{"id":2602,"date":"2020-09-15T04:07:19","date_gmt":"2020-09-15T08:07:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/?p=2602"},"modified":"2022-11-09T17:36:46","modified_gmt":"2022-11-09T22:36:46","slug":"how-to-navigate-in-the-wilderness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/how-to-navigate-in-the-wilderness\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Navigate In The Wilderness"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>#kt-layout-id_6f68ac-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(#kt-layout-id_6f68ac-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}#kt-layout-id_6f68ac-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var( --global-kb-row-default-top, 25px );padding-bottom:var( --global-kb-row-default-bottom, 25px );padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}#kt-layout-id_6f68ac-2a > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_6f68ac-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-layout-id_6f68ac-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-rowlayout alignnone\"><div id=\"kt-layout-id_6f68ac-2a\" class=\"kt-row-layout-inner kt-layout-id_6f68ac-2a\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-gutter-default kt-v-gutter-default kt-row-valign-top kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-m-colapse-left-to-right kt-mobile-layout-row\"><style>.kadence-column_84683f-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_84683f-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_84683f-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_84683f-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_84683f-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_84683f-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_84683f-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_84683f-19{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_84683f-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_84683f-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_84683f-19\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p><strong>Finding Your Way In The Backcountry: Basic Navigation Tips and Skills You Need To Know<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In so many aspects of our lives, a few too many of us could probably be described as over-reliant on gadgetry. That is to say, if our go-to gadgetry fails\u2014the smartphone, the laptop, the thermostat\u2014we\u2019re at a bit of a loss as to how to execute everyday functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s certainly true of many outdoor recreationists, who these days head off into the backcountry expecting to find their way solely by app or handheld GPS receiver, and to signal for help, should trouble arise, via cellphone or emergency beacon. All of these resources are great\u2014don\u2019t get us wrong\u2014but they don\u2019t replace the old-fashioned paper map and compass, nor general-purpose wilderness savvy, when it comes to ensuring you\u2019re being as prepared and as responsible as possible out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019re going to run down some fundamentals of backcountry-navigation 101\u2014just a casual survey, really, but enough to either get you started for further learning or refresh your memory\u2014and then dig into the subject of getting lost, and getting back on track.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>#kt-layout-id_79638d-9d > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(#kt-layout-id_79638d-9d > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}#kt-layout-id_79638d-9d > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var( --global-kb-row-default-top, 25px );padding-bottom:var( --global-kb-row-default-bottom, 25px );padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}#kt-layout-id_79638d-9d > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_79638d-9d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-layout-id_79638d-9d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-rowlayout alignnone\"><div id=\"kt-layout-id_79638d-9d\" class=\"kt-row-layout-inner kt-layout-id_79638d-9d\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-gutter-default kt-v-gutter-default kt-row-valign-top kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-m-colapse-left-to-right kt-mobile-layout-row\"><style>.kadence-column_d5a580-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_d5a580-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_d5a580-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_d5a580-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_d5a580-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_d5a580-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_d5a580-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_d5a580-1b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_d5a580-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_d5a580-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_d5a580-1b\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Importance of Learning How to Navigate in the Backcountry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the reasons many of us seek out the wilderness (and the semi-wilderness of the frontcountry) is to reacquaint ourselves with the sort of primal world we humans used to spend a heck of a lot more time immersed within. Even in the most developed parts of the U.S., there are \u201cpocket wildernesses\u201d and pseudo-wildernesses that are tucked-away enough, scruffy enough, removed enough from blacktop and strip mall to excite our sense of adventure\u2014and, yes, to get a bit turned around in if we\u2019re not careful.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image_34068e-f7.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image_34068e-f7 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:800px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_34068e-f7.