Have you ever had the desire to get off the beaten path and explore on your own or with a friend? How about plotting bearings from a contour map for a remote fishing trip to a secluded lake or stream? Or what about that backcountry hike you have always wanted to take to "get away from it all" but were concerned about getting lost? Spend time with us in the following courses and learn to travel accurately off-trail with complete confidence.

The Standard Map and Compass Training I takes place indoors and in the field, whereas Levels II and following are all hands-on field training in the mountains. Plan on plenty of hiking and loads of fun while increasing your confidence and skill levels.


Standard Map and Compass Training I (9am-4:30pm)
Content of training:
Accurate and effective map reading and compass use for backcountry travel.
Understanding necessary terminology and course plotting.
Safe route planning for varying conditions.
How to determine the right compass and maps for your applications.
Understanding the difference between true and magnetic north (declination) and how to compensate when necessary anywhere in the country.
Compass styles and their proper use for maintaining an accurate direction of travel.
Adjustable declination features on a compass - when and when not to use them.
Pre-trip planning – tips for all backcountry trips.
How to avoid common, and sometimes costly mistakes when using a variety of compass features.
Plotting multiple bearings and routes from contour maps and accurately adjusting for declination.
How to follow bearings and maintain a straight line of travel to find roads, rivers, trails, lakes, camp, a baseline or another known destination regardless of distance.
How to "syncronize" your equipment when navigating with others.
How to use a simple time-distance formula to keep you on track.
Techniques for emergency situations.
Prerequisite - None.

Standard Map and Compass Training II - Night Navigation (field training):
5pm-9pm (fall/winter); 8pm-midnight (spring/summer).
Navigating accurately after dark is a critical backcountry skill that must be practiced over and over. This course will begin to teach you the basics in accurate night navigation when you have made that all-important decision to hike - and not stay put.
Content of training:
Handling poor visibility situations with confidence: darkness, white-out or dense fog.
Tips on when and when not to travel after dark.
How to easily stay on target when visibility is poor.
Navigate accurately to distant targets even though they vanish from sight as you travel.
Discussions will include how to prevent common navigation errors in limited visibility situations.
Route selection in rough terrain.
Teamwork and individual skills will be taught and used during the training. Confidence in your abilities will significantly increase during night navigation as you put it all together.
Prerequisite - Successful completion of Standard Map and Compass I or equivalent.

Standard Map and Compass Training III – Field Training: 9am-4:30pm
This course will equip you to plot and follow bearings to several remote lakes, peaks, meadows and rivers. The time of year vs. terrain issues can impact this part of the training, due to snow or other terrain issues. This course will significantly increase your confidence and skill level and will provide you with a full day of triangulating from a variety of backcountry locations.
Content of training:
Learn to negotiate around unexpected obstacles in the field.

Plot line and point positions of your location on your map.
"Finding yourself" with map and compass when disoriented – a method known as triangulation.
How to prove to yourself beyond any doubt that your positioning is correct.
Plan on lots of hiking and fine-tuning of accurate map and compass use during this full-day program.
Prerequisite - Successful completion of Standard Map and Compass I & II or equivalent.

Standard Map and Compass Training IV- Field Training: 3pm -10:30pm

It's time to "put it all together" and see it happen - in daylight and darkness. You will feel exhausted, but encouraged, once you finish this final phase of our Standard Map and Compass Training. It will certainly prepare you for the next challenges: Intermediate and Advanced Training.

Content of training:
This event will test and refine all your navigating skills.
Problem solving during backcountry trips.
Extensive plotting, route selection and hiking.
Learn to deal with just about every situation that could possibly occur on any future outing you may take.
Altimeter use will be taught and discussed to assist you in pinpointing your location.
Plan to navigate to targets after dark with and without light sources.
Plan to hike several challenging miles off-trail.

Includes extensive and exciting backcountry travel during day and night hours utilizing all previously learned techniques.
Prerequisite - Successful completion of Standard Map and Compass III or equivalent .

Standard Comprehensive Map & Compass Navigation - 4 days/3 nights

Successful completion of this course will dramatically enhance your resume as well as all future backcountry adventures. This is considered a great starting point to test your map and compass skills. It is ideal for all guides, instructors and other outdoor enthusiasts. It is physically demanding, mentally challenging and a great test of your abilities, and will prepare you for the Intermediate and Advanced Phases of Training.

Content of training:

 

 

 This course combines all the content and skill listed in the Standard I-IV Advanced Map and Compass Training. The first day begins indoors and then transitions to the backcountry for the duration of the training. A key advantage of this format over the others – you stay overnight in the field every night. Campfire discussions are plentiful and informative for all applications you learn each day and night. The comprehensive training is one continuous program from start to finish.
Prerequisite - None.

Intermediate & Advanced Comprehensive Map & Compass Navigation - 4 days/3 nights each.
Details will be provided upon request.

Prerequisite - These upper-level programs are open only to those who have successfully completed the Standard I-IV courses, or the Standard Comprehensive.

Instructor Certifications - Standard, Intermediate or Advanced Comprehensive Map & Compass Navigation: 6 days/5 nights
Content of training:
Consider this course a vital prerequisite for a career in backcountry-related travel or employment. The training covers the content of the comprehensive map and compass training, yet also provides a format for every participant to instruct others in the group on a rotating basis. Strengths of this event – extensive hands-on training, instructional experience and virtually nonstop learning. Participants become certified in these specialties only after successfully completing and teaching all aspects of the training, as well as written and oral exams.
Prerequisites - Successful completion of each level of navigation for which you desire to certify. For example, if you are certifying for the Standard Comprehensive Map and Compass Training, then you must first successfully complete that program as a student. During those programs, our instructors must also see that you have instructing potential prior to you entering these courses, so that your time and money are invested wisely.