You Are Here — Now What?
In normal life, navigation is something your phone does for you. You type an address, follow the blue line, and arrive. That system is gone. The satellites may still be up there, but your phone is dead, there are no road signs, and the landscape may have changed beyond recognition. You need to know where you are, which direction you’re heading, and how to reach a destination — using nothing but the sky, the terrain, and your own observations.
Navigation isn’t just about finding places. It’s about not getting lost. Getting lost in a survival situation is one of the fastest ways to die — you burn calories, consume water, lose time, and make increasingly desperate decisions. A person who stays oriented stays alive longer than a person who wanders.
The cardinal rule of survival navigation: If you don’t know where you’re going, stop moving. Sit down. Observe. Think. Plan. Then move with purpose. Aimless walking is just dying with extra steps.
🧭 Navigation Fundamentals
DirectionWhich way is north? Every navigation method ultimately answers this question. Once you know north, you know all four cardinal directions and can maintain a consistent heading. Without direction, you will walk in circles — studies show lost people curve toward their dominant hand, looping back within hours.
PositionWhere are you right now? Relative to a river, a road, a mountain, a coastline? Even a rough position (“I’m south of the river, east of the mountains”) is infinitely better than no position. Every landmark you recognise narrows your location.
DistanceHow far have you travelled and how far to go? Knowing your pace count (how many steps per 100 metres) lets you estimate distances. On flat ground, an average adult takes about 62–68 double-paces per 100 metres. Adjust upward for rough terrain, hills, or heavy loads.
TimeHow much daylight is left? Can you reach your destination before dark? Travel in unfamiliar terrain after dark is extremely dangerous — injury risk skyrockets, and you can’t see landmarks. Plan to stop 1–2 hours before sunset to make camp. Navigation errors made in fading light are the hardest to fix.
Celestial Navigation — Using the Sun and Stars
METHOD ▼Humans navigated the entire planet using only the sky for thousands of years. The sun and stars are the most reliable direction-finding tools available — they require no equipment, no batteries, and no technical knowledge beyond basic observation. They work everywhere on Earth.
☀️ The Sun
Basic RuleThe sun rises in the east and sets in the west. This is approximate — it rises exactly east and sets exactly west only on the equinoxes (around March 20 and September 22). In the Northern Hemisphere summer, it rises north-of-east and sets north-of-west. In winter, south-of-east and south-of-west. Even the rough east/west is enough to establish a heading.
Midday SunAt solar noon (when the sun is at its highest point), it is due south in the Northern Hemisphere and due north in the Southern Hemisphere. Solar noon is not always 12:00 — it depends on your position within your time zone and daylight saving time. But the sun’s highest point always indicates the north-south line.
🪵 Shadow Stick Method (Most Reliable Sun Method)
1
Find a straight stick (1 metre+) and a flat, sunny patch of ground.
Push the stick vertically into the ground. It will cast a shadow.
Push the stick vertically into the ground. It will cast a shadow.
2
Mark the tip of the shadow with a stone or scratch.
This is your first mark. Label it mentally as “W” (west) — the shadow tip points west in the morning because the sun is in the east.
This is your first mark. Label it mentally as “W” (west) — the shadow tip points west in the morning because the sun is in the east.
3
Wait 15–30 minutes.
The shadow will move. Mark the new tip position. This is your second mark.
The shadow will move. Mark the new tip position. This is your second mark.
4
Draw a line between the two marks.
This line runs approximately west to east (first mark = west, second mark = east). A perpendicular line gives you north-south. In the Northern Hemisphere, north is the direction away from the sun (away from the stick’s base if the shadow points toward you). In the Southern Hemisphere, north is toward the sun.
This line runs approximately west to east (first mark = west, second mark = east). A perpendicular line gives you north-south. In the Northern Hemisphere, north is the direction away from the sun (away from the stick’s base if the shadow points toward you). In the Southern Hemisphere, north is toward the sun.
5
For better accuracy:
Wait longer between marks (1–2 hours), or place marks every 15 minutes over several hours. The shortest shadow of the day points directly north (Northern Hemisphere) or south (Southern Hemisphere). The longer you observe, the more precise your east-west line becomes.
Wait longer between marks (1–2 hours), or place marks every 15 minutes over several hours. The shortest shadow of the day points directly north (Northern Hemisphere) or south (Southern Hemisphere). The longer you observe, the more precise your east-west line becomes.
