Wilderness Navigation: Finding Your Way Using Map, Compass, Altimeter, and GPS

Without any form of digital navigation you could be lost before you start your journey. This book is a comprehensive guide arming you with knowledge, preparing and aiding in prevention of getting lost. Knowing and understanding what instruments you need and how to use them correctly is essential and this guide provides good overall coverage on the use of maps, compass, altimeters and a short section on GPS which is a blessing but can not always be counted on. When GPS fails to be an option do you know how to navigate back to your backcountry site after going to find food; many do not!

I think this is the best book for backpackers and hikers in general, particularly those who will venture off trail. It extensively covers use of map and compass; and goes on to briefly but cogently discuss the more expensive gadgets- altimeter, and GPS. And it warns you not to become too dependent on these more expensive gadgets. Your most important tools for wilderness navigation will be a good compass, along with a proper map. Buy a good compass with adjustable declination and mirror, as the authors suggest. Read their recommendations for this essential tool before you shop, and then go to the USGS website and get a downloadable topo map for your residence. Take book, compass, and map out into your neighborhood and practice in your own backyard before heading off into the boonies. Only a fool would go into the wilderness without a map. For most, a good map and compass are all you really need. I would add one thing that is only mentioned briefly in this fine text: If you go hiking abroad or in the Southern Hemisphere, you need to buy a Global compass. Mine is the Suunto MC-2 Global, but it has a drawback: inches on the rulers and not centimeters. Most foreign topos are in meters. Buy a good global compass with both inches and centimeters, study this book, and you are prepared for navigating just about anywhere.

Well written and flows smooth. This book gives a great introduction to the art of navigating in the field using a map and compass.

you can feel certain that when you buy this book, you are getting the best that exists for beginning and intermediate navigation and orienteering. all of the basics are outlined here, and written in such a way that is quite easy to follow. the practice problems in the back were especially helpful to me. one word of extreme caution: be absolutely sure to stay away from the sierra club navigation book. it is difficult to describe its worthlessness, as it is poorly organized and written, and implicity resigns navigation to an elite few.

I have been teaching orienteering for seven years, and this book is everything I could ask for in an introductory text. There are more advanced books, it is true, but this book is reasonably priced, highly readable, and complete enough for the beginning through intermediate adventurer.

Clear, concise and complete guide to wilderness travel. Well written with appropriate practice problems. Excellent book which is small and light enough to be in ones pack. But you really should study the book before you go into the wilderness. Reasonably priced.