Of course, every trail is unique and there are many different ways in which you can build your ability to safely navigate the backcountry. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we know you’ve got questions and through our responses, we know we’ll put your mind at ease and get you out on the trails in no time!

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. WHAT IS BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION?

Backcountry navigation is all about knowing where you are, where you need to be, and how to get there. In other words, not getting lost!

Sometimes it’s easy to stay on the trail, yet there may come a time when you find yourself in a situation where that little voice in your head starts whispering, “Where am I…?”

Being prepared and understanding the different navigation tools at your disposal are the best ways of preventing a bad case of “geographic uncertainty” when you’re out exploring the backcountry.

2. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION?

There are three types of trail you’re likely to encounter in the backcountry, and your navigational needs will be different for each.

SIGNPOSTED

When the trail is clearly signposted and well-traveled, backcountry navigation may be as simple as reading the map at the trailhead, watching for signs at each fork in the trail and packing a simple “not to scale” trail map in your day pack as a backup option.

NO SIGNPOSTS AND WELL-TRAVELED

These are the trails that most of us will be exploring on day hikes or those close to populated centers. An awareness of major landmarks together with a basic map and the GPS on your cell phone are likely to be good enough for navigational purposes.

NO SIGNPOSTS AND INFREQUENTLY TRAVELED

Off-trail hikes, multi-day hikes, remote regions or challenging terrain all require a much higher level of navigational certainty. At the same time, the risk of getting lost can be greater as there are likely to be fewer people in the area and electronic communication may not be available.

For these hikes, you will need both a topographic map and a compass. Most importantly, the skills to use them together to navigate through unknown terrain, possibly during challenging conditions.

Every trail is different so do your research but if in doubt, take a map and compass.

3. I’M GETTING OLDER, IS BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION STILL AN OPTION?

Definitely! In fact, the older you are, the less risks you’re likely to take and the more experience you have to get yourself back on track if necessary.

4. DO I NEED TO BE SUPER FIT?

Not at all. Backcountry navigation is all about brains over brawn. A good plan, the necessary skills and a cool head under pressure are all that is needed to be an excellent backcountry navigator.

5. I DON’T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY, WHAT ARE THE COSTS I CAN EXPECT?

You’ll be extremely pleased to know that the most reliable tools for backcountry navigation, your map and compass, are very affordable.

Depending on where you intend to hike, you may need to invest in hiking gear. We’ve got some great tips on this further down the article.

SAFETY

6. IS BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION SAFE?

Yes!

Of course! By taking yourself into the wilderness, you do need to respect your environment and the challenges it may pose. Training is the key here. If you go into your hike prepared, particularly when going off-trail, then there is very little risk at all.

7. WHAT CHALLENGES WILL I ENCOUNTER WHEN NAVIGATING IN THE BACKCOUNTRY?

For most hikers, navigational challenges will come in the form of fog, snow, remaining daylight or perhaps unexpected obstructions that require you to leave the marked trail. Battery failure is also common, so you should also have a backup to your GPS, just in case.

If you’re going off-trail, then you’ll need to be prepared for a greater variety of challenges such as difficult terrain and thick vegetation.

8. WILL I GET LOST?

As they say, “Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.”

Every hiker has experienced that feeling in the bottom of their stomach when things don’t look right, or the trail takes an unexpected deviation. Would you really call that “lost?” Probably not and with the right training, you’ll be back on track in no time.

As for getting REALLY lost, it’s only likely if you haven’t done your preparation or you didn’t respect your environment. Both of which are completely under your control.

9. HOW CAN I PREVENT MYSELF FROM GETTING LOST?

Preparation is the key. Don’t go jumping into multi-day, solo hikes or off-trail from day one!

On your typical day hikes, it may be as simple as brushing up on the route before you start and then keeping an eye open for junctions and signposts on the trail.

If you’re thinking of going off-trail, then you’ll be wanting to complete shorter hikes in the local area to get a feel for major landmarks (rivers, mountaintops, electricity lines, etc). Start with day hikes with plenty of time before it gets dark.

Take a friend. Practice your map and compass navigational skills on marked trails first. There are so many things you can do to ensure you’re ready to navigate the backcountry.

GEAR

10. DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL GEAR FOR BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION?

There are a number of different pieces of gear you could purchase to help with your backcountry navigation, with costs varying from very little, up to a whole lot.

A cell phone and its in-built GPS signal will prove sufficient for most hikes that are near populated areas. For greater accuracy, you could consider purchasing a dedicated GPS unit.