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_34068e-f7 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image_34068e-f7 figure{max-width:800px;}.kb-image_34068e-f7 .image-is-svg, .kb-image_34068e-f7 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image_34068e-f7 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image_34068e-f7\"><figure class=\"aligncenter kb-image-is-ratio-size\"><div class=\"kb-is-ratio-image kb-image-ratio-land43\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Learning-How-to-Navigate-in-the-Backcountry.jpg\" alt=\"Using common sense can save your life\" class=\"kb-img\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The long and the short of it is that we\u2019re still lucky enough here in North America to have lots of remote lands open to public exploration and recreation. In these places\u2014and they don\u2019t have to be giant mountain or desert wildernesses, mind you\u2014we have to rely on our own common sense, skills, and know-how to stay safe to a greater degree than many of us need to in our workaday lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can easily get off-track even in a relatively small acreage, especially in low-relief countryside with few prominent landmarks: flatland woods, swamps, open steppeland or desert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can get lost in a heavily used state park or forest laced with roads and trails. And if you\u2019re unprepared for some extra time spent out in the woods\u2014maybe even an overnighter you didn\u2019t expect to make\u2014you can quickly get into dicey situations even on what seems like a pedestrian dayhike, especially in inclement weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, none of this is meant to be fear-mongering or overly dramatic; it\u2019s the simple reality imposed by less-traveled country, and a reminder to pack diligently and keep a clear head. All things considered, the backcountry isn\u2019t more dangerous than your everyday geography; the truism about the drive to the trailhead or the campground being, on average, the riskiest part of an outdoor experience is pretty darn sturdy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Far too many people hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing out in the backlands, however, aren\u2019t fluent enough in finding their way without the aid of a GPS or smartphone. You can get away with that for years of outdoor recreation\u2014heck, some will get away with it for a lifetime. But knowing how to navigate with a map, compass, and natural signs, and being ready to follow the proper course of action if you find yourself lost, will give you that much more confidence in your adventuring\u2014and it just might save your life someday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Importance of Using a Topographic Map &amp; Compass<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We said right at the outset how valuable GPS units and smartphone mapping apps are. They put incredible navigational finesse in your hands and, when working properly, can not only keep you on course, but can also exactly relay your location to others in case you run into trouble. Treat these as wonderful new outdoor tools and use them liberally if they jibe with your sensibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The problem is\u00a0<em>only<\/em>\u00a0using them, and not knowing how to truly read a topographic map or utilize a compass. Because software can hiccup, batteries can fail, wireless signals can be hard to come by. Even if you rely on digital wayfinding as your primary means, you should bring along a paper map and a compass as backup and understand how to put them to good use.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image_77206d-e4.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image_77206d-e4 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:900px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_77206d-e4.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_77206d-e4 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image_77206d-e4 figure{max-width:900px;}.kb-image_77206d-e4 .image-is-svg, .kb-image_77206d-e4 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image_77206d-e4 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image_77206d-e4\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/How-To-Navigate-In-The-Wilderness.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-8521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/How-To-Navigate-In-The-Wilderness.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/How-To-Navigate-In-The-Wilderness-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/How-To-Navigate-In-The-Wilderness-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/How-To-Navigate-In-The-Wilderness-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/How-To-Navigate-In-The-Wilderness-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/How-To-Navigate-In-The-Wilderness-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Topo Maps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Learning Map Navigation Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For anybody doing serious outdoor recreation, a topographic map is a must. Basic planimetric maps that depict the landscape as flat, such as many simple road and trail maps do, certainly have their place, and for a short ramble on a well-signed, frontcountry footpath they\u2019ll see you through just fine. But for anything much more ambitious\u2014and certainly for any long-distance trail hikes or outings involving cross-country travel\u2014a \u201ctopo\u201d is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Lower 48 states, the U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute series of topo maps, which have a 1:24,000 scale\u2014one inch on the map equaling 24,000 on the ground\u2014are generally the most useful for outdoorspeople. These days, you can download digital versions and create your own customized maps centered exactly on the area you\u2019ll be recreating in. But, again, we recommend also printing out or purchasing paper topos so you have those hard copies as failsafes in case modern technology fritzes out on you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>#kt-layout-id_a6a191-d6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(#kt-layout-id_a6a191-d6 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}#kt-layout-id_a6a191-d6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var( --global-kb-row-default-top, 25px );padding-bottom:var( --global-kb-row-default-bottom, 25px );padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}#kt-layout-id_a6a191-d6 