Orienteering

Orienteering (often abbreviated to OL) originated in Scandinavia and is now an internationally organised competitive sport. In this buying guide, we explain which equipment you need for successful orienteering in clubs and schools.

1. What is orienteering?
   
2. What orienteering equipment do you need?
3. Orienteering in clubs and schools

1. What is orienteering?

In orienteering, participants use a map and compass to visit marked control points in a set order as fast as possible. Classic orienteering with a compass usually takes place in forests, but there are also events in cities, parks and other terrain. Many clubs in Germany now offer orienteering as a recreational sport. Course length and difficulty are adapted to age groups and fitness levels. You can compete individually, in relays or at multi-day orienteering events.

2. What orienteering equipment do you need?

To master the challenge of finding the fastest route through open terrain and locating all control points in the shortest time, good equipment is essential.

As an organiser, you need course flags and markers to mark out the route. Controls are usually marked with orange-and-white fabric markers, known as control flags. In addition, electronic punching systems are used so that participants can prove with a chip that they have visited each control.


The most important orienteering gear for participants is a compass, headlamp and backpack:

++ The compass: Compasses have been known for around 800 years and are indispensable for orienteering. After the start, all participants receive a special orienteering map showing the locations of all controls. The compass makes it easier to orient yourself and find the right direction. Here’s how it works: first, align the edge of the compass with the start and finish on the map. Then turn the compass housing until the orienting arrow and the map’s grid lines point to N. Next, turn the map and compass together until the red end of the needle points north. Now you’re ready to go: follow the direction-of-travel arrow on the compass and keep the needle aligned with the orienting arrow on the housing.

++ The headlamp: A headlamp lets you see the terrain clearly at dusk or in the dark while keeping your hands free. This helps you avoid potential hazards and significantly reduces the risk of accidents thanks to the LED light source. Important to know about lumens: lumen is the unit of luminous flux and indicates how bright a lamp’s total light output is. High brightness often goes hand in hand with high battery consumption – a major drawback on long outings. It’s better to choose a rechargeable headlamp. Many high-quality models let you adjust the lumen output in several stages so you can adapt the brightness to your activity in seconds.

++ The backpack: Unlike organised road races, orienteering events usually don’t have refreshment stations. Everyone is responsible for their own progress and supplies. A dedicated backpack is ideal here: lightweight, waterproof and with quick access!

 

3. Orienteering in clubs and schools

While orienteering as a performance and recreational sport has a competitive character and athletes should be equipped with high-quality gear, the focus in schools is on fun and play. Depending on the course and terrain, marker cones and small pieces of equipment can be used. Compasses for pupils, map reading and finding the flags challenge their mental skills. School orienteering pushes kids both physically and mentally. Of course, orienteering can take place on school grounds or in the sports hall. This is a great way to train the necessary skills before heading into unfamiliar terrain.

You’ll find everything you need for orienteering – running compasses, orienteering headlamps, lightweight weatherproof backpacks, flags and course markers – in the Sport-Thieme orienteering shop.