At its most basic, if you’re going to go off-trail or into remote areas, the purchase of a map and compass is of critical importance. High-quality topographic maps and compasses can be purchased online or from your local camping store. To protect your map from the elements, it’s also a good idea to purchase a waterproof map case or sleeve.

Of course, simply hiking in the backcountry requires you to have the right gear for the conditions. This is a topic in itself, but the best place to start is this Multi-Day Hiking Packing List.

11. WHERE CAN I GET ADVICE ON THE RIGHT GEAR?

Your local camping store is a great place to seek advice about the gear needed for backcountry navigation. There is also plenty of information online for anyone wanting to do gear research.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we love putting together gear guides to help you make the best purchase. You’ll find these two articles to be useful:

Top 10 Best Hiking Compasses

Top 7 Best GPS Units for Hiking

LEARNING MORE

12. HOW CAN I IMPROVE AT BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION?

As with any physical activities, the best way to improve your backcountry navigational skills is to practice! You don’t need to be in the middle of the wilderness either; even your local park or suburb can be used to practice your map and compass skills.

It’s also worthwhile to read as much literature online as possible. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we’ve written guides on How to Read a Topographic Map and How to Read a Compass, and these are the perfect places to start!

Another fun way to improve your skills is to join your local hiking or orienteering club. These clubs are always looking for new members and are extremely knowledgeable.

COMMUNITY

13. WHERE CAN I MEET A COMMUNITY OF LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE?

No matter how urbanized they may be, most large towns and cities will have a hiking club that you could join. If you’re finding it difficult to track one down, remember to check the local college or university as they often establish hiking clubs to cater to students with a passion for the outdoors.

14. IS THIS SOMETHING I CAN DO COMPETITIVELY?

Yes! Some of us enjoy taking things slowly and independently, others like to have an element of competition to keep pushing us to improve.

The sport of orienteering started with the Swedish in the late 1800s but due to its popularity, it has spread across the world. At its most basic, the sport of orienteering involves each competitor being provided with a backcountry course that needs to be completed in the shortest amount of time.

Checkpoints are designated along the way to make there aren’t any sneaky shortcuts, but most importantly, the only navigational aids that are permitted are a map and compass. The sport of orienteering is the perfect way to not only satisfy your competitive spirit but to rapidly improve your backcountry navigation skills at the same time!

The post Backcountry Navigation – FAQ appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

THE BASIC PARTS OF A COMPASS

There are many different types of compasses on the market nowadays, but they all have the same purpose. That is, of course, allowing you to find north and navigate your way in the wilderness. Although all compasses point north, many of them come with extra features and components.

1. MAGNETIZED NEEDLE

The typically red-colored part of the magnetized needle always points to the magnetic north pole. Not true north, more on that in a moment.

2. ROTATING BEZEL

The rotating bezel has markings on its outer edge, called azimuth ring. These markings range from 0° to 360° and include the four directions (north, east, south and west). This bezel rotates around the compass needle.

3. BASEPLATE

The baseplate is a transparent plate with several different markings and lines. They include the direction-of-travel arrow and a ruler to measure distances on a map.

4. ORIENTING LINES AND ARROW

Orienting lines are the markings inside and underneath the compass housing. They rotate with the rotating bezel while the magnetized needle keeps pointing north. The orienting arrow lies in the middle of the orienting lines and rotating bezel. It points to the north on the rotating bezel’s azimuth ring.

HOW TO READ A COMPASS

Reading a compass is actually pretty easy. It’s the first step in using this valuable outdoor tool. You really only need to know one thing if you want to read a compass – one end of the needle always points north. The north-pointing end is almost always red while the other part of the needle may be white, black or another color.

Here are a few tips on how to read a compass correctly, as explained by the Compass Dude:

1. When holding the compass, make sure that the baseplate is level and the direction-of-travel arrow points away from you.

2. Hold it at a height between your waist and your face, and close to your stomach. Your elbow should be slightly bent and your arm relaxed.

3. Look down and see which direction the needle points to.

That’s it! That’s all you need to know to find the magnetic north. For further instructions on how to actually use your compass to orient and navigate, continue reading.

HOW TO USE A COMPASS: 4 STEPS TO FOLLOW

You can use a compass for various reasons and in many ways. Its applications range from finding north to navigating unmarked wilderness and finding your position.

Below, we’ll outline how to the use a compass in its most used way, finding north and setting a direction.

