Master Navigation Skills for the Wild

Getting lost in the wild can be one of the most dangerous survival situations — and knowing how to navigate in the wild is a skill that could save your life. This section teaches practical wilderness navigation skills that help you stay on track, find your way back, and move safely through unfamiliar terrain without relying on modern devices. Whether you're deep in the backcountry or dealing with a survival emergency, these techniques can give you the confidence to move with purpose.

You’ll learn how to navigate without a GPS using natural methods like the position of the sun and stars, terrain features, and trail markers. Our guides also walk you through how to use a compass and map correctly, how to orient yourself when lost, and what to do when visibility is low or landmarks are limited. We cover both basic and advanced survival navigation techniques so that anyone — from beginners to experienced hikers — can benefit.

Navigation isn't just about getting from point A to point B. It's about making safe decisions, conserving energy, and avoiding panic. The ability to read your environment and understand direction is one of the most valuable tools in any wilderness survival situation.

Explore the guides below to build your wilderness navigation skills and be prepared for whatever the trail—or the unexpected—throws your way. Because in survival, knowing where you are and where you’re going makes all the difference.