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_a6a191-d6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-layout-id_a6a191-d6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-rowlayout alignnone\"><div id=\"kt-layout-id_a6a191-d6\" class=\"kt-row-layout-inner kt-layout-id_a6a191-d6\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-gutter-default kt-v-gutter-default kt-row-valign-top kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-m-colapse-left-to-right kt-mobile-layout-row\"><style>.kadence-column_2c05c0-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_2c05c0-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_2c05c0-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_2c05c0-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_2c05c0-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_2c05c0-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_2c05c0-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_2c05c0-69{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_2c05c0-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_2c05c0-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_2c05c0-69\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image_012f7d-db.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image_012f7d-db .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:800px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_012f7d-db.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_012f7d-db .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image_012f7d-db figure{max-width:800px;}.kb-image_012f7d-db .image-is-svg, .kb-image_012f7d-db .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image_012f7d-db .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image_012f7d-db\"><figure class=\"aligncenter kb-image-is-ratio-size\"><div class=\"kb-is-ratio-image kb-image-ratio-land43\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Topographic-map-reading.jpg\" alt=\"picking the right topo map for your trip\" class=\"kb-img\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Topos include all sorts of information useful for navigation, including basic land cover and the location of springs and other water sources. Their greatest value, though, comes in their depiction of topography via contour lines: lines of equal elevation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contour lines (also called contour indices) are printed thicker than the others and are labeled with the elevation value. The bottom of the topo will identify the contour interval, which is the difference in elevation between any two consecutive contour lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Between the contour index and the labeled contour indices, you can reckon the height above sea level of any point on the map\u2014including your location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also gauge the terrain depicted by paying attention to how the contour lines run. Contour lines well spaced out\u2014with elevation changing very gradually over distance\u2014indicate gentler topography; densely packed contour lines reveal a steep slope, maybe a sheer cliff.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contour lines that \u201cpoint\u201d to higher elevations reflect a ravine or canyon, while those that point to lower terrain portray a ridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simple stuff, really, but remarkably powerful. Besides helping you plan your route, the contour lines of a topo can help you match the country you\u2019re seeing before you to the map: very useful if you\u2019re not quite sure where you are.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>#kt-layout-id_776f2b-b0 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(#kt-layout-id_776f2b-b0 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}#kt-layout-id_776f2b-b0 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var( --global-kb-row-default-top, 25px );padding-bottom:var( --global-kb-row-default-bottom, 25px );padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}#kt-layout-id_776f2b-b0 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_776f2b-b0 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-layout-id_776f2b-b0 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-rowlayout alignnone\"><div id=\"kt-layout-id_776f2b-b0\" class=\"kt-row-layout-inner kt-layout-id_776f2b-b0\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-gutter-default kt-v-gutter-default kt-row-valign-top kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-m-colapse-left-to-right kt-mobile-layout-row\"><style>.kadence-column_f904c6-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_f904c6-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_f904c6-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_f904c6-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_f904c6-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_f904c6-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_f904c6-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_f904c6-2b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_f904c6-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_f904c6-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_f904c6-2b\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_695c6c-27, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_695c6c-27[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_695c6c-27\"]{text-align:center;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_695c6c-27 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_695c6c-27[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_695c6c-27\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading_695c6c-27 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_695c6c-27\">Our Personal Favorites!