There’s something timeless about navigating with a map and compass—a feeling of connection to explorers who once charted the unknown without a GPS signal in sight. Using a map and compass isn’t just a survival skill; it’s an art form that sharpens your sense of direction, spatial awareness, and confidence in the great outdoors. This Map How-Tos section is your guide to mastering those classic navigation tools, helping you turn terrain lines and magnetic bearings into a clear, reliable path forward. You’ll learn how to orient a map, take accurate compass readings, and plot courses through forests, canyons, and mountain passes with precision. Whether you’re trekking remote trails, preparing for an off-grid expedition, or simply curious about traditional navigation, these articles will teach you how to move with purpose—even when technology fades. Rediscover the adventure of true navigation and experience the satisfaction of finding your way using only your mind, your map, and your compass.
How to Use a Compass to Plan Your Route Before You Go
Planning your trip with a compass is the foundation of true navigation. This guide teaches how to align your map, plot bearings, and integrate landmarks so you can design a safe and efficient route before ever setting foot on the trail. Master the art of preparation and explore with confidence.
How to Navigate in the Wilderness Using Map, Compass, and Landmarks
Lost without GPS? Discover how to navigate in the wilderness using only a map, compass, and natural landmarks. This guide teaches time-tested techniques for reading terrain, setting bearings, and staying oriented anywhere on Earth—skills that connect you directly to the land.
How to Navigate in Low Visibility: Fog, Rain, and Night Travel
Fog, rain, and night travel can turn any journey into a test of skill. This guide reveals how to navigate when the world disappears—using map, compass, and awareness to find your way through the toughest low-visibility conditions with confidence and calm.
How to Use a Map and Compass: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
Ready to navigate without GPS? This ultimate beginner’s guide teaches you how to use a map and compass like a pro. Discover how to read topographic maps, set bearings, adjust for declination, and master traditional navigation skills that connect you directly to the landscape.
How to Navigate Without GPS: Old-School Compass Skills That Still Work
Can you find your way without GPS? This guide explores old-school compass navigation—how to read maps, take bearings, adjust for declination, and use the natural world to guide your path. Whether you’re lost in the wild or seeking self-reliance, these timeless skills still point the way home.
Understanding Magnetic North vs True North: What Every Navigator Should Know
Ever wonder why your compass doesn’t point exactly north? This guide explains the difference between magnetic north and true north—and why it matters. Learn how declination works, how to correct it, and how understanding Earth’s magnetic field can transform your navigation skills forever.
Declination Demystified: Adjusting Your Compass for Accurate Navigation
Ever wonder why your compass doesn’t point exactly north? This guide demystifies declination—the difference between true and magnetic north. Learn how to find your local declination, adjust your compass, and navigate with pinpoint accuracy no matter where you are on Earth.