Basic Land Navigation
Overview
This course provides the fundamentals of land navigation - a key component of wilderness survival. You will learn navigation basics, like understanding the parts of a compass, how to use your compass in the wilderness, how to read a topographic map, how to understand declination, as well as how to use related tools, equipment, and resources. Then, we will set off into the fields and woods to put your knowledge to use in an active and hands-on way so that you start to become comfortable setting bearings, translating terrain features, and dead-reckoning between checkpoints.
Many different types of people take this course. Each class is regularly attended by hikers and hunters, First Responders, military personnel, and others who simply want to learn an invaluable skill.
Basic Land Navigation dovetails with our Advanced Land Navigation training course, which many clients take together in the same weekend. That’s because it typically takes two days to cover and grasp the essentials of using a map and compass.
Highlights
And don’t worry, just like all of our other survival courses, you’ll get the best of military survival training without the hardships! You will learn during a mix of “classroom” time and field training in an easily accessed, central location. You’ll really like our instructors, who each work hard to provide a comfortable learning environment. And you’ll get a chance to work with a diverse mix of other clients, who typically share the same passion for learning.
- Learn how to confidently use a compass to navigate in the wild
- Learn how to how to read a topographic map and understand declination
- Learn the land navigation skills taught to our service people in the U.S. Military
This course is geared towards participants of varying skill, experience levels, and backgrounds so no prerequisites are required. We only require that you bring the necessary equipment, your sense of adventure, and plenty of Positive Mental Attitude. From there, we will work together to take care of the rest. Please note the “Level of Physical Difficulty” description below so that we can all get the most out of the program.
Course Overview
Description of the Level of Physical Difficulty – Easy to Moderate: This course involves walking over varying distances at a steady pace over varying terrain that will include off-trail sections, rough spots, unexpected obstacles, and low to steep inclines and declines. This course is conducted in varying weather conditions, including hot, cold, humid, rain, and snow. This course is best suited for those in good physical condition.
Start/End Times: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Minimum Age: Children 15-17 years old are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian. In our private courses, there is no set age requirement as it depends on the specific group’s needs and goals.
With all of our wilderness survival courses, you’ll get the best of military survival training without the hardships!
What should you bring?
Items to Bring
- Hiking Boots or Sturdy Footwear
- Appropriate Clothing (for season and conditions, non-cotton recommended)
- Appropriate Outerwear (for season and conditions)
- Daypack (for back or waist to carry any related gear)
- Water Bottle(s) and/or Bladder - 2L minimum
- Lunch and Snacks
- Map Case
- Any necessary medications
Optional Items
- Extra under/outer garments
- Pencil and Notepad (“Rite in Rain” type recommended)
- Camp Chair
- Protective Eyewear
- Hat
- Gloves
- Compass (orienteering or lensatic)
- Camera
- Insect Repellant
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hand disinfectant/wipes
After extensive research, I decided to travel from South Carolina to True North for basic and advanced land navigation. I quickly realized Erick is one of, if not THE best instructor in the country!
Upcoming Courses
Course Gallery
If you want to learn how to use a map and compass, or are in need of a refresher, then this is the perfect place to begin.
We’re often asked these questions about this course...
We will personally follow up with you with three quick and easy forms for you to complete and return. We will send you a detailed course information sheet which will contain all of the applicable details that you’ll need to prepare and arrive for your training.
You will have the choice of using either a Suunto MC-2 orienteering compass or a mil-spec Cammenga lensatic compass supplemented with a protractor. During your training, we will explain the differences and list the pros and cons of each platform so that you can make the best choice for your needs. Most military personnel preparing for a selection and assessment course will need to use the lensatic. If you’d like to use your own, please feel free to bring it.
Since our primary goal is to provide you a safe and comfortable learning experience that helps to minimize your costs, we really don’t require much beyond appropriate clothing and footwear, your snacks and lunch. When you register, we’ll send you a detailed course information sheet that will list the required and suggested items. Additionally, one of our goals is to give you a chance to “test drive” the gear and supplies that we bring so that you can make better purchases after the course.
Yes, there are bathroom facilities at this location, which will be available throughout the day.
Ready for an Adventure
Because Mother Nature doesn't care about your skill level. And She doesn't just give up because you've had enough. Get the skills you need to survive and conquer any situation!