1. FIND NORTH

The only thing a compass does by itself is finding where north is. You’ll have to do the rest. As pointed out above, the red end of the needle always points to the magnetic north. This is the first and easiest step.

2. ORIENT YOUR MAP

The top of a topographic map always points north as well. Now, it’s a matter of lining up your compass with your map. You do that by first aligning the orientating arrow on the rotating bezel with the direction-of-travel arrow on the baseplate.

Next, put your compass on your map so that the orienting lines and arrow parallel the vertical, or north-south, lines on the topographic map. Keeping your compass in place on the map, turn your map until the magnetic needle overlaps the orienting arrow. Now, your map points north.

3a. SET A DIRECTION (WITHOUT A MAP)

If you don’t have a map, you’ll have to rely on a visible landmark to set a direction. You can also set a direction without a map if you know which direction (north, east, south, west or any direction in between) you want to go in.

Simply point the direction-of-travel arrow toward the landmark you want to go to. Now, turn the rotating bezel so that the orienting arrow overlaps with the magnetic needle, pointing north. Making sure the needle always aligns with the orienting arrow, all you need to do is follow the direction-of-travel arrow.

Setting a direction when you only know a direction works pretty much the same way. Instead of pointing the direction-of-travel arrow at your goal landmark, though, you will have to line up your preferred direction with the direction-of-travel arrow.

Say you would like to go east. What you need to do is turn the rotating bezel until it the letter “E” or word “East” on the azimuth ring aligns with the direction-of-travel arrow on the baseplate. Then, turn the compass so that the magnetic needle overlaps with the orienting arrow.

Just like above, keeping the needle aligned with the orienting arrow at all times and simply following the direction-of-travel arrow will take you to where you want to go.

3b. SET A DIRECTION (WITH A MAP)

The beauty of a compass only really shines when used together with a topographic map. Setting a direction using a map follows the same principles as the techniques above. What makes it so much better is that you can set directions toward destinations or objects that aren’t visible.

The only thing you need to know is where you are on the map. If you don’t know where you are, you can use a map, compass and two visible landmarks to triangulate your position. REI.com has a great video on how to do that.

Now, find your destination on the map and visualize or even draw a direct line between your position and your objective. Line up the edge of your compass’ baseplate with that line, making sure that the direction-of-travel arrow points toward your objective.

Next, rotate the rotating bezel until its orienting lines parallel the lines on your topographic map. Then, hold the compass in front of you, as explained earlier, until its magnetic needle aligns with the orienting arrow.

You will now face the direction of your objective. If you keep the needle and the orienting arrow aligned, you can simply follow the direction-of-travel arrow to get to where you need to be.

4. TRUE NORTH VERSUS MAGNETIC NORTH

A compass needle always points to the magnetic north pole, which is not the same as true north. Topographic maps happen to be oriented toward true north, so that’s something that needs to be taken into account.

The difference in angle between magnetic north and true north is called declination. Depending on where you are in the world, this difference can be rather large. We’re talking 15° or 20° or even more.

Every topographic map has a declination diagram, generally found in its lower right corner. This diagram shows the difference between the two norths in a number of degrees, based on the 360° azimuth.

When using your compass and topographic map, make sure to account for this difference. You can do this by using the degrees on the edge of the rotating bezel, the azimuth ring. Mark the declination degree with a marker or a piece of tape, or simply write it down so you don’t forget.

When setting a direction and aligning the compass needle with the orienting arrow, this is when you need to account for this declination difference. As you navigate your way, always ensure that the needle points at true north and not at the magnetic north.

VIDEO: HOW TO READ A COMPASS

This short YouTube video by a British survival expert shows you clearly how to read a compass properly and how to use it together with a topographic map.

The post How To Read A Compass appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

In this article, we offer a lesson in map reading. We’ll guide you through all steps and skills needed to navigate in the wilderness.

WHAT IS A TOPOGRAPHIC MAP?

Topographic maps are different from other types of maps because of their high level of detail. Also known as topo maps, these maps are so-called planimetric maps. They show the world from a bird’s eye view, perpendicular to the ground.

Common road maps are planimetric maps as well, but they contain much less information. Topographic maps are extremely useful because they include natural and man-made features as well as the land’s topography.

Contour lines represent the topography. These lines connect spots with the same elevation and allow you to visualize what a landscape looks like. Like How Stuff Works says, topographic maps show the 3D world on a 2D surface.

