10 Rules for Wilderness Navigation
No matter, if you're sticking to the trail or heading out cross country in search of that perfect remote campsite, knowing how to navigate in the wilderness, should be in your mental tool kit, and the gear you carry should help you "stay found" versus getting lost. These 10 Rules for Wilderness Navigation, adapted from Essential Wilderness Navigation by Craig Caudill and Tracy Trimble, both experts by every definition of the word, provide a good framework for land navigation skills you can rely on.
1. Orient Your Map – Align your map with the terrain using a compass or natural navigation to find North. Hold or lay the map accordingly.
2. Monitor Your Position – Keep your map accessible and check it regularly. Always note your direction of travel without excessive compass use.
3. Stay Situationally Aware – Balance navigation with awareness of landmarks and surroundings to aid navigation and enhance the outdoor experience.
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4. Mark Key Terrain Features – Log significant changes like stream crossings, trail splits, cliffs, or vegetation shifts for confirmation.
5. Keep a Navigation Log – Track turns, distance, and time at notable points. Reviewing this improves navigation skills.
6. Estimate and Track Distance – Use pace count, estimations, or both to maintain awareness of distance traveled.
7. Pause for Observation – Occasionally stop to assess surroundings and verify position with natural navigation cues.
8. Anticipate Slight Deviations – Over long distances, expect minor errors. Before reaching a destination, scan 360 degrees.
9. Look Beyond the Obvious – Your target may not be directly ahead; check left, right, and behind in case you've passed it.
10. Trust Skills Over Gut Feelings – Intuition is helpful but should be validated with maps, compass, and environmental cues.
These rules provide a great mental checklist, but be sure to get proper training from trusted sources. Georgia Bushcraft hosts classes taught by exceptional instructors, and Craig Caudill's Nature Reliance School specializes in wilderness training, including land navigation, tracking, and more.
About the author:
Craig Caudill is the Director of Nature Reliance School, where he leads in-person and online training in wilderness survival, bushcraft, tracking and disaster readiness. He is the author of multiple books on outdoor skills and has been featured as a consultant for the US Government, national television, and survival programs. With decades of experience, Craig is dedicated to teaching others how to interact responsibly with nature while building self-reliance. Learn more at www.naturereliance.org.