So, you didn’t know it was hot did you? Do you even know what Orienteering is? It is one of the most thrilling activities available for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and here’s the good news – it’s inexpensive. If you enjoy spending time out of doors and you are looking to break out of your regular routine, Orienteering may be the challenge you’ve been hoping for. Thousands of men, women and children around the country are addicted to the mental and physical rush of Orienteering. Let’s find out why.

First off, what is Orienteering? Orienteering is an outdoor sport where you use a map and a compass to find your way through a cross-country style course either leisurely or competitively. Here’s basically how it works: By using only a compass and a map, participants will move from one control point to another until reaching the end of the course. Each participant – an orienteer – uses a special device, a unique one is located at each control point, to mark their scorecard thus proving they have actually visited the required control points. The orienteer who reaches the finish line first, with all control points visited, is the winner. Sounds easy doesn’t it? So what’s the catch?

There are two main challenges to the sport. First, the route is not marked. Therefore the orienteer must personally navigate from control point to control point using only a compass and a map. To successfully do this, you will always need to know how far you have traveled and in what direction. Their map, provided at the event, gives detailed information on the terrain such as hills, landmarks, bodies of water and other obstacles. Secondly, to be successful in orienteering, the orienteer needs excellent map reading skills, the ability to focus mentally and the ability to make decisions. If the

About the Author: Chuck Fitzgerald is the owner of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online specialty store with the “Best Gear Out There” and dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts to “Get It Right The First Time” with timely educational information. Please visit http://www.BackCountryToys.com to find great gear and to receive the Fact & Tips e-newsletter, "FreshAir.” (800) 316-9055.