HOW TO READ A TOPOGRAPHIC MAP: 5 STEPS

STEP 1. UNDERSTAND THE CONTOUR LINES

Contour lines are the most important characteristic of topographic maps. If you don’t know how to read these lines, a topo map might seem overwhelming. If you do know, however, these maps are a godsend on wilderness hikes. Their wealth of information is also a great help when planning a backpacking trip.

Thin brown lines snaking their way across the map, contour lines connect places with the same elevation. In practical terms: a line marked “2,500 feet” means that it represents all points on the map located 2,500 feet above sea level. Contour lines are always closed loops (sometimes continuing outside your map).

They are categorized in intervals. Common intervals are 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 or 100 feet. The intervals depend on the scale of the map and sometimes on the represented landscape. If contour lines lie close to each other, that indicates a steep slope. Contour lines with a lot of space between them indicate flat or gently sloped landscapes.

It is also important to realize that, because contour lines come in intervals, there might be elevation change between them. For instance, as Backpacker.com points out, between 40-foot contour lines, there might be a 20-foot cliff or 30-foot ravine. Sometimes, this “problem” is solved by adding interval lines between the contour lines. These lines aren’t marked, but indicate smaller intervals between the main contour lines’ intervals.

There’s hardly ever a smooth transition between contour lines. That said, these lines help greatly when picturing what the landscape looks like.

5 THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT CONTOUR LINES

Section Hiker lists a number of basic things to know about contour lines. They’re critical with regards to how to read a topographic map.

1. All points on a contour line have the same elevation (above sea level).

2. Contour lines form closed loops. Typically, the area inside the loop is higher than the contour line.

3. Contour lines are indicated by intervals. One side of the line is higher, the other side is lower.

4. If contour lines lie close together, the landscape is steep. Lines located further apart mean a flatter landscape.

5. Contour lines crossing a stream or river will form a V-shaped pattern on the map. The tip of the V always points upstream. So, the V’s opening points downstream, or downhill.

STEP 2. KNOW THE FEATURES

Besides contour lines, you’ll find many other features on a topographic map. This is arguably the most realistic type of map available.

Features on a topographic map include the following. They are all indicated by different symbols and/or colors.

CULTURAL: roads, buildings, power lines, railroads, urban spaces and boundaries.

NATURAL: woods, orchards, vineyards and parks.

AQUATIC: rivers and streams, lakes, seas, swamps and waterfalls.

RELIEF: mountains, canyons, depressions, plateaus, slopes and valleys.

TOPONYMICAL: names of places, water features and highways.

STEP 3. LEARN WHAT THE COLORS REPRESENT

Color designations make topographic maps much easier to read. Large spaces have their own color. Woods, parks and other heavily vegetated areas are green while blue colors and lines represent water features, including rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands and snowfields.

Grey or red indicates urban, built-up and man-made areas. Houses are small black rectangles. Larger buildings such as shopping malls and factories are shown as their actual shapes. Red lines represent major roads. Thin black lines are trails.

As mentioned above, the contour lines are brown-colored, as are their respective elevation numbers.

STEP 4. KNOW THE SCALE OF THE MAP

When learning how to read a topographic map, it’s important to be aware of the scale of your map. Obviously, there are no life-sized maps. Instead, to represent a large area, cartographers make maps on a ratio scale.

This means that one unit of measurement on the map correlates with a larger unit in the real world. The first number on any scale legend is one. This is your map’s unit of measurement—in the United States, it is generally an inch. The second number on the scale is the distance in real life, in the same unit of measurement.

For example, a scale of 1:20,000 means that one inch on your map correlates to 20,000 inches in the real world. You can find the scale legend at the bottom of your map.

STEP 5. FIND NORTH

In order to be able to use your topographic map on the trail, together with your compass, you must know where north is. Fortunately, this couldn’t be any easier. North is always, without exception, the top of your map.

VIDEO: HOW TO READ A TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

This twelve-minute video by Reality Survival shows you clearly how to read contour lines, the most important feature of topographic maps.

The post How To Read A Topographic Map appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

One of our big goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to make your life easier when it comes to ticking of your hiking gear check list. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose a hiking compass and show you our selection of the best models of the year.

For more of our top hiking accessory recommendations, check out the Best Hiking Poles.

Reviews - The Best Compass for Hiking

Suunto M-3 D Leader

Specs

• Analog/Digital: Analog
• Declination Adjustment: Yes
• Sighting Mirror: No

Features

• Baseplate with magnifying lens
• Metric and Imperial scales
• Balanced for northern hemisphere

BEST OVERALL HIKING COMPASS

PROS: Detachable locking lanyard, liquid-filled capsule for stable operation

CONS: degree markings on the baseplate are relatively small, making it hard to navigate in low light conditions.

