With technological advancements, the age of GPS, many of us have lost our map reading skills or even not even acquired them. However if you run out of battery or if something should happen to your GPS gadget it pays to know how to read a topographic map with a compass. In the words of the scouts, it pays to ‘Be Prepared’. Australian Geographic gives us the basics to get you started. Continue Reading

Knowing How To Use A Compass Is Vital In The Backcountry

Do you know how to use a compass correctly? This sounds like a silly question but it is quite amazing how many people would say that they either don’t even carry a compass anymore or they have one but would have a lot of trouble using it correctly if they needed to.

Sadly now that the GPS has taken over our navigating tasks the ability to use a traditional compass and map is fast fading. But do you know what, using a compass and map in conjunction with your GPS makes both pieces of equipment even more useful and just maybe your compass might be the only tool you have if your GPS happens to pack it in. Continue Reading