Darran Wells

The official NOLS guide to finding your way in the outdoors. Being able to rely on your navigational skills can mean the difference between a successful day hiking and an unplanned overnight in the wilderness. This new edition focuses on navigational principles and techniques so you can build skills and confidence and not have to rely on technology that is often not available on and off trail. Based on official NOLS curriculum and vetted by trained NOLS instructors in the field, NOLS Wilderness Navigation covers navigation techniques for map and compass and GPS, navigating by stars and sun, instruction on taking bearings, planning routes and using USGS topo maps, and choosing the right tools and equipment. This edition also includes international and nautical travel.

For wilderness travellers, good navigation ability can mean the difference between a successful day hike and an unplanned overnight stay. Based on the curriculum of the National Outdoor Leadership School, "NOLS Wilderness Navigation" gives you the skills you need to confidently find your way on and off the trail. Included here are methods for orienting yourself by the sun and the stars alone, easy-to-follow explanations of map and compass techniques, and advice on using an altimeter. There is also a comprehensive section on using GPS technology-without becoming dependent on it. Exercises at the end of each chapter help readers gradually develop their skills and build their confidence.