There is no substitute for a good compass, and the ability to use it. Since getting lost is generally the causal factor in most wilderness emergencies, it just makes sense to stay found to stay out of trouble!

To me, the bottom line on the moss directional theory is this: Moss grows everywhere in the wilderness. There is not enough consistency, that I could find, to lend creditability to this “survival tip.”

Before technology entered the backcountry world of the outdoors, the primary and proven tools of navigation were a map and compass. Compass navigation remains an important component of the “Ten Essentials” for wilderness travel. Knowledge of how to use map and compass takes education and practice. Further, such knowledge will enhance GPS navigation as many [...]

Early in the morning, the hunter hiked north from camp to Mahogany Butte.  With an hour of light left it was time to return.  He had his day pack with map and compass and he knew how to use them.  But he didn’t have a GPS.  The wooded terrain around him didn’t lend itself to [...]

SURVIVAL – The ability and the desire to stay alive, all alone, under adverse conditions, until rescued.

Your GPS is as reliable as the batteries in it! Make the best choices for consistent power!

Datum? Coordinate systems?

To most beginner GPS users, these terms may be confusing, and subsequently ignored or not understood. But before you can effectively – and safely – you must be able to set your GPS with the information on your maps.

Can you depend on GPS and other electronic devices and technology to the point of it becoming deadly?

That seems to be an increasingly recurrent pattern of behavior in some parts of the country, as the following story: “Death By GPS’ indicates.

What better family activity is there than getting everybody together, packing up the daypacks and heading out on some outdoor adventure?

A topographic map is your road map to the outdoors. It provides you detailed information at a scale that is meaningful and detailed. Here is how to read the most commonly-used topo maps.