Why I no longer need GPS (and what works instead)

Why I no longer need GPS

It happened in the Black Forest. Battery empty, no reception. I was standing on a hiking trail, the sun was slowly setting. Only forest all around. I had a hiking map in my backpack – which I couldn’t read.

Since that day I’ve known: A compass doesn’t need a battery, a signal, or an app. It always points north, always, guaranteed. With a map and a little practice you can find your way anywhere.

Read a map in 3 steps

1. Align map:Rotate the map so that the north line points to the compass north. Now the map shows the same direction as the landscape in front of you.

2. Determine position:Find two visible points on the terrain (mountain, tower, lake) and aim for them with the compass. Where the lines cross on the map is you.

3. Stay on course: Aim for the destination on the map, align the compass accordingly, and start walking. Check every 500 meters to make sure you’re still on course.