Navigation 101 ⌖
Know Where You Are. Know Where You’re Going.
Navigation 101 is a full weekend crash course in backcountry navigation. Whether you’re reading a paper map or using a compass in the middle of a whiteout, this course teaches the skills and systems that help you stay oriented, safe, and in control of your wilderness journey. You’ll learn how to read terrain, plan routes, use a compass, and even apply natural navigation cues in the field.
This isn’t just about bearings and gridlines—it’s about confidence, awareness, and becoming the kind of person who never gets truly lost.
Course Overview
The weekend begins Saturday morning with a hike into our remote training site, where we’ll establish camp before diving into the basics: map types, compass parts, and navigation theory. From there, we’ll move quickly into hands-on drills, field exercises, route plotting, terrain association, pacing, and emergency reorientation strategies.
Each participant will work through increasingly complex navigation challenges with instructor support. Evenings include Q&A, map review, and optional night nav practice. You’ll camp on-site both nights, living what you’re learning.
$289.99
Includes instruction + all group materials
Detailed pre-trip gear + packing list
Camping + post-course field notes
What You’ll Learn
Navigation 101 starts with the basics and builds into real-time use. You’ll learn how to orient a map, follow bearings, estimate distances, triangulate positions, and plan safe, efficient routes through complex terrain. We’ll also explore the value of natural navigation—sun, shadow, land features, and environmental cues—especially when tech fails.
You’ll leave with the confidence to read your surroundings, make sound decisions, and find your way—no matter the trail, the weather, or the gear in your pack.
Map + Compass Mastery
Learn the full range of navigation tools—topos, baseplate compasses, pacing beads, and terrain reading—step by step.
Field-Based Drills
Apply your skills immediately through challenges, routefinding exercises, and field scenarios built for all levels.
Stay Oriented Anywhere
Gain the awareness and adaptability to reorient yourself quickly—whether you’re deep in the bush or off-course on the trail.
Learn map reading, route planning, and compass use
Practice pacing, bearings, and terrain association
Build skills with hands-on field exercises
Learn reorientation and emergency nav techniques
Explore natural navigation tools and cues
Two nights of field-based training and camping
What to Expect
This is a two-day, two-night course taught entirely in the field. You’ll hike in with your pack, set up camp, and spend the weekend learning and applying navigation in real-time. Expect early starts, structured field drills, and personal instruction to build both skill and confidence.
Whether you’re new to map and compass or need a full refresher, you’ll walk away ready to navigate with purpose in any wilderness environment.
Bushcraft 101 FAQ
Thinking about sharpening your nav skills? Here’s what most folks ask before joining this course.
Do I need experience to attend?
Nope. This course is beginner-friendly but also great for those looking to reinforce or rebuild their navigation foundation.
What kind of navigation tools will we use?
You’ll learn with topographic maps and baseplate compasses. We’ll also cover natural nav cues and discuss GPS tools as backup—not primary.
What gear should I bring?
You’ll receive a detailed gear list after signing up. Basic camping gear and personal essentials are required, but we provide maps, practice tools, and group materials.
Will we be hiking a lot?
You’ll be on your feet regularly for field drills, but distances are manageable and designed for learning, not exhaustion. A moderate fitness level is ideal.
Do I get to keep any course materials?
Yes! You’ll receive a navigation workbook and reference tools to keep practicing after the course ends.
Does the course run in bad weather?
Absolutely. Weather is a big part of real-world navigation. We’ll train rain or shine—just like the terrain demands.