<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>#kt-layout-id_c99751-ef > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(#kt-layout-id_c99751-ef > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}#kt-layout-id_c99751-ef > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var( --global-kb-row-default-top, 25px );padding-bottom:var( --global-kb-row-default-bottom, 25px );padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}#kt-layout-id_c99751-ef > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}#kt-layout-id_c99751-ef > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr));}#kt-layout-id_c99751-ef > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_c99751-ef > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_c99751-ef > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-layout-id_c99751-ef > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}#kt-layout-id_c99751-ef > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-rowlayout alignnone\"><div id=\"kt-layout-id_c99751-ef\" class=\"kt-row-layout-inner kt-layout-id_c99751-ef\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-3-columns kt-gutter-default kt-v-gutter-default kt-row-valign-top kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-m-colapse-left-to-right kt-mobile-layout-row\"><style>.kadence-column_940df4-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_940df4-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_940df4-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_940df4-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_940df4-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_940df4-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_940df4-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_940df4-16{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_940df4-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_940df4-16 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_940df4-16\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/simple-compass-for-wilderness-navigation.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B0759LHB92\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=techwriter02-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B0759LHB92&amp;linkId=043cb82b0f7c884c0597156beca900cb\" target=\"_blank\">Baseplate Compass<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_38c80d-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_38c80d-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_38c80d-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_38c80d-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_38c80d-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_38c80d-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_38c80d-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_38c80d-6b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_38c80d-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_38c80d-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-2 kadence-column_38c80d-6b\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/best-compass-for-wilderness-navigation.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B074NZ353D\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=techwriter02-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B074NZ353D&amp;linkId=c739e5fa56f7042f77fcbcbf59903acb\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Multifunctional Compass<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_d5d2cf-22 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_d5d2cf-22 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_d5d2cf-22 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_d5d2cf-22 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_d5d2cf-22 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_d5d2cf-22 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_d5d2cf-22 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_d5d2cf-22{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_d5d2cf-22 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_d5d2cf-22 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-3 kadence-column_d5d2cf-22\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/best-books-about-navigation.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0762704888\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=techwriter02-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0762704888&amp;linkId=24677eb979505b07bf62c5f020489f8b\" target=\"_blank\">Compass &amp; Map Navigator&nbsp;<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>#kt-layout-id_4ea6b7-b4 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(#kt-layout-id_4ea6b7-b4 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}#kt-layout-id_4ea6b7-b4 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var( --global-kb-row-default-top, 25px );padding-bottom:var( --global-kb-row-default-bottom, 25px );padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}#kt-layout-id_4ea6b7-b4 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_4ea6b7-b4 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-layout-id_4ea6b7-b4 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-rowlayout alignnone\"><div id=\"kt-layout-id_4ea6b7-b4\" class=\"kt-row-layout-inner kt-layout-id_4ea6b7-b4\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-gutter-default kt-v-gutter-default kt-row-valign-top kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-m-colapse-left-to-right kt-mobile-layout-row\"><style>.kadence-column_7c236b-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_7c236b-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_7c236b-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_7c236b-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_7c236b-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_7c236b-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_7c236b-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_7c236b-0c{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_7c236b-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_7c236b-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_7c236b-0c\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Compasses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Learning To Navigate With A Compass In The Wilderness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spend a little extra for a baseplate compass with a <a href=\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/how-to-use-a-dive-watch\/\">rotating bezel<\/a>: the most useful kind for outdoor recreation, especially if it comes with a hinged sighting mirror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A compass allows you to identify landmarks in your field of vision. It allows you to walk a straight line\u2014a task nearly all of us ultimately flunk at doing without the help of such an aid. (As we\u2019ll get into, keeping yourself on a straight course and making exact 90-degree turns thanks to a compass helps you execute one technique for getting yourself un-lost.) It means you can set directional bearings to reach destinations you can see, and to those you&nbsp;<em>can\u2019t<\/em>&nbsp;see but know are there from the map. With a compass, you can confidently navigate when you\u2019re socked in with mist or fog\u2014or socked in with nighttime darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image_7d67a4-67.