Basic Navigation Skills - laying the foundation

“Map and compass?” he asked with a look of amazement. “I have my GPS packed so I will be fine.” The look of confidence combined with the smirk on his face got me upset. I am not sure how his hike went, but the lack of communication afterwards probably meant it went badly.

Sadly, this type of response is quite common and very worrying for those of us who still believe basic navigational skills are what will get you through a sticky situation.