In the world of bushcraft and wilderness survival, knowing how to navigate effectively can save you from getting lost and potentially life-threatening situations. For beginners, choosing the right navigation tools is critical to ensure you can find your way back to camp or follow a trail accurately, even in challenging environments. While advanced navigational skills are essential, having the proper tools will give you a significant advantage, especially in dense forests, rugged terrains, or unfamiliar landscapes.
In this guide, we’ll explore the essential navigation tools every beginner needs, expert tips on wilderness navigation, and five top recommendations to help you get started.
Why Navigation is Critical for Survival
Whether you’re on a casual hike or a multi-day bushcraft trip, proper navigation is the key to staying on course. The wilderness can be disorienting, especially when trails are poorly marked or nonexistent. Losing your way without navigation tools can turn a simple outing into a dangerous situation, potentially leading to exhaustion, dehydration, or injury. In a survival scenario, being able to accurately navigate back to safety is as important as securing food, water, and shelter.
For beginners, mastering the basics of navigation will significantly enhance your outdoor experience and improve your self-reliance.
Types of Navigation Tools
Bushcraft navigation tools can range from simple, traditional methods to more advanced, high-tech devices. Each serves its own purpose, and ideally, you should have a combination of these tools in your gear to stay prepared.
- Compass: A classic tool for determining direction, a compass helps you orient yourself using magnetic north and geographic landmarks.
- Topographic Maps: Maps that show the elevation and terrain of the land, helping you understand the landscape and plan your routes.
- GPS Devices: Handheld GPS units provide precise coordinates and directions, allowing you to navigate easily in remote areas.
- Altimeter Watch: A watch with an altimeter measures elevation, which is useful when navigating through hilly or mountainous terrain.
- Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): These devices send distress signals to search and rescue services, a crucial tool if you get lost or injured in the wilderness.
1. Suunto MC-2G Global Compass
The Suunto MC-2G Global Compass is a highly regarded navigation tool for both beginners and experienced outdoorsmen. With a global needle that works anywhere in the world, this compass is perfect for bushcraft enthusiasts who might find themselves in varied environments. It features a sighting mirror, adjustable declination, and luminescent markings for low-light navigation.
Key Features:
- Global needle for universal use
- Adjustable declination and sighting mirror
- Luminescent markings for night-time navigation
Why It’s Great for Beginners: This compass is easy to use and highly accurate, making it a dependable tool for bushcraft beginners who want to learn traditional navigation techniques.
2. Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS
For beginners who prefer digital navigation, the Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS is an excellent choice. This rugged GPS device provides precise location tracking, preloaded topographic maps, and easy-to-use controls. It’s waterproof, durable, and has a long battery life, making it perfect for extended trips into the wilderness. The eTrex 32x also supports both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems, ensuring accurate positioning in remote areas.
Key Features:
- Preloaded with topographic maps
- Supports GPS and GLONASS satellite systems
- Waterproof and rugged design
Why It’s Great for Beginners: The simple interface and preloaded maps make it easy for beginners to navigate, even without advanced map-reading skills.
3. National Geographic Topographic Maps
For those looking to learn traditional map-and-compass navigation, National Geographic Topographic Maps are an invaluable resource. These detailed maps highlight the contours, elevations, and landmarks of various regions, making it easy to navigate through different types of terrain. The maps are printed on waterproof, tear-resistant paper, ensuring they’ll last through tough conditions.
Key Features:
- Highly detailed with contour lines and landmarks
- Waterproof and tear-resistant material
- Available for a wide range of wilderness areas
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Learning to navigate using topographic maps is an essential skill for any bushcrafter, and these durable maps are ideal for practice in the field.
4. Casio Pro Trek PRG-270 Altimeter Watch
The Casio Pro Trek PRG-270 Altimeter Watch is a multifunctional watch equipped with an altimeter, barometer, and compass, making it a great all-in-one navigation tool. The altimeter is particularly useful in mountainous terrain, allowing you to track your elevation as you ascend or descend. Its durable, solar-powered design ensures that it will keep working even during extended trips.
Key Features:
- Altimeter, barometer, and compass functions
- Solar-powered for long battery life
- Water-resistant and rugged design
Why It’s Great for Beginners: It combines multiple essential tools in one device, giving you the ability to track your altitude, weather changes, and direction without carrying extra gear.
5. ACR ResQLink View Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
Safety should always be a priority when venturing into the wilderness, which is why the ACR ResQLink View Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is highly recommended for bushcraft beginners. This compact device allows you to send out an emergency distress signal to search and rescue services, transmitting your exact location to ensure a quick response. It doesn’t require a subscription or cellular service, and the built-in GPS is highly accurate.
Key Features:
- Sends distress signals to search and rescue services
- Built-in GPS for accurate location tracking
- No subscription required
Why It’s Great for Beginners: It provides peace of mind by offering a direct line to help if you get lost, injured, or stranded, making it an invaluable tool for beginners.
Expert Tips for Bushcraft Navigation
- Learn to Use a Compass and Map: Even if you carry a GPS device, understanding how to navigate using a traditional compass and map is an essential skill. Practice this often so you’re comfortable in case your electronics fail.
- Plan Your Route in Advance: Before heading into the wilderness, plan your route carefully and mark key landmarks on your map. This will help you stay on course and avoid dangerous areas.
- Always Bring Backup Navigation Tools: Relying solely on a GPS or electronic device is risky. Always carry a physical map and compass as a backup, and make sure you know how to use them.
- Stay Oriented: Frequently check your position against your map and compass to stay oriented. This will help you avoid getting lost and keep track of your progress.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Navigation Tools for Bushcraft Beginners
Having the right navigation tools is crucial for any bushcraft or survival trip. Beginners should prioritize building skills in both traditional and modern navigation methods to ensure they’re prepared for any situation. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a compass and map or the convenience of a GPS device, the tools listed in this guide will help you navigate confidently and safely in the wilderness.
Ready to navigate your next adventure? Equip yourself with these essential navigation tools and start practicing your skills today.
If you are new to the bushcraft community and want to build your own survival kit here is our guide to it.
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