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image_7d67a4-67 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:800px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_7d67a4-67.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_7d67a4-67 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image_7d67a4-67 figure{max-width:800px;}.kb-image_7d67a4-67 .image-is-svg, .kb-image_7d67a4-67 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image_7d67a4-67 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image_7d67a4-67\"><figure class=\"aligncenter kb-image-is-ratio-size\"><div class=\"kb-is-ratio-image kb-image-ratio-land43\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/how-to-use-a-compass.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Your compass gives you the ability to take and to follow bearings, both from the landscape and from a map. (Remember that in order to use your topo and compass together in most parts of North America you must correct for declination, which is the difference between the map\u2019s geographic north\u2013or \u201ctrue north\u201d\u2014and the compass\u2019s magnetic north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High-quality baseplate compasses usually give you the ability to adjust the declination on the tool, so you can \u201cset it and forget it\u201d for the given area you\u2019re recreating in.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can measure your direction in relation to a landmark by taking a bearing from it: point your baseplate compass\u2019s direction-of-travel line at the landmark, turn the bezel until the orienting arrow lines up with the needle\u2019s north end, and read the angle\u2014your bearing\u2014on the dial where it hits the direction-of-travel line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, obviously, if you\u2019re heading for a landmark that\u2019s in plain view across the entire intervening distance you don\u2019t really need to take a bearing. But in many cases we lose sight of our destination during the journey: heading into thick timber in between, for example, or finding that extensive foothills or canyon systems block our view of a target peak as we close in on it. That\u2019s when you need to rely on a bearing to ensure you\u2019re on the right course.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>#kt-layout-id_9be41d-1b > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(#kt-layout-id_9be41d-1b > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}#kt-layout-id_9be41d-1b > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var( --global-kb-row-default-top, 25px );padding-bottom:var( --global-kb-row-default-bottom, 25px );padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}#kt-layout-id_9be41d-1b > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_9be41d-1b > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-layout-id_9be41d-1b > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-rowlayout alignnone\"><div id=\"kt-layout-id_9be41d-1b\" class=\"kt-row-layout-inner kt-layout-id_9be41d-1b\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-gutter-default kt-v-gutter-default kt-row-valign-top kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-m-colapse-left-to-right kt-mobile-layout-row\"><style>.kadence-column_0b2bff-c6 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_0b2bff-c6 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_0b2bff-c6 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_0b2bff-c6 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_0b2bff-c6 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_0b2bff-c6 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_0b2bff-c6 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_0b2bff-c6{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_0b2bff-c6 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_0b2bff-c6 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_0b2bff-c6\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image_2b69ae-1c.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image_2b69ae-1c .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:800px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_2b69ae-1c.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_2b69ae-1c .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image_2b69ae-1c figure{max-width:800px;}.kb-image_2b69ae-1c .image-is-svg, .kb-image_2b69ae-1c .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image_2b69ae-1c .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image_2b69ae-1c\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Aligning-the-south-end-to-the-north-end.jpg\" alt=\"What type of compass is waterproof\" class=\"kb-img\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the very same methodology for taking a direct bearing, except aligning the south end of the needle with the orienting arrow instead of the north end, gives you the reciprocal or back bearing, which identifies your position in relation to the landmark. If you don\u2019t know exactly where you are, that\u2019s a helpful line to measure. A just-as-easy way to calculate a back bearing is simply to obtain the direct bearing, then add 180 degrees (if the direct bearing\u2019s less than 180 degrees) or subtract 180 degrees (if it\u2019s more) to generate the reciprocal value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might also happen to know a bearing you should follow from a particular point in the field. To plot that course, hold the compass level in front of you\u2014chest-level, say. Turn the compass dial so that the desired bearing aligns with the direction-of-travel line, then shift your body so that the north end of the needle matches the orienting arrow of the compass: that\u2019s the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To identify the exact bearing to follow between your position and a mapped destination, place the edge of your baseplate compass\u2014again, one corrected for declination\u2014between your location and the desired landmark on the map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then rotate the dial so that the compass\u2019s meridian (or orienting) lines align with the vertical lines of your topo, ensuring that the orienting arrow points toward the top side of the map as you do. The bearing read where the dial intersects the direction-of-travel line is yours.