For the best balance and efficiency, put your hand up through the bottom of the strap, grip the handle.

Orient map to north with compass, take a bearing from map, then follow that bearing on the ground while checking terrain.

To use a hiking stick correctly, thread your hand up through the bottom of the wrist strap and grasp the grip so the strap bears your weight instead.

Hold a hiking staff with a loose grip and use the strap to support your wrist, keeping your elbow at a 90-degree angle when the tip is on the ground.

To use a hiking compass, orient the map north, align the direction-of-travel arrow with your destination.

Pack heavy items close to the center of your back and high up, lighter gear at the bottom, and frequently used items on top.

Using a handheld GPS for hiking involves planning a route, loading it onto the device, using the on-screen map and waypoints to navigate.

Using a GPS for hiking involves marking waypoints and navigating to them by following the device’s direction and distance display.

Plan your hike on Garmin Explore or BaseCamp, transfer the GPX file to your device, then follow the on-screen breadcrumb trail to navigate each.

Place the direction of travel arrow toward your destination on the map, rotate the bezel until the orienting arrow aligns with north.