Off-Roading Without Getting Lost: Skills and Apps for Navigating

The key to surviving being lost is not getting lost in the first place. Fortunately, that’s very easy to do with a little knowledge, preparation, and equipment.

Below we look at several of the most important skills and apps everyone needs to avoid getting lost while off-roading. These tips are the difference between life and death. They’ll ensure that you make it back home safe and sound.

Off-Roading Without Getting Lost: Skills and Apps for Navigating
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1. Be Alert 

No matter the specific type of terrain you’re off-roading in, it’s important to be alert to your surroundings. Take a look around every now and again. Pay attention to the trees, rocks, hills, and streams you pass. Form a mental map of these in your mind in much the same way you would for the streets, buildings, and houses around your home. Take a look behind you every now and then to see what the same terrain will look like coming back.

Off-Roading Without Getting Lost: Skills and Apps for Navigating
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2. Use a Compass 

Well before you set off on your off-roading adventure, learn how to properly and effectively use a compass. One of the most important tools you can take into the woods, a compass doesn’t do much if you don’t know how to use it. Learn to follow a bearing, follow a back bearing, get back on route, and detour around obstacles. The better you can use a compass, the better off you’ll be if you do get lost.

3. Use GPS 

GPS has made life so much easier. Instead of using a map and compass, most of us just resort to the use of our GPS device in the woods. Of course, a dedicated GPS is most efficient, but most will be able to use a standard GPS app on their smartphone as well. The best of these include Apple Maps and Google Maps.

Off-Roading Without Getting Lost: Skills and Apps for Navigating
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4. Off-Line GPS App 

What happens if you’re using GPS on your phone and you lose a data connection? Luckily, there is a solid solution. A number of apps have popped up recently that offer offline map support. These apps allow you to download maps as a safety feature. They use built-in GPS radio to help you plot a route to safety. In all honesty, you won’t notice much difference in off-line and online GPS functionality.

5. Make a Plan Ahead of Time 

Even the most experienced off-roading and wilderness experts get lost. But making a solid plan before heading out in your RAM 2500 greatly reduces the risk. Knowing the area you’ll be traveling in makes navigating without a map, GPS, or compass all the easier. If you don’t know the area, it’s always smart to take someone along that does.

One of the worst things that can happen on an off-roading trip is getting lost. It’s also one of the most dangerous. Luckily, the five tips above will help you navigate and get home safely. They’ll increase your chances of survival tenfold.

Matthew Schneider has worked in the travel industry for 15 years and has a passion for outdoor adventure, the madder, and more exciting, the better! During his downtime he contributes to a variety of travel blogs.

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