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>#kt-layout-id_3dfd14-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(#kt-layout-id_3dfd14-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}#kt-layout-id_3dfd14-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var( --global-kb-row-default-top, 25px );padding-bottom:var( --global-kb-row-default-bottom, 25px );padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}#kt-layout-id_3dfd14-73 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_3dfd14-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-layout-id_3dfd14-73 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-rowlayout alignnone\"><div id=\"kt-layout-id_3dfd14-73\" class=\"kt-row-layout-inner kt-layout-id_3dfd14-73\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-gutter-default kt-v-gutter-default kt-row-valign-top kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-m-colapse-left-to-right kt-mobile-layout-row\"><style>.kadence-column_0d4f17-36 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_0d4f17-36 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_0d4f17-36 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_0d4f17-36 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_0d4f17-36 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_0d4f17-36 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_0d4f17-36 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_0d4f17-36{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_0d4f17-36 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_0d4f17-36 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_0d4f17-36\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image_2b701e-59.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image_2b701e-59 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:800px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_2b701e-59.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_2b701e-59 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image_2b701e-59 figure{max-width:800px;}.kb-image_2b701e-59 .image-is-svg, .kb-image_2b701e-59 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image_2b701e-59 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image_2b701e-59\"><figure class=\"aligncenter kb-image-is-ratio-size\"><div class=\"kb-is-ratio-image kb-image-ratio-land43\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/How-to-Hold-Your-Map-When-Navigating-in-the-Backcountry.jpg\" alt=\"the map is your most important ally\" class=\"kb-img\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_7b85b1-46, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_7b85b1-46[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_7b85b1-46\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_7b85b1-46 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_7b85b1-46[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_7b85b1-46\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading_7b85b1-46 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_7b85b1-46\"><strong>How to Hold Your Map When Navigating in the Backcountry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It may seem a trivial point: how you look at your map when hiking or hunting or otherwise recreating out in the wilds. But it\u2019s worth thinking about, because it can be surprisingly difficult, even for seasoned outdoorspeople, to translate between the country before you and the terrain depicted on your topo. Whatever you can do to make that translation clearer and quicker to perceive is valuable when it comes to staying on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A basic way to read your map is always with the top of it facing upwards. That works for many map-readers, but it means unless you\u2019re traveling due north, the map, as you study it, won\u2019t orient exactly with the landscape. You&nbsp;<em>can<\/em>&nbsp;orient it with the landscape by aligning it with mapped, identifiable landmarks within view. That entails shifting it on a regular basis whenever you consult it, but it\u2019s inherently more intuitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Smoothing Out Wayfinding in the Backcountry: Using Handrails &amp; Catchlines<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re traveling cross-country, it\u2019s impractical to be constantly consulting your compass to make sure you\u2019re following your desired bearing. With a little map study, you can often identify geographic features\u2014whether natural or manmade\u2014that can help you stay on course without all that nitpicky compass-checking. For example, you\u2019ll often be able to track along a river, a linear mountain ridge, a road, a powerline clearing, or a fence that\u2019s roughly aligned with your direction of travel, using it as your crutch\u2014or, in orienteering terms, your \u201chandrail\u201d\u2014to ensure you\u2019re going the right way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCatchpoints\u201d or \u201ccatching features,\u201d meantime, are landmarks identified in advance from the map that alert you to pull away from the handrail you\u2019ve been using in order to keep to your course. They can be just about anything: a road or trail intersection, a stream confluence, the point where that handy-dandy ridge subsides into the lowlands.