⌚ Watch Method
Analogue Watch (Northern Hemisphere)Hold the watch flat. Point the hour hand at the sun. The midpoint between the hour hand and 12 o’clock is approximately south. (If on summer time, use 1 o’clock instead of 12.) This works because the sun moves 360° in 24 hours but the hour hand moves 360° in 12 hours — so the bisection compensates for the difference.
Analogue Watch (Southern Hemisphere)Point 12 o’clock at the sun. The midpoint between 12 and the hour hand is approximately north.
Digital Watch / No WatchIf you only have a digital watch or know the approximate time: draw an analogue clock face on the ground with the current time. Use the same method. If you have no watch at all, estimate the time from the sun’s position (dawn ≈ 6:00, midday ≈ 12:00, sunset ≈ 18:00, adjusted for season) and draw the clock face.
⭐ Star Navigation
Polaris — The North Star (Northern Hemisphere)Polaris sits almost exactly above the North Pole. It doesn’t move while every other star rotates around it. Finding Polaris: Locate the Big Dipper (Plough) — seven bright stars in a saucepan shape. The two stars forming the “front edge” of the pan (farthest from the handle) are called the Pointer Stars. Draw an imaginary line through them and extend it about 5 times the distance between them. It points directly at Polaris, which is the last star in the handle of the Little Dipper. Polaris is not the brightest star in the sky — it’s moderately bright. If the Big Dipper is below the horizon, use Cassiopeia: five stars in a W/M shape. The centre peak of the W points roughly toward Polaris.
Southern Cross (Southern Hemisphere)There is no bright star directly over the South Pole. Instead, use the Southern Cross (Crux) — four bright stars forming a cross shape, with a fifth fainter star offset. Find the long axis of the cross and extend it 4.5 times its own length beyond the foot of the cross. That point in the sky is approximately above the South Pole. Drop a line straight down from that point to the horizon — that’s south. Beware the False Cross — a similar but larger, dimmer pattern nearby. The true Southern Cross has two very bright “pointer stars” (Alpha and Beta Centauri) to its left.
Star Movement MethodIf you can’t identify specific constellations: lie on your back and watch any star for 15–20 minutes. If it appears to move upward, you’re facing east. Downward = west. Right = south (Northern Hemisphere) or north (Southern Hemisphere). Left = north (Northern Hemisphere) or south (Southern Hemisphere). This works because stars rise in the east and set in the west, just like the sun.
The MoonA crescent moon’s horns can give a rough south direction. Draw an imaginary line connecting the two tips of the crescent and extend it down to the horizon — that point is approximately south (Northern Hemisphere) or north (Southern Hemisphere). Less precise than star methods but useful when cloud cover hides most stars. The moon also rises roughly in the east and sets roughly in the west.
Compass — Using, Finding & Making One
FIND METHOD ▼A magnetic compass is the single most valuable navigation tool in survival. If you find one in a rucksack, a car, a boat, or a building — take it. It works day and night, in any weather, without batteries. But even without a manufactured compass, you can make one.
🧭 Using a Compass
Basic UseHold the compass flat and level. Let the needle settle. The red/marked end of the needle points to magnetic north. Magnetic north is not true north — the difference (magnetic declination) varies by location, from near-zero to 20°+ in some areas. For survival navigation, this difference rarely matters — you’re not plotting precision courses, you’re maintaining a general heading.
Following a BearingTo travel in a straight line: pick a direction (e.g. “due west” = 270°). Rotate the compass housing until 270° is at the direction-of-travel arrow. Turn your body until the needle sits in the orienting arrow (north-to-north). Look up and pick a landmark on the horizon in that direction — a distinct tree, rock, hill. Walk to it. Repeat. Never walk while staring at the compass — pick landmarks and walk to them.
InterferenceCompasses are deflected by metal objects, electronics, vehicles, buildings with steel frames, and electrical wires. Always use a compass at least 3 metres from metal. Large iron deposits in the ground can also cause local deviations. If the needle behaves erratically, move to a different spot and try again.
🔧 Improvised Compass
1
Find a needle, pin, razor blade, or any thin piece of steel.
It must be ferromagnetic (attracted to magnets). Test: does it stick to another metal object? Stainless steel often doesn’t work. Sewing needles, safety pins, straightened staples, and paper clips are ideal.
It must be ferromagnetic (attracted to magnets). Test: does it stick to another metal object? Stainless steel often doesn’t work. Sewing needles, safety pins, straightened staples, and paper clips are ideal.