View at REI

TurnOn Sport Orienteering Compass

Specs

• Analog/Digital: Analog
• Declination Adjustment: No
• Sighting Mirror: No

Features

• Magnifying Glass
• Compass Ruler and 1:24000 compass Scale

BEST FOR: HIKING ON A BUDGET

PROS: Affordable price, waterproof bearings allow for use in inclement weather, very lightweight, weighing in at 1.6 ounces.

CONS: No declination feature or direction box included

View at Amazon

Suunto A10 Field

Specs

• Analog/Digital: Analog
• Declination Adjustment: No
• Sighting Mirror: No

Features

• Ergonomic design
• Includes lanyard
• Scratch-resistant
• High-grade steel needle with jewel bearing

BEST FOR: BASIC NAVIGATING AND ORIENTING

PROS: Base plate with straight edge for map reading, waterproof

CONS: Doesn’t have global needle, fixed declination scale, non-luminous, bubbles may develop in liquid

View at REI

Suunto MC 2G Navigator

Specs

• Analog/Digital: Analog
• Declination Adjustment: Yes
• Sighting Mirror: Yes

Features

• Compact
• Global needle
• Easy-grip bezel
• Base plate with magnifying lense

BEST FOR: ADVANCED NAVIGATION AND ORIENTING 

PROS: Base plate with magnifying lens, straight edge, and inch markings for map reading, global needle, adjustment key included on lanyard, bezel reads in two degree increments, luminous outer ring

CONS: Numbers rub off of the bezel after regular use, cover isn’t durable enough for heavy use, luminous outer ring doesn’t stay illuminated for very long, tool needed for declination adjustment

View at REI

View at Backcountry

Coghlan’s Function Whistle

Specs

• Analog/Digital: Analog
• Declination Adjustment: No
• Sighting Mirror: No

Features

• Loud, pealess whistle
• Fahrenheit/Celsius thermometer
• Magnifying lens
• Glow-in-the-dark dial

BEST FOR: KIDS

PROS: Three important tools all-in-one

CONS: Other than finding magnetic north, the product doesn’t feature any additional navigational features.

View at REI

Suunto M9 Wrist

Specs

• Analog/Digital: Analog
• Declination Adjustment: No
• Sighting Mirror: No

Features

• Reliable northern hemisphere readings
• Serrated bezel ring
• Black hook-and-loop wrist strap
• Ratcheting mechanism for direction setting

BEST FOR: BASIC TO INTERMEDIATE NAVIGATION

PROS: Can be read from the top or the side, sighting notch and reading window, wrist strap fits wide range of sizes, can be removed from supplied band and placed on another wristband, housing can turn for direction setting, water resistant, luminous face

CONS: Must be kept very level to get accurate reading, doesn’t have a global needle, can be slow to orient, wristband might be too large for small wrists

View at REI

Brunton TruArc 3

Specs

• Analog/Digital: Analog
• Declination Adjustment: Yes
• Sighting Mirror: No

Features

• Tool-free declination
• Global needle system
• 2 degree resolution

BEST FOR: INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED NAVIGATION

PROS: Tool free declination adjustment, metric and standard scales, responsive needle, easy to hold, inexpensive, global needle, rotary bezel, baseplate with straight edge and inch markings for map reading

CONS: Non-luminous, declination marks are difficult to see

View at Amazon

Celestron 48003 TrekGuide

Specs

• Analog/Digital: Digital
• Declination Adjustment: Yes
• Sighting Mirror: No

Features

• Compass Range of 0 To 359
• 1-16 graphical pointers
• Adjustable magnetic declination angle
• Weather forecast icons

BEST FOR: GENERAL NAVIGATION AND ORIENTING

PROS: Delivers information on temperature, altitude, barometric pressure, clock, calendar, and alarm functionality, backlit display, water-resistant, bubble level, lithium battery

CONS: Difficult to set some functions, battery operated, no on/off button to save battery life

View at Amazon

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST HIKING COMPASSES

ANALOG VS. DIGITAL

Digital compasses come with lots of extra bells and whistles and are a common feature on hiking watches. But are they the right device for you? 

Digital compasses are battery powered. You’ll need to be prepared to either change or charge the batteries. If you forget to bring your batteries or portable charger with you, then your device could fail. This could leave you without a navigation tool right when you need it most.

