I use my maps a lot! I always take USGS 7.5-minute maps. When off-trail (actually most of my miles) I actually have the map out, in my hand! I am not one to repeat trips very often - so I am usually in new territiory all the time. I also write on my maps and keep a journal on the back. I always have my pencil in my pocket and take extensive notes. I have done this for over 40 years and it is really fun to look back at my old trips - I have actually transferred all this data to my computer data base.

It is not that I could not find the way without a map, it is just my preference to match my travel to the map. I think it is really fun. As a consequence, I am very good at orientieering from a map. Practice makes perfect.

By the way, I DO NOT use a GPS!