NOLS Wilderness Navigation (NOLS Library) by Darran Wells

by Darran Wells

The National Outdoor Leadership School's official guide to finding your way in the wilderness Covers all navigational techniques, from map and compass to GPS and gives instructions on taking bearings and planning routes on USGS maps Up-to-date information on tools, equipment, and softwareFor wilderness travelers, 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's 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.

Genres: Outdoors

Paperback

First published September 30, 2005

Reviews

[James Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reviewing the older edition here. If the newer editions are updates of this one, so much the better. I have read a half dozen books on the subject of using a map and compass in the wilderness. Some were very good. However, this book is by far the best, in my opinion, because it gives you so much more about wilderness travel than just map and compass techniques. I like how encouraging the Introduction was and how it recommended hours of practice in the field to get comfortable about various ways to stay on course and know where you are. There are excellent illustrations. The "slope gauge" was new to me and looked helpful. One illustration (p.56) didn't seem to follow the text, a minor point. And there was an accurate but awkward sentence (p.4) regarding scale on maps. But that is nitpicking. For the most part, this is a remarkable book on how to travel and navigate in the wilderness. Many, many valuable lessons on outdoor travel from an obviously well-experienced author.

[Andrew Donnachie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to orienteering and navigation skills