Analog devices have no external power source. You can store an analog compass for months (or even years!), and it will still work. With an analog compass, you have the benefit of not worrying that it will run out of power when you’re in a jam. These are things to consider when choosing the right compass for you. 

DECLINATION ADJUSTMENT

When navigating, you must be aware of “true north” and “magnetic north.” True north is the direction to the geographic North Pole. Magnetic north is the direction to the magnetic North Pole.

Declination is an angle that measures the difference in degrees between these two points. Declination is not a fixed number. This angle changes based on your location and can vary from year to year.

What does this mean? Even if you’re facing true north, your compass needle may point several degrees east or west towards magnetic north. For short treks, this may not make a difference in your navigation. However, for long journeys, ignoring declination could send you many miles off route.

Compasses equipped with a declination adjustment function can easily account for these changes. How? By adding or subtracting declination from the compass bearing. Once you make the adjustment, you can safely navigate without continuously calculating the declination. Here are some additional tips on how to use a compass. 

GLOBAL NEEDLE

Not every analog compass can work anywhere in the world. Many compasses are calibrated for the magnetic variance in a particular hemisphere. Take a U.S. calibrated compass to Australia, and you’ll see that its needle drags and sticks.

If you plan to use your compass while traveling around the world, then look for one with a global needle.

Global needles are designed to account for the changes in magnetic variances. These compasses perform successfully no matter where in the world you end up on a trail.

SIGHTING MIRROR

A sighting mirror lets you view your compass and your surroundings simultaneously. This feature makes compass readings more accurate and is ideal for advanced navigation. As a bonus, the mirror can be used as a signal in an emergency situation.

LUMINOSITY AND BACKLIGHTING

Will you be navigating at night? If the answer is yes, you’ll need to be able to see your compass in the dark. Look for models that are backlit or have luminous features on the face of the compass. These functions will allow you to see your compass without constantly using a flashlight.

DURABILITY

Your compass is an essential line of defense against getting lost on a hike. If it breaks right when you need it, you could find yourself trapped in an unsafe situation.

Whether you’re hiking in high altitudes or inclement weather, you need a compass that lasts. Be sure to select a model that’s durable enough to withstand whatever comes your way.

Looking for more ways to find your route while hiking? Make sure to check out the The Best Hiking GPS for information on how to find the best GPS unit for your hike.

The post Best Hiking Compasses of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

It’s a complex piece of technology and reading though the specs can make your head spin. So, how do you know what is the best model for you?

That’s where we come in. One of our goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to make your life easier when it comes to choosing hiking gear. In this article we’ll walk you through what to look for while shopping for a handheld GPS and how to find the one that is right for you.

For more of our top hiking gear recommendations, check out the Best Hiking Headlamps.

Reviews - The Best Hiking GPS

Garmin GPSMAP 66sr

Specs

• Battery Life: 36 - 450 h
• Weight: 8.2 oz
• Screen Size: 3.0 in

Features

• Large, sunlight-readable display
• Active Weather for up-to-date forecasts and animated weather radar
• Internal lithium ion rechargeable battery

BEST OVERALL HIKING GPS

PROS: Display readable even in direct sunlight, waterproof, 16 GB expandable memory bank

CONS: Price, requires a battery pack or solar panel to recharge it on longer expeditions

View at Amazon

Garmin eTrex 22x

Specs

• Battery Life: 25 h
• Weight: 5 oz
• Screen Size: 2.2 in

Features

• 6 Button Toggle

BEST FOR HIKERS LOOKING FOR A SIMPLE & AFFORDABLE DEVICE

PROS: Affordable, Excellent Battery Life, Easy To Use, Light

CONS: Small Screen, Less Accurate Than Bigger Units, No Electronic Compass

View at REI

Garmin Oregon 700

Specs

• Battery Life: 16 h
• Weight: 7.4 oz
• Screen Size: 3 in

Features

• Sunlight-readable touchscreen display with Dual orientation
• 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass
• Water-rated to Ipx7

BEST TOUCHSCREEN OPTION

PROS: Well-designed menu system, lightweight, Active Weather support

CONS: Less accurate than options with a Galileo sensor built-in

View at Amazon

Garmin inReach Mini

Specs

• Battery Life: 50 h
• Weight: 3.5 oz
• Screen Size: 0.9 in

Features

• Iridium satellite network ensures 100% pole-to-pole coverage
• Optional inReach weather forecast service
• Internal, rechargeable lithium battery

