The Smart Hikers Guide: Land Navigation

Use a Map and Compass to Keep Yourself on Track

By: J Gullace

Narrated by: Connor Reding

Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Heading for a hike?

Make sure you equip yourself with these skills to help you navigate any terrain like a pro.

The pull of exploring nature and the unknown is part of being a human–the desire to explore has shaped much of human history.

And now, for you, it is also the foundation of many adventures.

According to Lonely Planet, adventure tourism is on the rise, with hiking ranking as the number one outdoor activity, along with backpacking and camping.

The term "hiking" is quite broad–ranging from a small stroll along the lake to a long trek to a mountain peak. But no matter where you’re hiking, getting off track is always a possibility.

So how can you make sure that you get to enjoy hiking, camping, and other similar activities without getting hopelessly lost?

You could use your smartphone, but without cell signal and battery power–which is likely to happen in the outdoors–it’s completely useless.

The solution? It’s quite simple and very practical–land navigation.

Perfected over centuries, navigation skills are still reliable and efficient in helping you find your way.

In this book, aimed towards enthusiastic hikers, backpackers, and anyone who loves to explore nature, you will discover:

• The art of land navigation: Beginner-friendly, accessible, and an indispensable skill set in your outdoor adventures.
• Perfect preparations: Pack these basic tools for every adventure to give you an edge in exploring and enjoying nature.
• The power of a compass: Discover how this one small piece of equipment will help you traverse the wilderness.
• Mastering maps: Measure distances, pinpoint locations, and even get yourself "un-lost" as you learn to efficiently read and use maps.
• How to add the use of GPS to your arsenal of navigation tools without solely relying on it.
• The bare-bones way of navigating: Lost your equipment? No problem! Discover how you can use nature like a compass to find your way.

And much more.

Navigating using a compass and a map is a rewarding skill on its own.

Not only does it help you in finding your path, it also comes in handy when touring new locations, plotting an easy trail for trekking, or finding a specific spot for camping.

Master this life-saving outdoor skill today and never worry about getting lost on a hike again.

Explore nature confidently without ever getting off track as you master the art of land navigation.

©2022 J Gullace (P)2023 J Gullace

Land Navigation for Recreation or Survival

This book is a great introduction for beginners to the concepts of map reading and navigation by compass.  I especially appreciate the history of cartography that is included; it's fascinating to hear the evolution of the maps we use today.

Too many of us rely on our electronic gadgets to get us from point A to point B; being prepared and having the knowledge to use a compass and map as a backup in an emergency situation is critical and should be practiced by many more.  The author covers other equipment that should be packed by anyone embarking on an adventure hike and emphasizes safety above all else.  He goes in depth on compasses and topographic maps, which gives a great basis for the skills necessary to maintain safety while hiking.  I especially appreciate the inclusion of a chapter about navigating with nature (and an analog watch, even!); I had known some of that before, but I found that section to be particularly interesting.

A useful and recommended resource!

An excellent guide to safe adventures

I appreciated the solid basic information shared in this book. It provides guidance about types of equipment, advantages and alternatives available for safe hiking. In addition there is a chapter addressing how to calmly work through the loss of equipment in an emergency. Overall it's solid information made interesting by historical tidbits about origins of compasses, maps and more. The audio version is clearly read and understandable (I listened while driving). Highly recommend .

Interesting essential

This informational book is a great way to begin learning land navigation. Listening to this book greatly enhanced my knowledge of compassion and map use.

Worth purchasing the printed version for reference!

I purchased the printed version and made references throughout the book while listening. I am ready to get out and master my skills using my compass and topo maps. There’s several examples throughout the book on how to do this. I also enjoyed the ‘bare-bones’ ways of navigating by using nature around us. Great information and this book will be added to my hiking reference guides!

Terrific book

I learned so much from this book. I’m becoming an outdoors person and I picked up some great information that I can start using immediately. I also really liked the narrator. Totally recommend!