• REI Accessibility Statement
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to Expert Advice categories
  • Shop REI
  • REI Outlet
  • Used Gear
  • REI Adventures
  • Classes & Events
  • Expert Advice
  • Co-op Journal
  • Conversations
  • • Membership
Return to the REI.com homepage Expert Advice
  • Stores
  • Account
Stores Account
  • Expert Advice
  • Camping
    • All Camping Articles
    • Buying Guides
    • Care and Repair
    • Skills
    • Checklists
  • Hiking
    • Backpacking
    • All Hiking Articles
    • Buying Guides
    • Care and Repair
    • Skills
    • Checklists
  • Climbing
    • Rock Climbing
    • Bouldering
    • Mountaineering
    • Ice Climbing
    • All Climbing Articles
    • Buying Guides
    • Care and Repair
    • Skills
    • Checklists
  • Cycling
    • Mountain Biking
    • Road Cycling
    • Bikepacking and Bike Touring
    • Electric Bikes
    • All Cycling Articles
    • Buying Guides
    • Care and Repair
    • Skills
    • Checklists
  • Paddling
    • Paddle Boarding
    • Kayaking
    • Canoeing
    • All Paddling Articles
    • Buying Guides
    • Care and Repair
    • Skills
    • Checklists
  • Fitness
    • Training
    • Trail Running
    • Road Running
    • Yoga
    • All Fitness Articles
    • Buying Guides
    • Care and Repair
    • Skills
    • Checklists
  • Snowsports
    • Downhill Skiing
    • Snowboarding
    • Backcountry Skiing
    • Snowshoeing
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Avalanche Safety
    • All Snowsports Articles
    • Buying Guides
    • Care and Repair
    • Skills
    • Checklists
  • Travel
    • All Travel Articles
    • Buying Guides
    • Skills
    • Checklists
  • Clothing
    • All Clothing Articles
    • Buying Guides
    • Care and Repair
    • Skills
  • Family
    • Kids
    • Pets
    • All Family Articles
    • Buying Guides
    • Skills
    • Checklists
  • Basics
    • Health and First Aid
    • Navigation
    • Photography
    • Sustainability
    • All Outdoor Basics Articles
    • Buying Guides
    • Care and Repair
    • Skills
    • Checklists
  1. Expert Advice/
  2. Outdoor Basics/
  3. Navigation

Intro to Navigation


Articles: 4


Before you set off on an outdoor adventure, it’s important to learn a few basics about navigation. In this series, we cover everything from using a compass to reading a topo map to help you find your way through the wilderness.

  • video how to use a compas

    Skills

    How to Use a Compass

    613 Reviews613 reviews with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars

    It's one of the Ten Essentials, but do you know how to use your compass? Learn the basics of declination, bearings and how to use them.

  • Topo map of Mount Rainier National Forest

    Skills

    How to Read a Topo Map

    466 Reviews466 reviews with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars

    A topo map is an indispensable navigational tool, but only if you know how to read it. In this article, we'll teach you the basics.

  • Shot of the Garmin GPS sitting on a log

    Buying Guides

    How to Choose and Use a GPS

    231 Reviews231 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars

    Learn the capabilities, basic functions and key features of handheld GPS receivers and get tips on how to use your new GPS unit.

  • Close-up photo of the face of a Brunton compass

    Skills

    How to Adjust the Declination on a Compass

    321 Reviews321 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars

    Declination, the difference between magnetic north and true north, is key to accurate navigation. Learn how to adjust for it on a compass.

How are we doing?

on this page.


Sign up for REI emails

Co-op offers, events & cool new gear

Error: Is your email address correct?
REI Privacy Policy

Thank you!

Check your inbox for your first email from REI. We'll send you a few emails every week. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.

System Maintenance

The newletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance.

Who We Are

At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938.Read our story

Become A Member

Join the REI Co-op community to get an annual dividend, access exclusives and give back. Lifetime membership is just $20. Learn more and join us

Apply For REI Co-op Mastercard®

  • Earn a $100 REI Gift Card when you apply, get approved and make any purchase within 60 days of card approval.Details

  • Have it?Manage your card

  • Return Policy
  • Return Instructions
  • Your Online Account
  • Purchase Status
  • Shipping Info
  • Membership
  • Find Member Number
  • Total REI Rewards Lookup
  • Expert Advice
  • Classes, Tours & Events
  • Store Events
  • REI Adventures Trips
  • Co-op Journal
  • Conversations
  • Virtual Outfitting
  • Gift Cards
  • Gift Registry
  • Wish Lists
  • Coupons, Rebates & Discounts
  • Free Shipping Details
  • About REI
  • Stewardship
  • Jobs
  • Newsroom
  • Technology Blog
  • Sell at REI
  • Affiliate Program
  • Corporate & Group Sales
  • Store Locator
  • Live Chat
  • Help Center

Help Center

Find answers online anytime.

Live Chat

Mon–Fri, 5am–10pm PT
Sat–Sun, 6am–9pm PT

Call us at1-800-426-4840

Mon–Fri, 5am–10pm PT
Sat–Sun, 6am–9pm PT

Begin dialog

 

End dialog
  • Get REI apps
twitter facebook pinterest youtube instagram

© 2021 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc.

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy - UPDATED
  • Interest Based Ads
  • Product Recalls
  • CA Transparency Act
  • REI Accessibility Statement