An Introduction to Land Navigation Tools

Land navigation is a vital skill for both life and tactical adventures, but it’s sadly a skill we’re losing more and more with each new generation and each new phone application. Here’s a mixture of tools for your pack, include a few that don’t require batteries and cell towers. 

If you’re preparing for doomsday and even if you’re not, it’s important that you know how to navigate across landscapes with or without cell towers and other technology. The fight isn’t all about guns. In the military we lived and died by land navigation. 

Battles are won by understanding, navigating, and overtaking terrain or using it to your advantage. Plus it just kind of sucks to be lost on family vacation and have to ask the clerk for directions.

Tool #1: Maps

There’s a lot you can do with your phone when it comes to maps, so by all means, learn how to use maps effectively on your phones. Utilize Google Earth with all of its satellite imagery of places around the world. But don’t let that be the end. 

It’s good to have physical maps as well. They’re kind of a big deal. Wherever you plan to go, but especially if you’re heading out into the sticks, spend the cash to buy some good maps, such as the National Geographic map to the National Parks or the Appalachian Trail. 

Good maps will contain topographical features, latitude and longitude coordinates. And good maps are worth buying laminated or laminating yourself. Otherwise, they’ll last you about 30 seconds in a downpour before turning into a soupy mess. I bought a laminator for this purpose.

Tool #2: Map Accessories

Related to physical maps, you’ll also want to have fine tip map markers, map marker erasers. If you’re using U.S. Geological Survey maps, you’ll also want a pace cord, which allows you to measure distance traveled by keeping track of your paces. This is, of course, very military based, but it’s useful to learn how to use. I’ve even built my own pace cord with 550 paracord.

Tool #3: Compass

And of course you need a high quality compass, which will give you degrees of direction. Even if you’re 1 degree off, travel that for a few miles and you’ll be miles away from your destination. So, you should have degrees on your compass, and learn how to use them effectively. 

I prefer the beefier models with tritium highlights, a level, an eyelet allowing me to get exact degrees across a landscape. Being able to do this really well is a very valuable skill. Related to compasses, you might invest in a good watch, like a Suunto (not too impressive of late) or one of the Garmins—an Instinct or Fenix. 

Of course we’re straying into the digital zone with these tools, but it’s a good companion that can stay with you and readily available if needed. They have a built in compass, altimeter, mileage and location tracker (unless in stealth mode), and GPS system. 

This isn’t great as a primary tool, but it’ll do in everyday moments and in a pinch when out in the field. Some bonus features include weather forecasts (when synced with a phone that has service). PRO TIP: I don’t allow it access to my texts, etc, because that’s just irritating.

Tool # 5: GPS

I really love having a GPS with me. I think they’re well worth the cost. Especially for tactical operations. It allows you to see where you are relation to the terrain, and while not all Garmin GPSs are created equal, most any of them will be useful out in the field. 

A lot of GPS devices now also can allow you to communicate and let trusted people track you (if needed for rescue purposes) using satellite technology. They’re another good companion to physical map and compass to confirm your readings, especially if you’re new to land navigation. My favorite is the Garmin GPSMAP® 65s. It’s got lots of advanced features and a robust build for tough situations.

Tool #6: Rangefinder

I haven't used this as much in a land navigation setting, but I can immediately see the value in it, especially for tactical operations. It allows you to see exactly how far off an objective is. This could also be helpful if GPS coverage has gone down.

In combination with your map, compass, and other analog tools, a rangefinder can help you identify distance in relation to land features. They’re also useful for long range precision shooting, if that’s needed. I like some of the Vortex Optics Range Finder options.

Tool #7: Cheat Sheet

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to land navigation, and if you’re new to this or you’re like me and have a bunch of stray cats walking around in your head, it’s helpful to have a quick reference guide for understanding what you’re doing out there. 

A number of companies make useful cheat sheets that keep all that information readily available for use in the field so you don’t have to rack your brain trying to remember it all in the moment. Find one that works for you and add it to your kit. I realize this is just an introduction to land navigation tools, but before you can jump into this strange new world with me and learn how to apply real world knowledge, you have to have the basic tools. 

Now you can delve in and amass your knowledge, try some things out, and train yourself to use this skill that civilizations have been using for thousands of years. You’ll be glad that you did. Train Hard. Train Smart. Live Free.