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>#kt-layout-id_198e0c-84 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(#kt-layout-id_198e0c-84 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}#kt-layout-id_198e0c-84 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var( --global-kb-row-default-top, 25px );padding-bottom:var( --global-kb-row-default-bottom, 25px );padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}#kt-layout-id_198e0c-84 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_198e0c-84 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-layout-id_198e0c-84 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-rowlayout alignnone\"><div id=\"kt-layout-id_198e0c-84\" class=\"kt-row-layout-inner kt-layout-id_198e0c-84\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-gutter-default kt-v-gutter-default kt-row-valign-top kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-m-colapse-left-to-right kt-mobile-layout-row\"><style>.kadence-column_04d2ca-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_04d2ca-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_04d2ca-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_04d2ca-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_04d2ca-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_04d2ca-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_04d2ca-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_04d2ca-f4{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_04d2ca-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_04d2ca-f4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_04d2ca-f4\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image_9fb696-af.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image_9fb696-af .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:800px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_9fb696-af.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_9fb696-af .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image_9fb696-af figure{max-width:800px;}.kb-image_9fb696-af .image-is-svg, .kb-image_9fb696-af .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image_9fb696-af .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image_9fb696-af\"><figure class=\"aligncenter kb-image-is-ratio-size\"><div class=\"kb-is-ratio-image kb-image-ratio-land43\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Smoothing-Out-Wayfinding-in-the-Backcountry.jpg\" alt=\"Using a river as a guide when traveling\" class=\"kb-img\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Handrails aren\u2019t the only helpful linear feature on the landscape that can make navigation easier and more secure. \u201cCatchlines\u201d are another: roads, trails, rivers, mountain fronts, fencelines, marked jurisdictional boundaries, etc. that \u201ccatch\u201d you as you\u2019re trying to navigate to a discrete point. This involves a strategy known as \u201caiming off\u201d\u2014or, a bit more formally, \u201cintentional offset.\u201d Let\u2019s say you\u2019ve parked along a backroad, headed out bushwhacking, and now want to get back to your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You know the proper bearing, but it\u2019s all too easy to stray a few degrees one way or another and end up at the road, but not exactly at the vehicle\u2014and not knowing which way to turn to find it. But if you purposefully aim, say, 20 degrees off in one or the other direction and follow that offset course, you\u2019ll know just what direction to veer once you hit the catchline. (While aiming off, be sure to always detour around obstacles favoring the direction of the offset to make sure you\u2019re sticking to the same side of your destination.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you have been reading through this guide, I hope you have come to the realization how important a compass is and knowing how to use it. I am only fair with a compass and I made it a goal for this year to become very proficient. Not just for safety, but I saw a YouTube documentary on a few adventure races that are mostly off trail and you can\u2019t use GPS!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, whether you are taking up orienteering or find yourself deep off trail on your next hike, I hope you have a little better understanding of what it takes to get your bearings and get home safe.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this article, we\u2019re going to run down some fundamentals of backcountry-navigation 101\u2014just a casual survey, really, but enough to either get you started for further learning or refresh your memory\u2014and then dig into the subject of getting lost, and getting back on track.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9984,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","pmpro_default_level":"","_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"iawp_total_views":150,"_vp_format_video_url":"","_vp_image_focal_point":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[123],"tags":[130],"class_list":["post-2602","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-guides","tag-survival-skills","pmpro-has-access"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":123,"label":"How To Guides"}],"post_tag":[{"value":130,"label":"Survival Skills"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/basic-wilderness-navigation-skills-1.jpg",900,675,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Blair Witkowski","author_link":"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/author\/witty\/"},"comment_info":"","category_info":[{"term_id":123,"name":"How To Guides","slug":"how-to-guides","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":123,"taxonomy":"category","description":"Here you will find some interesting how-to guides on everything from bushcraft, camping, knifes and tools to even advice on social media and pictures.","parent":0,"count":19,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":123,"category_count":19,"category_description":"Here you will find some interesting how-to guides on everything from bushcraft, camping, knifes and tools to even advice on social media and pictures.","cat_name":"How To Guides","category_nicename":"how-to-guides","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":[{"term_id":130,"name":"Survival Skills","slug":"survival-skills","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":130,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":9,"filter":"raw"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2602","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2602"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2602\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9984"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2602"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2602"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2602"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}