Outdoor Adventure USA

Awsome info eubi.

eubi wrote:Well, when it comes to backcountry navigation, I'm a traditionalist. Map and compass!

On a camping trip with my kids. I introduced them to the compass and topographic map.

I think this is a good skill to learn. If you were in the outdoors for an extended period, you may run out of batteries for your GPS. I normally take topo maps with me even when I have more than one GPS.

unwiredadventures wrote:If you were in the outdoors for an extended period, you may run out of batteries for your GPS. I normally take topo maps with me even when I have more than one GPS.

Absolutely... Two GPS's, a compass, a TOPO map of the area, and one Bug-Out-Bag.

Ollie (K6JYB) wrote:I normally take topo maps with me even when I have more than one GPS.and one Bug-Out-Bag.

Ollie - Maybe you could post up a thread about the bug-out bag concept for those who might not know what it is, along with pics of what you carry in yours....

(I know I could use the help... )

cruiserlarry wrote:

Ollie (K6JYB) wrote:I normally take topo maps with me even when I have more than one GPS.and one Bug-Out-Bag.

Ollie - Maybe you could post up a thread about the bug-out bag concept for those who might not know what it is, along with pics of what you carry in yours....

(I know I could use the help... )

I certainly can do that.

Nice info, eubi! I've used the stick in the ground one on a couple of occasions to show people how it's done. Can't say I've used the analog watch technique (but I do wear one! )

For those interested, orienteering is a really fun way to master the map & compass. Most major cities have clubs (LA & SD do, for example). They typically meet once a month and often offer some training. There's no better training that getting out on a course though - and they're usually small enough that you can't really get "lost" - you just may have trouble finding the control you're searching for . They typically rent compasses, so you really don't need to bring anything except the registration fee which covers the cost of the maps, etc. (typically $7-$9 or so).

I can attest to how well it sharpens your skills and would be happy to help others learn.

-Nadir

Nadir_E wrote:Nice info, eubi! I've used the stick in the ground one on a couple of occasions to show people how it's done. Can't say I've used the analog watch technique (but I do wear one! )

For those interested, orienteering is a really fun way to master the map & compass. Most major cities have clubs (LA & SD do, for example). They typically meet once a month and often offer some training. There's no better training that getting out on a course though - and they're usually small enough that you can't really get "lost" - you just may have trouble finding the control you're searching for . They typically rent compasses, so you really don't need to bring anything except the registration fee which covers the cost of the maps, etc. (typically $7-$9 or so).

I can attest to how well it sharpens your skills and would be happy to help others learn.

-Nadir

Nadir -

Would you be interested in starting a thread about orienteering ? You could post some information on what it is, what you do, and where to participate in the clubs...I'm sure many here would be interested in more detailed information...