Offline GPS & Paper Topo Map Navigational Kit

Navigate public land with paper and a plan, and use your phone as the backup, not the plan.

Intermediate

5 min

OFFLINE GPS & PAPER TOPO MAP NAVIGATIONAL KIT
[ ] 1:24k USGS Quad
[ ] Sighting Compass
[ ] Offline Satellite Base Layer

1:24k USGS Quad: a map at 1:24,000 scale shows fine terrain detail. Maps and downloads are available from the U.S. Geological Survey at usgs.gov.
Sighting Compass: a sighting model lets you line up a distant landmark and read the bearing in one step. Practice with it before the trip.
Offline Satellite Base Layer: satellite images in a mapping app. Download before you go, and check the size of the download.

Navigate with the paper map first. Check your position against the map at every junction and landmark. Why it matters: devices fail, but a map and compass do not need batteries.
Stop when you are not sure where you are. Look at your map, the terrain and your last known point. Go back to the last place you were sure of rather than pushing on.
Know when to call for help. If you are lost, hurt or stuck, stay put, signal with a whistle and call 911 if you have signal. Make sure someone at home knows your plan so they can call for you.

Gear types only.

Waterproof map case
Baseplate or sighting compass
Rechargeable battery pack
Headlamp
Whistle
Brimmed hat for long days on exposed ground
Insulated drinkware to keep water cool while you check your map

Land ownership, road closures, seasonal closures and access vary by area, and a map may be out of date. Check current local rules and current road conditions with the managing agency: blm.gov, fs.usda.gov or nps.gov. Many offices also publish current maps of their own.

Knowing where you are is a skill you build. Start on easy ground and practice until the map feels like a friend. A Wild Dirt hat keeps the sun off while you read it.

Paper

1:24k USGS Quad, covering your whole route and a margin around it
Neighboring quads, if your route crosses a map edge
Waterproof sleeve or map case
Pencil for notes on the map

Compass

Sighting Compass
Local magnetic declination checked and noted on the map
Practice taking a bearing and following it before the trip

Phone and device

Offline Satellite Base Layer, downloaded for the whole area before you lose signal
Your route and waypoints saved offline
Phone in airplane mode to save battery
Battery pack and a short cable
Phone kept warm in cold weather

Plan

Route, turnaround time and bail-out options marked on the paper map
Landmarks, road numbers and water sources noted
Copy of your route left with someone at home
Whistle and headlamp

Paper

1:24k USGS Quad, covering your whole route and a margin around it
Neighboring quads, if your route crosses a map edge
Waterproof sleeve or map case
Pencil for notes on the map

Compass

Sighting Compass
Local magnetic declination checked and noted on the map
Practice taking a bearing and following it before the trip

Phone and device

Offline Satellite Base Layer, downloaded for the whole area before you lose signal
Your route and waypoints saved offline
Phone in airplane mode to save battery
Battery pack and a short cable
Phone kept warm in cold weather

Plan

Route, turnaround time and bail-out options marked on the paper map
Landmarks, road numbers and water sources noted
Copy of your route left with someone at home
Whistle and headlamp