Caltopo and Comms - 1 Day

Navigation and Communications skills are critical to all backcountry adventures.  In this course we are going to introduce you to all the "stuff" to get you started doing it right.  

NRS Instructors have been using Caltopo as our go-to navigation app for many years now.  We have also been using radios in our coursework, and on Search and Rescue events for many years as well.  What most people miss are the fundamentals of working with this technology in such a way to make us a efficient and safe so we go more and do more in the backcountry in this course we will cover the following

Caltopo Info:

• learn how to properly organize settings for personal use.
• how to setup and recall waypoints
• how to setup "breadcrumb" tracks and trails
• how to organize data on maps for use on the app and on desktop.
• how to use Caltopo to seamlessly integrate paper maps for backup and regular use.  
• how to share information with others easily. 

Radio Info:

• Radio Etiquette for normal and emergency communications
• Operating basics of the radio.  How to turn it off and the regularly used buttons
• Monitoring multiple channels.
• How to scan to listen to those around you.
• Choosing the best antenna for your use.  

This course will be a combination of both academic study and practical field practice.  No previous experience is needed, actually it is expected, we want to get you started right from the ground up.  

Follow this link  for class normal practices and gear list suggestions/recommendations.