How to Navigate Book
Book
How to Navigate Book Review
One thing I have found over the years is that standalone books on navigation are a rarity – navigation usually forms part of a larger text and when I have done navigation courses, the course notes are often basic in their presentation but at the same time diificult to understand. The book How to Navigate by Caro Ryan was released in late 2020 and is a welcome change to the usual. Through How to Navigate Caro demonstrates her knowledge and experience of the outdoors and all things hiking. The book is well written which is what you’d expect from Caro given her experience as an outdoor travel writer – she knows how to write for the average hiker which enhances the enjoyment of this book.
The majority of the hiking I do is on well marked and formed trails. While it’s rare that I go ‘bush’ it’s not uncommon for me to be alone in remote areas well away from another living soul. Every hiker is different in the style of hiking they do but the one thing they all have in common is the need to be able to navigate.
At its simplest, being able to locate yourself within the landscape will provide you with the confidence to determine if you are in the right place, at the right time, and heading in the right direction. Should an accident or injury occur, knowing where you are will assist in making decisions about the best course of action. Do you try to walk out? Do you stay put? Do you call for help?
Navigation is one of those foundational skills for every hiker. You should at least have a basic understanding of navigation and should constantly refine your skill. Over the years I’ve done a lot of self learning by reading articles online as well as doing update courses every few years to prevent me from becoming complacent.
How to Navigate, is a standalone navigation resource for outdoor enthusiasts that is structured in a logical manner and presented in a way that’s easy to understand. It uses a combination of simple clear text with supporting photos and diagrams to get the subject matter across – something lacking in similar texts. This book has a spiral binder and I must admit I’m a fan of this format as it allows easy access to specific pages without having to use a weight or to bend a rigid spine. My only negative with this book, and its a minor one, is as someone with deteriorating eyesight I would appreciate a heavier text font – I guess I just need to remember my glasses!
This book is a must have resource for hikers of all levels and given with the way it’s written, it won’t date.
Chapter Headings
Table of Contents
Introduction
1 Maps
2 Compasses
3 Route Planning
4 How to Navigate
5 Extras
6 What to do if you get lost
We Like
- An all-in-one dedicated book on navigation for hiking
- Material set out in logical sections with good supporting photos and diagrams
- Clear and easy to follow structure
- The spiral binder allows you to open to the page you are after without having to bend the book spine or weigh it down
We Don't Like
- As someone with steadily worsening eyesight, I’d prefer a slightly heavier font
Buy One
You can purchase How to Navigate here
Please note that we have no affiliations with this product.
Investment
$34.95 AUD + postage
How to Navigate front cover
Page example showing how clear guidance is conveyed
Page example showing clear text and diagram
Page example talking through specific points and showing diagrams that reinforce support learning
Disclaimer
This review was done with product provided for review by the author