2
Magnetise it.
Best method: stroke it 50+ times in the same direction with a magnet (speaker magnets, fridge magnets, hard drive magnets). No magnet? Stroke it rapidly in one direction against silk, wool, or hair (generates a very weak charge). Alternative: hold it aligned north-south and strike the end sharply with a rock — impact magnetisation. This is weak but can work.
Best method: stroke it 50+ times in the same direction with a magnet (speaker magnets, fridge magnets, hard drive magnets). No magnet? Stroke it rapidly in one direction against silk, wool, or hair (generates a very weak charge). Alternative: hold it aligned north-south and strike the end sharply with a rock — impact magnetisation. This is weak but can work.
3
Float it.
Place the magnetised needle on a small leaf, piece of cork, foam, or thin wood chip floating in still water (a cup, puddle, or bowl). The needle will slowly rotate to align north–south. Verify which end is north by checking against the sun (sun is south at midday in Northern Hemisphere).
Place the magnetised needle on a small leaf, piece of cork, foam, or thin wood chip floating in still water (a cup, puddle, or bowl). The needle will slowly rotate to align north–south. Verify which end is north by checking against the sun (sun is south at midday in Northern Hemisphere).
4
Alternative: suspend it.
Tie the magnetised needle to a thin thread or hair at its centre balance point. Let it hang freely. It will rotate to align north–south. Shelter it from wind. This method avoids needing water and a float.
Tie the magnetised needle to a thin thread or hair at its centre balance point. Let it hang freely. It will rotate to align north–south. Shelter it from wind. This method avoids needing water and a float.
Natural Navigation Indicators
FIND ▼Nature provides directional clues everywhere — but none of them are reliable on their own. The “moss grows on the north side of trees” rule is mostly myth — moss grows wherever there’s moisture, which can be any side. Natural indicators work only when you observe patterns across many examples, not a single tree or rock.
🌳 Natural Direction Indicators
Tree GrowthIn the Northern Hemisphere, the south side of isolated trees often has denser, more extended branch growth (more sunlight). In dense forest, this effect disappears because trees compete for light from all directions. Look at isolated trees in open ground for the most reliable signal. Multiple trees showing the same pattern increase confidence.
Prevailing WindIn exposed areas, trees and shrubs lean away from the prevailing wind. If you know the local prevailing wind direction (often westerly in temperate zones), leaning vegetation tells you direction. Coastal areas, ridgelines, and open plains show this most clearly. Sheltered valleys may show no wind effect.
Snow & Shadow PatternsSnow melts faster on south-facing slopes (Northern Hemisphere) because they receive more direct sunlight. Observe hillsides — the side with less snow or earlier green-up faces south. Similarly, frost lingers longer on north-facing surfaces. This is one of the more reliable natural indicators because it reflects consistent sun angle, not random moisture.
Water FlowWater doesn’t indicate direction (it flows downhill, not north), but it’s an invaluable navigation feature. Streams merge into rivers. Rivers lead to settlements, roads, bridges, and coastlines. Following water downstream is one of the most reliable strategies for finding civilisation. Streams also provide water, food, and a travel corridor with fewer obstacles than dense bush.
Insect & Animal BehaviourTermite mounds in Australia and Africa often align roughly north–south (minimising sun exposure). Spider webs are more common on the south side of trees/structures in the Northern Hemisphere (sheltered from cold north winds). Bird migration flows generally north in spring, south in autumn. These are very rough indicators — useful only as confirming evidence, never primary navigation.
Unreliable MythsMoss grows on whatever side is dampest — could be any direction. Tree rings being wider on the south side is inconsistent and requires cutting the tree. Satellite dishes point at geostationary satellites (generally south in Northern Hemisphere, north in Southern) — useful in urban areas but only if you know the local satellite direction. Never rely on a single natural indicator. Cross-reference at least 2–3 methods before committing to a direction.
Maps, Terrain & Route Planning
METHOD ▼A physical map is worth its weight in gold in survival. Even a tourist map, a road atlas ripped from a car, or a hand-drawn sketch gives you what memory alone can’t: an overview of the terrain you’re moving through. But even without a map, understanding terrain lets you make smart movement decisions.
🗺️ Reading Terrain Without a Map
Get HighThe single most useful navigation action. Climb a hill, a tree, a building — anything that gives you an elevated view. From height, you can see rivers, roads, clearings, the coastline, mountain ranges, smoke, and distant landmarks that are invisible from ground level. Before moving in any direction, get the highest vantage point you safely can and study the landscape.