BEST FOR ULTRALIGHT HIKERS

PROS: Includes a passive tracking mode, which allows users at home to follow you on your journey

CONS: Paid subscription is required to use its communication features, limited mapping capabilities

View at REI

Garmin inReach Explorer+

Specs

• Battery Life: 100 h
• Weight: 7.5 oz
• Screen Size: 2.3 in

Features

• Use the web-based MapShare portal to track and share your location online
• Pair with mobile devices using the free Earthmate app
• Can trigger an interactive SOS to GEOS

BEST FOR: MESSAGING AND NAVIGATION

PROS: 100 hours of battery life, doubles as an emergency personal locator beacon

CONS: Difficult to type on, heavier and more expensive in comparison to the inReach Mini

View at REI

Garmin eTrex 32x

Specs

• Battery Life: 25 h
• Weight: 5 oz
• Screen Size: 2.2 in

Features

• 3-Axis Compass
• Barometric Altimeter
• Wireless

BEST FOR HIKERS WANTING A SMALL & LIGHT GPS

PROS: Light, Small, Great Value, Long Battery Life

CONS: Small Screen, Topo Maps Aren’t Preloaded

View at REI

Garmin Montana 680t

Specs

• Battery Life: 16-25 h
• Weight: 10.2 oz
• Screen Size: 4.0 in

Features

• Built-in Camera
• Wireless Sharing
• 3-Axis Compass with Barometric Altimeter

BEST FOR HIKERS LOOKING FOR A BIG & TOUGH DEVICE

PROS: Glove Friendly Display, Big Screen, Can Mount Anywhere

CONS: Heavy, Bulky and Expensive

View at Amazon

Garmin Oregon 650t

Specs

• Battery Life: 16 h
• Weight: 7.4 oz
• Screen Size: 3.0 in

Features

• 3-axis Compass
• Accelerometer
• Barometric Altimeter
• 8MP camera 

BEST FOR HIKERS WHO WANT A HIGH END GPS

PROS: Maps Included, Easy To Read, Waterproof

CONS: Poor Battery Life, Pre-Loaded Topo Maps Are Based On 1:100,000 Scale Maps

View at Amazon

Garmin GPSMAP 64s

Specs

• Battery Life: 16 h
• Weight: 8.11 oz
• Screen Size: 2.6 in

Features

• Super Bright LCD Display
• Helix Antenna

BEST FOR BACKCOUNTRY & REMOTE HIKING

PROS: Accurate, Fast Tracking, Better Reception, Bright Display

CONS: Large, Heavy, Poor Battery Life

View at Amazon

Garmin eTrex Touch 35t

Specs

• Battery Life: 16 h
• Weight: 5.6 oz
• Screen Size: 2.6 in

Features

• 3 Axis Compass
• Barometric Altimeter
• Preloaded With Either Topo U.S. 100k or Topo Canada Maps

BEST FOR LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING, GEOCACHING AND CYCLING

PROS: Compact, Rugged, Light

CONS: Poor Battery Life, Small Screen

View at Amazon

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST GPS FOR HIKING

BUTTONS OR TOUCHSCREEN?

Touchscreens operate faster because you don’t need to scroll through options. The downside is they use more battery than buttoned models, can freeze up in cold conditions, and don’t work as well with thick gloves.

Buttoned models last longer, work in all temperatures, can be used with thick gloves and are more reliable. The downside is they are slower to respond than touchscreen units and it takes longer to type in waypoints.

WEIGHT 

As with any piece of gear you use for hiking, being lightweight is paramount. There are many compact models out there but if screen size is an issue for you, you might need to go for a larger one.

DISPLAY

Screen size is important for being able to clearly read the map. For touchscreen models, it is easier to use them with a large screen. The obvious downside to a bigger screen is these models weigh more and are bulky.

BATTERY LIFE

You don’t want to be out in the mountains and find out your GPS just died after a few hours of hiking. A minimum of 15 hours of battery life is recommended.

It’s a big plus if the device can take rechargeable AA or AAA batteries, because you can carry a spare set with you. Some models come with a dual battery system, which gives you the option of using the rechargeable lithium-ion pack or traditional AA batteries.

BUILT-IN MEMORY

GPS units store data internally and/or on a microSD card. This memory is used to store map data, waypoints, routes and, in some models, even audio, pictures and video. More memory lets receivers hold more data.

CONSTRUCTION

Due to the nasty weather you can encounter while in the outdoors, the handheld GPS units should be waterproof, shockproof and robust.

