Surviving a Bear Attack
In my wilderness survival class, I am frequently asked what kind of gun would be the best defense against a bear attack. I am asked[Read More…]
Articles by: Blake Miller
What Maps to Take Hiking
In a recent map & compass class, one of my students asked me what maps I carry into the backcountry when hiking or hunting. In[Read More…]
Finding Direction Without a Compass
Preparation and carrying the ten essentials is vital to any outdoor trip. Map, compass and GPS make up my navigation kit. Still, the unplanned happens,[Read More…]
Pre-Trail Maintenance for Your GPS Receiver
Summer is a great time to head for the trail and practice with a GPS receiver. There are several things hikers can do before leaving[Read More…]
Navigation In Darkness
Navigation in darkness and reduced visibility is a serious issue for the hiker. Important geographical and trail features (e.g., mountains, roads, forest, etc.) can be[Read More…]
Magellan Echo GPS Watch Review
The Magellan Echo GPS watch is a light weight “smart sports running watch.” The Echo sports watch is linked to the user’s smart phone through[Read More…]
Calibrating The GPS’s Electronic Compass
Most of the top of the line GPS receivers come with an electronic compass. The electronic compass moves and operates seemingly like a traditional magnetic compass.
Taking Good Care of Your Compass
If a hiker is willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of boots why not spend a bit more for a decent compass; it can make a huge difference.
Monitoring the Weather for Hikers
In 1857 Dutch professor Christopher Buys Ballot postulated that there was a relationship between wind direction and air pressure. Buys-Ballot’s law provides a rough approximation of the location and direction of the low pressure system as it tracks through a region.
Selecting a Magnetic Compass
Compass navigation is a perishable skill; it takes practice. In my compass classes I suggest that, as a minimum, two weeks before your next outing work with that compass frequently.
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