Terrain AssociationEven without a map, read the landscape: ridgelines run continuously and are easier to walk along than valleys (fewer obstacles, better visibility). Valleys contain water but may be choked with vegetation. Gentle slopes usually lead to flatter ground. Steep terrain funnels into gullies. Roads and trails follow the easiest gradient. Power lines and fences lead to civilisation.
Linear FeaturesFollow linear features whenever possible: rivers, roads, railway lines, power lines, fences, ridgelines, coastlines, forest edges. These are impossible to lose — you’re either on them or off them. They lead somewhere. They provide a “handrail” that prevents you from getting lost. Cross-country travel through featureless terrain is the most disorienting form of movement.
Distance EstimationFrom a height, objects are closer than they look in clear weather and farther than they look in haze. Sound: count seconds between lightning and thunder, divide by 3 = distance in km. Gunshots travel about 1 second per 340m. Pace counting: count every time your left foot hits the ground for 100m on flat ground. That’s your pace count. Use beads, knots in string, or move pebbles between pockets to track hundreds of metres walked.
📍 Route Planning Principles
Have a DestinationNever move without a goal. “I’m heading downstream to find a road” is a plan. “I’m going to walk until I find something” is not. A plan can be changed; random walking leads to panic when nothing appears.
Pick Catchment FeaturesA catching feature (backstop) is a large, unmissable landmark behind your destination: a river, road, ridgeline, or coastline. If you walk in roughly the right direction, you’ll hit the backstop even if you miss the exact target. Then you can turn along the backstop to find your destination. This prevents walking past your target into the unknown.
Aim OffIf your destination is on a linear feature (e.g. a bridge on a river), deliberately aim to one side — say, slightly left. When you hit the river, you know the bridge is to your right. Without aiming off, you hit the river and don’t know which direction to turn. A small intentional error in a known direction is better than a random error in an unknown direction.
Leg-by-Leg MovementDon’t try to navigate the whole journey at once. Break it into “legs”: from here to that big tree, then to the ridgeline, then to the river. Navigate one leg at a time. At each waypoint, reassess direction, check progress, and plan the next leg. This prevents accumulated drift and keeps you oriented at all times.
The STOP Protocol & Getting Un-Lost
METHOD ▼You will get disoriented at some point. Terrain looks different from different angles. Fog rolls in. Night falls faster than expected. You take a wrong turn. The critical moment is what you do in the first 10 minutes after realising you’re lost. Most people panic and start walking faster in a random direction. This is the worst possible response.
🛑 STOP Protocol
S
SIT DOWN.
Physically stop moving. Sit down. The act of sitting interrupts the panic impulse to keep walking. You are not in immediate danger from being lost — you are in danger from the bad decisions that panic produces. Sitting buys you time to think.
Physically stop moving. Sit down. The act of sitting interrupts the panic impulse to keep walking. You are not in immediate danger from being lost — you are in danger from the bad decisions that panic produces. Sitting buys you time to think.
T
THINK.
When did you last know where you were? What landmarks did you pass? What direction were you heading? How long have you been walking since you were last certain? Can you retrace your steps? What do you remember about the map or terrain? Think before you move.
When did you last know where you were? What landmarks did you pass? What direction were you heading? How long have you been walking since you were last certain? Can you retrace your steps? What do you remember about the map or terrain? Think before you move.
O
OBSERVE.
Look around carefully. Can you see any landmarks you recognise? High ground? A river? A road? The sun — what direction is it? Can you hear traffic, water, or civilisation? Climb to a high point if one is nearby. Study the terrain from elevation before committing to a direction.
Look around carefully. Can you see any landmarks you recognise? High ground? A river? A road? The sun — what direction is it? Can you hear traffic, water, or civilisation? Climb to a high point if one is nearby. Study the terrain from elevation before committing to a direction.
P
PLAN.
Make a specific plan. “I will head downhill toward the sound of water, then follow the stream downstream.” “I will retrace my steps to the last clearing I recognise.” “I will stay here, build a shelter, and signal for help.” Any plan is better than no plan. Execute it calmly.
Make a specific plan. “I will head downhill toward the sound of water, then follow the stream downstream.” “I will retrace my steps to the last clearing I recognise.” “I will stay here, build a shelter, and signal for help.” Any plan is better than no plan. Execute it calmly.
