REI Outdoor School > San Francisco Bay Area > Map & Compass Basics (Class)

San Francisco Bay Area REI Outdoor School

Map & Compass Basics (Class)

Have you been carrying a compass for years and never actually known how to use it? For anyone heading to the outdoors, map and compass skills are essential to navigating safely. Join our Outdoor School instructors for a class on learning to use a compass and read a map to help you find your way in the wilderness. Our Instructor will teach you all the parts of a compass and how to choose a style that works for you. We’ll talk about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation (declination), and help you make sense of it all. Then you’ll learn how to take a bearing, both in the field and projected onto a map, so you can learn how to triangulate your position and plan a route. Speaking of maps, what do all those squiggly lines mean? We’ll also discuss topographic maps and how to read them to understand your terrain. Join us for an optional Map & Compass outing to put your new knowledge into practice.

* Advance registration is required. Call or visit any Bay Area REI to sign up.

Time:
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
** 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost: Member: $20, Non-Member: $40

Where To Meet:

Meet at the location or REI store listed below. Directions to locations other than REI stores can be found by clicking on the link below.

Get directions to all non-store venues here.

September 11th Saratoga REI
September 17th Corte Madera REI
September 25th San Carlos REI
October 16th Santa Rosa REI
October 21st Concord REI
October 28th Fremont REI **
November 11th Berkeley REI
November 4th Marina REI **
January 6th Berkeley REI
January 7th Mountain View REI **
January 27th Concord REI
February 11th San Francisco REI
February 12th Saratoga REI **
February 18th Corte Madera
February 26th Santa Rosa REI

WHAT TO BRING:

Your compass, however, compasses will be available for participants to use.

REI OUTDOOR SCHOOL PROVIDES:

Compass units and sample maps.

REI Outdoor School Cancellation Policy

To be courteous to all customers, we request you notify REI Outdoor School at least 48 hours prior to the trip if you intend to cancel; late cancellations will not be refunded. Class or Outing cancellations on the part of REI Outdoor School will be refunded in full, regardless of timeframe. Inclement weather does not necessarily cancel an event; REI Outdoor School will contact you in the event of a cancellation.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

REI Outdoor School strives to provide the best outdoor education programs possible. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee ensures that our classes and outings at REI Outdoor School meet your high standards - or we will gladly offer your choice of a refund or a chance to re-take the class/outing.

Waitlists

In order to keep our instruction personable, space on our classes and outings is limited. If you are interested in an activity that has filled, we would be happy to place you on a waitlist for that event. If space opens, we will contact the list in the order you signed up, but we are unable to hold that spot if we're unable to speak with you directly. Providing us with your best contact information increases your chances of joining us.

Availability

Classes and outings are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. Should a program be cancelled or a rescheduled, all registered participants will be notified.