader takes a bearing.
The leader directs the rabbit by telling
him or her to move right or left in order
to stay on the bearing. Note: for safety
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70 ° Bearing
in winter conditions, the rabbit should be
attached to the party by a rope, to avoid
subjecting him to snow hazards such as
cornices.
When the rabbit reaches the visibility
threshold, she waits for the rest of
the group. Two people at ease with this
technique can move forward together,
provided they do not lose sight of each
other. You can also use two rabbits at
once to save time.
To verify the bearing’s accuracy, especially
in key sections, the rabbit can take
a reverse-bearing in the direction of the
leader using the same bearing less 180°.
Depending on the circumstances (wind,
darkness, etc.), it helps if each participant
has a headlamp and a whistle with
a predetermined code, such as: two
short blows, more to the left; three short
blows, more to the right; one long blow,
straight ahead.
Do not use withou
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