🔄 Recovery Strategies
Retrace Your StepsIf you’ve been lost for less than an hour and remember the terrain, try going back to the last point where you knew your location. Follow your own tracks if the ground allows (snow, mud, sand). This is the fastest way to regain orientation if you haven’t gone too far.
Head DownhillWater flows downhill. Water collects into streams. Streams become rivers. Rivers lead to civilisation. Heading downhill is the most reliable “I have no idea where I am” strategy. It’s also easier walking and leads to water, which you need for survival.
Find a Linear FeatureIf you can reach any linear feature — a river, a road, a fence, a ridgeline — you’re no longer truly lost. You may not know exactly where on the feature you are, but you can follow it and it leads somewhere. A person on a road is not lost, even if they don’t know which town is which direction.
Stay PutIf people know roughly where you are (you told someone your plans), and you have water and shelter — staying put and signalling is often the best strategy. A stationary target is far easier to find than a moving one. Build a fire (smoke is visible for miles), create ground signals, and conserve energy. Moving when truly lost often takes you farther from searchers.
Navigating Different Environments
ENVIRONMENT ▼Every environment presents unique navigation challenges. The skills that work in open country fail in dense forest. Desert and snow both remove landmarks. Urban ruins create mazes. Knowing the specific hazards of your terrain prevents the most common navigation errors.
🏔️ Environment-Specific Navigation
Dense ForestChallenge: no horizon, no distant landmarks, no sun through canopy, everything looks the same. Solutions: Navigate by compass bearing. Pick a visible tree ahead on your bearing, walk to it, take another bearing, pick the next tree. Mark your trail (broken branches, scratches on bark, stacked stones) so you can retrace. Maintain a back-bearing — if you’re heading 270°, your way back is 090°. Check it periodically. Streams are your best friends in forest — they provide a linear feature and open canopy to see the sky.
Desert / Open Flat TerrainChallenge: no landmarks, heat haze distorts distances, all directions look identical. Solutions: Travel at dawn and dusk when the low sun creates shadows that reveal terrain features invisible at midday. Use celestial navigation heavily — the clear sky is your greatest asset. Line up three objects in your direction of travel (near, middle, far) to maintain a straight line. In sandy desert, walk from dune crest to dune crest for visibility. Carry a stick and check shadows frequently. Mirages make distance estimation nearly impossible — double your estimates.
Snow / Whiteout ConditionsChallenge: all landmarks buried, flat light removes depth perception, snow blindness. Solutions: Compass is essential. In whiteout (no visible horizon), rope your group together and send one person ahead to the limit of visibility, have them stop, then walk to them. Repeat. This prevents circling. Mark your trail with dark objects (sticks, packs, clothing) at intervals. Wind direction is often the only consistent indicator — note it at the start and use it to check your heading. Protect your eyes (improvise snow goggles from bark or cloth with narrow slits).
Urban / Ruined CityChallenge: streets may be blocked with debris, familiar layouts may be destroyed, upper floors create canyons that block the sun and sky. Solutions: Climb high frequently for orientation (upper floors of intact buildings). Use street grid patterns where they survive. Mark your route with symbols at eye level (chalk, spray paint, scratches) on building corners showing direction of travel and date. Map major hazards (collapsed buildings, flooded areas). Road signs, even fallen ones, give exact positions. Look for intact maps in bus shelters, subway stations, tourist info points, hotel lobbies.
CoastalAdvantage: the coastline itself is a perfect linear feature — you always know where you are relative to the sea. Following the coast guarantees you’ll find harbours, towns, rivers, and roads. Challenges: cliffs and estuaries may force long detours inland. Check the tide — some coastal routes are passable only at low tide. Sea fog can be dense and disorienting; if it rolls in, stop and wait or navigate by the sound of waves (keep the sea on a consistent side).
Trail Marking & Staying Found
METHOD ▼The best navigation strategy is to never get lost in the first place. Trail marking lets you retrace your steps, find your way back to camp, and communicate route information to others in your group. It costs almost nothing in time or effort, and it can save your life.
🚩 Trail Marking Methods
Branch BreakingSnap small branches at about shoulder height, leaving them hanging (not detached). Break them on the side of the trail you’re approaching from. Fast, easy, and visible for days. Works in any forested environment. Space them so you can see the next one from the last.
