Sometimes using topographic maps is far superior to standard maps. These maps do not show you the locations of towns and other points of interest, they show you the topography of the landscape. What that means is that these maps show you what the elevation is for a given area, allowing you to identify easily hills, mountains, plains and other land forms. Alt… read more
United States Geological Survey topographic maps contain information about the terrain and land features of a particular area. Understanding how to interpret a topographical map can provide important information for hikers, hunters or anyone who needs information about a certain portion of land. It is important to spend some time learning about how the maps… read more
Topographical maps display surface features of the Earth. In addition to bodies of water, roads, buildings and rail lines, they use contour lines to describe elevation. There are two distinct parts of a topographical map: the map face which displays a representation of the Earth's surface, and the map margin which presents information relating to the map fac… read more
Professional lake maps provide a wealth of essential information for both anglers and recreational boaters, including water depths, hazardous underwater structures and preferable channels through which to travel. Learning how to read a lake map will enable you to navigate the waters both effectively and safely. read more
While there is nothing more fun than meandering around the streets of a great city, it is frustrating and sometimes frightening to become lost there. Even if you have a Global Positioning System--or GPS--in your car or on your cell phone, you still need to know how to read a city map. City maps are not just for maintaining your sense of direction; they can a… read more
A compass is an essential and invaluable piece of outdoor equipment. Taking time to understand and learn the basics of using a compass only takes a brief amount of time. This basic knowledge could very easily save your life if you beco… read more
A wilderness survival situation is something that comes as a shock. No one goes out in the woods with the intention of getting into a life-or-death scenario, save maybe for TV hosts like Les Stroud and Bear Grylls, and that's a control… read more
If you're interested in exploring areas of wilderness off the beaten path, or perhaps with no path at all, then you will need topographic maps to guide you. These maps offer highly detailed depictions of terrain by creating a three-dim… read more
Geocaching---the GPS treasure-hunt game---is a great way to introduce children to trails, navigation and hiking. Adults might seek adventurous terrain and challenging geocache hides, but keep it easy if you're out with the little ones.… read more
Every girl deserves the chance to discover if she will be a "backcountry Betty." Young girls, however, are not always as enthused about camping as young boys if they have not yet had a good experience in the outdoors. Once they find th… read more
Wilderness camping offers a solitude and peace that established campgrounds simply don't have. Campers who choose to hike into the wilderness can choose their own campsite and move when and where they wish. There are no loud neighbors… read more
Maps are key equipment in any expedition. Providing spatial representation of an area from a bird's-eye view, a map often makes the difference between being lost and getting home. Knowing how to read a map and take a bearing are vital… read more
Whether you are seeking a taste of the Wild West or a luxurious retreat, the city of Pendleton can meet your needs. Located in the eastern part of Oregon, Pendleton is home to sixteen thousand people and every one has a great deal of r… read more
Whether you are hitchhiking, driving or riding a bike, it is always good to know how to read a map. Your map can be the saving grace when you are alone on a long road and you feel bewildered. read more
Camping is a popular pastime, but without the entertainment that modern technology provides, the downtime can be tedious. Camping games are a fun way to pass the time and interact with your friends and family, and the environment. read more
Preparedness is one of the keys to survival and can be the difference between life and death. With a few survival skills and tools, you can withstand the elements until help arrives. It is important that you know how to build a shelter… read more
Primitive camping, where you bring nothing but clothes for sleeping, may appeal to some, but most campers probably want more to bring more supplies to make the great outdoors resemble the comfortable indoors they left behind. While it… read more
Whether planning a multiday camping and hiking trip or simply enjoying an afternoon on the trails, no packing list is complete without certain items. These items not only add a measure of comfort to the experience, but also provide rel… read more
A compass has a magnet inside in it. The compass uses the magnet to measure the direction of the earth's magnetic field, which allows the compass to indicate which way is north. read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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