Let’s talk old-school navigation

[Alan]

Hey everyone, I'm wondering how many of you still get around without GPS. Ever used a map, compass or even just the sun to figure out where you are? It's a good skill to have. So if you've got any tips, tools or stories about getting lost and finding your way back? Share here

 

[greg smith]

I get around with a gps since the tech came out but it is always backed up with map and compass. I might not carry the maps if I have studied them beforehand and spent time on Google Earth getting familiarized and coordinated between the two. My gps has a useable map in place of paper. A separate compass is always on hand as I've never felt I could trust the gps compass. It seems it's always in need of re-orienting. Using the sun for orientation in OR is dicey.

The only time I ever felt like I was "lost" (and it was with gps in hand), I was headed back at the end of the day, walking up a wide draw with a very subtle bowl at the head. By not looking at the gps often enough, I walked around the head of the bowl not realizing I had made a u-turn. Still not sure why the look of the terrain confused me but a quick check of the gps map confirmed what I had done...??

 

[WAYNO]

I have a lot of navigation training and experience. I always have maps in my truck as well as compasses. I can find my way around, and I can locate where I am at.

That said, I now mostly use a GPS, as it's so extremely convenient.




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[Alan]

I get around with a gps since the tech came out but it is always backed up with map and compass. I might not carry the maps if I have studied them beforehand and spent time on Google Earth getting familiarized and coordinated between the two. My gps has a useable map in place of paper. A separate compass is always on hand as I've never felt I could trust the gps compass. It seems it's always in need of re-orienting. Using the sun for orientation in OR is dicey.

The only time I ever felt like I was "lost" (and it was with gps in hand), I was headed back at the end of the day, walking up a wide draw with a very subtle bowl at the head. By not looking at the gps often enough, I walked around the head of the bowl not realizing I had made a u-turn. Still not sure why the look of the terrain confused me but a quick check of the gps map confirmed what I had done...??

That’s a good example of how tricky terrain can be even with tech on your side

 

[MisterEd]

Ever used a map, compass or even just the sun to figure out where you are?

Yep, and was doing so LONG before GPS HOWEVER before any of my 'tips or tools' first MY 'lost' story...

Bow hunting in the Ochoco Mtns of Oregon many years ago and well, I couldn't find my way back to camp. I wouldn't say at the time I was 'lost' in the formal sense - I knew where I was (generally speaking) but had walked farther than I expected and was having trouble getting my 'bearings'.

Ok, it was still early afternoon so I wasn't too worried so I began to try to identify any landmarks I could equate to where camp was. Well I wasn't seeing anything I could identify so I decided to keep on until early evening and plan to make camp overnight - and hope my friend I was with wasn't too worried but I knew he would probably be out driving around looking for me.

OK, about sundown and I came out on a road I thought I had recognized as the one we came in on a couple days before. I wasn't going to leave it so I started walking to what I thought was the direction of camp and saw a fence line I DID recognize and knew I was on the right road - but about 5 miles away.

Well, I reach camp at about 8:00 and found it picked up with a folding chair with a note from my friend to stay here and he would come back every half hour or so, to which he eventually did and we left.

Anyway for my 'tips and tricks'. When in ANY territory (known or unknown) ALWAYS have a map with 'known' areas marked on it - such as your camp or where you are parked. Pre 'screen' your map and identify known landmarks, particular mountain peaks etc. AND when out on your hike keep you EYES ON THE HORIZON and occasionally verify the landmarks and directions you are going with your map. Far too many people hike with their eyes pointed to the ground and have no idea of where they have been - or are going.

Compass? Yea a good idea IF you know how to use one. Otherwise it's useless.

Last but not least - a roll of blaze orange surveyor's tape in your bag/pouch etc. It's not a bad Idea to mark a tree at say a location where you might 'deviate' from your planned path.

GPS - I think it's great, I occasionally use my phone GPS when driving to find locations/addresses but like anything it is an electronic device and can fail - or simply the batteries can go dead.