MAP FIRST
Study the route before leaving. Note roads, water, trail junctions, boundaries, bailout points and terrain you can recognize.
← REWYLD FIELD GUIDEKNOW WHERE YOU ARE.
SKILL 04 / NAVIGATION
KNOW WHERE YOU ARE.
KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING.
KNOW HOW TO GET BACK.
Navigation works best when several tools support each other. A map, compass, GPS or phone, landmarks and your own awareness should tell the same story.
🧭
NAVIGATIONMAP • COMPASS • AWARENESSStart With The Fundamentals
BUILD THE SYSTEM
COMPASS
Know the basic parts of your compass and how to orient a map. A compass is most useful when you practice before you need it.
OFFLINE BACKUP
Download maps before losing service and carry backup power when electronics are part of the plan. Electronics complement—not replace—basic awareness.
Practical Field Skills
WHAT TO PRACTICE
HANDRAILS
Roads, rivers, ridges and other obvious features can help keep your travel bounded and understandable.
CHECKPOINTS
Identify places you expect to encounter along the route so you can confirm progress instead of blindly following a line.
TURNAROUND
If the terrain stops matching your plan, stop and reassess early. Continuing confidently in the wrong direction only makes the problem bigger.
🧭 SHAUN'S FIELD NOTE
Gear helps, but familiarity matters more. Practice this skill when conditions are easy so you aren't trying to learn it for the first time when conditions aren't.
Avoid The Usual Traps
COMMON MISTAKES
01
Starting without studying the route.
02
Following a phone without watching the terrain.
03
Failing to download maps for offline use.
04
Not noticing missed junctions.
05
Waiting too long to admit you are unsure.
06
Having no turnaround or exit plan.
REWYLD FIELD CHALLENGE
TAKE THE SKILL OUTSIDE.
Pick a familiar local trail. Follow it with your map and compass visible, identify three landmarks, and regularly point to your approximate location without checking GPS first.
LEARNPRACTICEADAPT
REWYLD FIELD GUIDE / NAVIGATIONTOOLS HELP YOU NAVIGATE.
TOOLS HELP YOU NAVIGATE.
AWARENESS KEEPS YOU ORIENTED.
Learn the skill. Practice it safely. Then take it outside.
STAY WYLD.