ADVANCED FEATURES TO CONSIDER

WIRELESS SHARING

Wirelessly share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches with other compatible GPS users without using cumbersome cords or cables.

BUILT-IN CAMERA

Some models come with a built in camera to capture locations and memories. Your photos will also be “geo-tagged” so you can see where on the map you snapped the shot.

TWO-WAY RADIO

Some devices have integrated Family Radio Service (FRS) radios for up to 2 miles of range and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios with a range of up to 14 miles (in ideal conditions), plus they get the latest forecast from the NOAA 7-channel weather radio.

HANDHELD GPS UNITS VS SMARTPHONES & GPS WATCHES

The handheld GPS units have several advantages compared to smartphones. They are waterproof, more robust and durable, and can be used with rechargeable AA or AAA batteries (which allows you to bring an extra set with you).

Also, the navigation is a lot easier in a handheld unit than in a GPS watch. The main reason is the screen’s size and resolution. Current GPS watches cannot simply show a good quality map suitable for hard-to-navigate terrain.

The post Best GPS for Hiking of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Crossing a river becomes riskier when the river is flowing high. Many times, there are a number of rocks and logs that act as the natural bridge to cross the river. But, after heavy rain they can get covered with algae and mosses making them slippery. No one wants to end up on the river bank with with a twisted ankle, soaking wet or even worse, get swept away by the current.

The speed at which a river flows differs from season to season. During the spring and summer days, streams run at a low to medium level while during the winters, rivers flow high.

So two things that you need to remember before crossing the river are avoid taking unnecessary risks and don’t go beyond your skill level. Just keep in mind that you are only capable as the weakest person in the group. It recommended to check local recommendations as some areas are different than others. 

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

1. Check out the conditions. Before you gear up to go hiking, make sure to get updates on the conditions. Check to see if there is any online resource to contact park rangers.

2. Get trekking poles. Having trekking poles will help you know the depth of the water. It will also provide you the support and stability you’ll need while crossing the river. In case you don’t have trekking poles, you can make use of a good branch.

3.Wear shorts. It would be better to wear shorts instead of pants as they will be dragged by the flow of water. Also, pants will become uncomfortable once they become wet.

4. Get hiking sandals. If the water is shallow, you can walk through the water instead of jumping from rock to rock. So when you’re ready to cross the river, use these sandals as this will help you to keep your boots dry. Avoid using flip flops as they may be washed away with the water current.

5. Start early during rainy seasons. During night and morning time, the stream will flow slowly as snow melts at low speed. During the afternoon there are more chances for thunderstorms and so the flow of water will be high.

AT THE RIVER BANK

6. Assess the place. When it comes to crossing the river, the place where the trail meets the river isn’t always the best place to cross. It’s better to assess the place and find out which spot is best to cross. 

7. Look out for debris. If you find branches and logs of wood floating in the water, then understand that it may not be a good idea to cross the river at that time. Branches and logs are the indications that the flow of water is high. So, there are more chances that it may cause a serious accident while crossing.

8. Look for river breaks. The river may be branching at certain places so it will be wider there. Here you will be able to find a small island which will act as your resting place while you are crossing the river.

9. Check the current. You can find the speed and direction of the current simply by throwing a branch into the river. This will help you to plan your strategy.

10. Avoid crossing in knee deep water. If the current of water is fast moving, the risk that you can get taken by it is much higher. So if the water level is high then cross the river only when the current is low or there is no current.

11. Loosen your backpack while crossing. When you get ready to cross the river, make sure to untie the backpack from your waist. This will help to remove the bag when needed. This is necessary as in case you fall down, chances are that your pack will get soaked. It can become very heavy and cause you to get dragged away by the current. So if the pack is loose, you can easily ditch it. You may lose it but you’ll be saved from drowning.

12. Look out for better exit points at the other end. When reach the other end, you’ll need to have open exit points that will help you to get out of the river quick. If the river bank is steep then chances are there you will slip back to the river, so you need low exit points too.

CROSSING THE STREAM

When you’re crossing the river slide your feet slowly in the forward direction. Walk in a diagonal direction towards the flow while moving towards the opposite bank.

Use trekking poles to make yourself steady in the water when you are shifting your feet. The better contact you have with the bottom of the river, the more stable you’ll be.

If you’re crossing the river in a group you can have additional stability by holding arms and moving in coordination.

VIDEO: HOW TO CROSS A RIVER SAFELY BY ADVENTUREPRO

The post How To Cross A River Safely appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.