Understanding Declination: Why Your Compass Doesn’t Actually Point North
Shen you’re orienteering, you have to adjust your readings for declination -- the difference between true north and magnetic north.
Compass and GPS
Which Compass Should I Buy?
Q: I want to get a compass. Which one should I get?
Troop Learns New Skills on Challenging, Fun Campout
Finding the right path can be tricky, but orienteering skills can help.
Stuff We Like: onX Backcountry App
Learning how to read a map and navigate with it is an essential Scouting skill. Most maps, though, won’t tell you where wildfires are burning, what the weather will be or
How to Use a Compass to Orient a Map and Find Your Way
You can use a map and compass to figure out which direction you're facing.
How to Determine Distance On a Map
A map and compass can point you in the direction you wish to travel, but don't forget to also calculate the length of your route.
How to Measure Distance By Counting Your Steps
Counting your steps is a good way to estimate distances as you hike. Here's how to do it.
9 Things to Know About Orienteering
An orienteering competition is a great way to test your map-and-compass skills.
Practicing Wilderness Survival with the ‘Survivormen’ of the Rockies
It might be a made-up contest, but what Scouts learn in the Colorado wilderness could prove vital in a real survival situation.
Geocaching Takes You on a Modern-Day Treasure Hunt
Geocaching is like a modern-day treasure hunt activity. Here's how to participate in this fun sport.
How to Buy the Best Compass or GPS Receiver
The Gear Guy's advice for buying the right compass or GPS receiver.
Use the Moon and a Watch to Find North
VIDEO: The moon can tell you where the sun is, and once you know the sun's position, you can use your watch to find north.
How to Use a Map and Compass
VIDEO: Learn about aiming, taking a bearing and other compass tips and tricks to improve your orienteering.
How to Read a Topographic Map
Topographic maps tell you about the terrain where you’ll be traveling, but learning to read topo maps takes a little practice. Here are a few tips.
Stuff We Like: Magellan eXplorist 110 GPS receiver
Finally, there's a global positioning system receiver with a bright, full-color screen and an affordable price tag.
Stuff We Like: Garmin Foretrex 301
Sometimes when you're backpacking, the last thing you need is something else to carry. So leave the bulky hand-held global positioning system unit at home and take along the Foretrex 301.
How to Find True North Without Using a Compass
Here are several techniques you can use to find true north if you're lost in the woods.