San Francisco Bay Area REI Outdoor School

Introduction to GPS Navigation (Outing)

Are you tired of getting lost on the trail? Learn the latest GPS navigation techniques to keep you headed in the right direction. Head out into the field for a day of hands-on navigation training with our expert Outdoor School instructors. You’ll practice pinpointing your location, projecting waypoints, plotting courses and creating routes out on the trail, so that you can successfully navigate through local parks and your favorite backcountry destinations. Learn to transfer information from the GPS to your map and from the map to the GPS. We will even show you how to utilize your GPS to give you driving directions to your destination (not all units have this ability). If you own a GPS unit, please bring it to get detailed instruction on its features. Demo GPS receivers will be available, as well as maps and compasses, as we enjoy a scenic hike through a local park. This class will provide an overview of the different techniques needed to fully utilize your GPS receiver. GPS Navigation Class is recommended but not mandatory to get the most out of this class.

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

• Time:

  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

  Please arrive by 8:45 a.m. Trips depart from REI promptly at 9:00 a.m.

• Cost: Member: $45, Non-Member: $65

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.

• May 3rd San Carlos REI
• May 31st Saratoga REI
• June 7th Corte Madera REI
• June 15th Santa Rosa REI
• June 22nd Marina REI
• June 29th Concord REI
• July 19th Mountain View REI
• July 26th Corte Madera REI
• August 24th Fremont REI or Corte Madera REI
• September 6th Marina REI
• September 14th Berkeley REI
• September 27th Fremont REI or Santa Rosa REI

WHAT TO BRING:

• Quick-dry shirt and hiking pants. If the forecast is for cool temperatures, bring along a fleece jacket or windproof shell too.
• Water-resistant or waterproof jacket/anorak in case of rain.
• Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots, with moisture-wicking socks.
• A water bottle, such as a bicycle style or Nalgene, filled with drinking water, juice, etc.
• Sun protection (sunscreen and wide brim hats w/ retainers) and sunglasses with retainers.
• Bag lunch and snacks.
• Your GPS, however, GPS units will be available for participants to use.
• A daypack to carry it all!

REI OUTDOOR SCHOOL PROVIDES:

• GPS receivers will be available for participants use.
• Transportation between REI and trailhead, except when outing meets at venue.
• All park entry fees for riders in the REI Outdoor School van.
• Group medical supplies and area maps.