Easiest resource where I learned, Boy Scouts. Even as an adult, you can volunteer to be a leader at a local troop. You can sit in a meeting and have the Scouts teach you all there is to know about reading a map, using a compass, and how to use a wilderness GPS. With the right troop, I'm sure they'll also know the best places to go backpacking within a short drive.
REI has classes on a wide range of outdoor activities including orienteering and other back country survival skills. A quick search shows 5 dates upcoming nearby (Seattle area) for specifically navigating with a map and compass
Well done. I have taken several map and compass courses and the one thing people need to understand is that without practice, this is a skill that you will forget or simply get confused about. I use a GPS because that keeps my phone charged for other uses. I always carry extra batteries.
Our outfitter in NWA .. Pack Rat Outfitters , in Fayetteville Arkansas offers all levels from basic map and compass, to Orienteering.. great staff,too!
Listened to an interview of a Navy Seal telling a story about how he carelessly got seriously lost hiking, spur of the moment, him thinking I don't need a compass ....... he regretted it. Another great example of why you always bring a compass and map is read the story "When you find my body" written about a seasoned through hiker who got lost on the AP and eventually dying.
Sierra Club has the Wilderness Travel Course (WTC), which amongst many other things, navigation is a big part of their course (for obvious reasons). You'll also learn snow-backpacking skills, and be connected quite an experienced community, super fun. Unfortunately, they only have sections in Los Angeles area (SFV, Long Beach, OC, Santa Monica).
Agree....at least learn the basics. A map and compass doesn't weigh a lot, nor take up much room. If your primary nav craps out, at least you can find your way, or at least not walk in circles.
I disagree with that if you're trying to be ultralight. Can't have two backpacks, tents/hammocks, sleeping bags.. when it comes down to it if you bring extras of anything you're doubling their weight, and that definitely adds up.
In backcountry travels , DO NOT RELY ON TECHNOLOGY,, learn to read a map and understand how a compass works ...
Easiest resource where I learned, Boy Scouts. Even as an adult, you can volunteer to be a leader at a local troop. You can sit in a meeting and have the Scouts teach you all there is to know about reading a map, using a compass, and how to use a wilderness GPS. With the right troop, I'm sure they'll also know the best places to go backpacking within a short drive.
REI has classes on a wide range of outdoor activities including orienteering and other back country survival skills. A quick search shows 5 dates upcoming nearby (Seattle area) for specifically navigating with a map and compass
Well done. I have taken several map and compass courses and the one thing people need to understand is that without practice, this is a skill that you will forget or simply get confused about. I use a GPS because that keeps my phone charged for other uses. I always carry extra batteries.
Our outfitter in NWA .. Pack Rat Outfitters , in Fayetteville Arkansas offers all levels from basic map and compass, to Orienteering.. great staff,too!
Im an onx user and i totally love it
Listened to an interview of a Navy Seal telling a story about how he carelessly got seriously lost hiking, spur of the moment, him thinking I don't need a compass ....... he regretted it. Another great example of why you always bring a compass and map is read the story "When you find my body" written about a seasoned through hiker who got lost on the AP and eventually dying.
Sierra Club has the Wilderness Travel Course (WTC), which amongst many other things, navigation is a big part of their course (for obvious reasons). You'll also learn snow-backpacking skills, and be connected quite an experienced community, super fun. Unfortunately, they only have sections in Los Angeles area (SFV, Long Beach, OC, Santa Monica).
My city (St. Louis) has an orienteering club with events that are beginner friendly, I'd imagine other places will as well.
Obviously there are a few banked Erik Hanson episodes until they get a replacement host.
What brand and type compass are you using?
What kind of maps are these? I have National Geographic Guide maps, but they aren’t topographic nor have the compass rose. Thanks!
They're called topographic maps.
Also LLBean holds classes also 👍😁
❤ notes on some other channel 😊
Agree....at least learn the basics. A map and compass doesn't weigh a lot, nor take up much room. If your primary nav craps out, at least you can find your way, or at least not walk in circles.
2 is 1, 1 is none
I disagree with that if you're trying to be ultralight. Can't have two backpacks, tents/hammocks, sleeping bags.. when it comes down to it if you bring extras of anything you're doubling their weight, and that definitely adds up.
Don't be a superlogical doubag. I'm talking about fire starters, navigation tools. Not carrying two loads for two people.
REI offers classes but not at all locations.
I have some guilt watching this knowing they didn’t really pay Eric for it