Rock CairnsStack 3–5 stones in an unnatural pile. Place them at decision points (forks, clearings, stream crossings). They’re obvious in most environments because stacked rocks don’t occur naturally. Can survive for months or years. In rocky terrain, make them larger or add a distinctive pattern.
Ground MarkingsScratch arrows or symbols in dirt with a stick. Arrange sticks in arrow shapes on the ground. Carve symbols into tree bark at eye level (arrow + date). Tear cloth strips and tie them to branches at head height (visible from a distance, especially bright colours). Any system works if it’s consistent and visible.
Mental MappingAs you walk, periodically turn around and look at the trail from the return direction. The way back looks completely different from the way forward. Note distinctive features: oddly shaped trees, rock formations, stream crossings, clearings. “The big split boulder is on my left going out; it’ll be on my right coming back.” This simple habit prevents most “I can’t find my way back” situations.
Electronics, GPS & Salvaged Technology
FIND ▼Don’t assume all technology is dead. GPS satellites have an orbital lifespan of years. A smartphone with battery left can still receive GPS signals even without cell service. A car GPS, marine chartplotter, or handheld hiking GPS found in good condition could be invaluable — but only until the power runs out. Treat electronic navigation as a temporary bonus, not a strategy.
📱 Electronic Navigation Tips
Battery ConservationIf you have a GPS-capable device with limited power: turn it on only when you need a position fix. Get your coordinates, note them on paper, turn it off. Aeroplane mode saves battery. Dim the screen. Turn off Bluetooth, WiFi, and all notifications. A phone in aeroplane mode with screen off can last days. A phone searching for cell signal dies in hours.
Offline MapsSome phones may have cached map data from before the disaster. Google Maps, OsmAnd, and similar apps cache recently viewed areas. Even without internet, the GPS fix + cached map can tell you exactly where you are. Check any phone you find — even a stranger’s phone with a dead SIM may have map data.
ChargingCar batteries + USB adapter = phone charging. Solar panels scavenged from garden lights, camping gear, or rooftops. Hand-crank radios with USB ports. A car alternator turned by any mechanical force (water wheel, hand crank) generates 12V DC. Prioritise charging navigation devices over entertainment. One good position fix can save days of walking.
Write Down CoordinatesIf you get a GPS fix, write the coordinates on paper, skin, cloth, or anything permanent. Technology will die. Paper survives. A written coordinate + a physical map (even crude) = a position you can share with others, navigate back to, or direct rescuers toward. Latitude and longitude or grid reference — write them down.
Quick-Reference Navigation Decision Flowchart
1
Do you know where you are?
→ NO: STOP. Sit down. Don’t move. Use the STOP protocol (Sit, Think, Observe, Plan).
→ Yes. Proceed to step 2.
→ NO: STOP. Sit down. Don’t move. Use the STOP protocol (Sit, Think, Observe, Plan).
→ Yes. Proceed to step 2.
2
Do you know which way is north?
→ NO: Determine north. Compass > Shadow stick > Watch method > Sun position > Stars (at night). Use 2+ methods to confirm.
→ Yes. Proceed to step 3.
→ NO: Determine north. Compass > Shadow stick > Watch method > Sun position > Stars (at night). Use 2+ methods to confirm.
→ Yes. Proceed to step 3.
3
Do you have a destination?
→ NO: Pick one. Downstream = civilisation. Downhill = water. Any linear feature (road, river, coast) leads somewhere. If people may be searching for you, stay put and signal.
→ Yes. Proceed to step 4.
→ NO: Pick one. Downstream = civilisation. Downhill = water. Any linear feature (road, river, coast) leads somewhere. If people may be searching for you, stay put and signal.
→ Yes. Proceed to step 4.
4
Navigate in legs.
→ Pick a visible landmark on your bearing. Walk to it. Re-check direction. Pick the next landmark. Mark your trail as you go. Check time — stop 1–2 hours before dark to make camp.
→ Pick a visible landmark on your bearing. Walk to it. Re-check direction. Pick the next landmark. Mark your trail as you go. Check time — stop 1–2 hours before dark to make camp.
5
If you become disoriented:
→ STOP immediately. Do NOT keep walking. Retrace to last known point if possible. If not, head downhill to find water/linear features. Stay calm — panic is the real enemy, not being lost.
→ STOP immediately. Do NOT keep walking. Retrace to last known point if possible. If not, head downhill to find water/linear features. Stay calm — panic is the real enemy, not being lost.