Thanks for watching friends! Make sure you hit the like button and subscribe to stay up to date on future content. You can find gear on my Amazon Influencer Page Check out this page from www.amazon.com/shop/stokermatic
In 1969 I was stationed at fort Lewis army base I woke up every morning looking at Mt Rainier a fellow soldier lived in Tacoma and took a few of us to the nisqually for a hike and fishing I was straight out of Brooklyn to me this place was paradise watching your video brought back great memories of what a beautiful and rugged place that that country is, and yes you can easily get lost but we had a person who lived there all his life life and knew his way around.. thanks for the memories.
It would be cool to watch something like a chest camera video, where you take us through a mock-land nav test. That way, we can see each step of how you get from point A to point B. And for the more complex decisions or calculations we see you make, you can post the time-stamp and a link to one of your other videos that explains what's happening on the map or during that calculation. It would be nice to see you pull up a map at least a few times and calculate things before moving on. Regardless, your videos are a huge help man, thanks for taking the time to teach us this stuff.
Right on. I’m working on an extended demo right now. Working through 10k ish of movement. May have to work something smaller in though as well. Plus some low light etc. I’ll keep plugging away!
Thanks for mentioning the fact that we would rarely encounter an easy 2-D square contour to circumnavigate. Definitely those 2-D examples everyone teaches should only have been used as an anecdote and 'not' considered as training by itself. I like that you emphasized navigation by contour of the land. Matching the map to the terrain is what has to be mastered in real world environment since many times you do not have a point of reference like a peak or sign. Now on to your other video, 'Negotiate Impassable Obstacles While Conducting Land Navigation'.
You ain't kidding about Murphy throwing curves. What would have happened had you twisted your ankle, or taken a slide down on to some of those rocks. I was hiking in a state park in Oklahoma and when stepping off trail to check out a massive boulder, I hit chirt. Went face first into a tree, ( along with most of my right side) got spun and sent into the boulder, I managed to get a little run to the boulder and went up the side instead of into it, ( I did end up actually on top of the boulder). However between that, and almost taking a 300 or 400 foot nose dive off of a cliff. I have realized that I am blessed to be alive
@@STOKERMATIC you know I am really Stoked to have found your channel, and that our paths crossed too. I actually found your channel by chance, but I am very glad I did. And it's good to have a friend who speaks English. I think that's probably why I spend time on youtube. I am fluent in Spanish, but some times its nice to just speak and hear English. I actually found your channel while looking up some Tradoc, and then some sniper assault techniques. And then I typed in Land Nav Guide, into the search bar, and yours was the 1st channel to come up. So I watched a bunch of vids, and after a few months started commenting too. I actually only interact with very few ppl on TH-cam. Almost never get a reply to my comments, and between the in depth details you give in the videos, and the replies that actually clarify when there are questions. You have the highest quality channel for this type of content, philosophy of normal ppl, and explaining easy things to make out doors safer and more enjoyable I have seen. It may not be the biggest yet, but yours is the best out there. The biggest ones don't go into the depth that you do. And they leave out a lot of simple stuff like how to do a back azimuth, may not sound like a big deal, but it is. Not because I don't know how, but if a new person was watching, and did not think of it. They could wind up in a lot of trouble
Love your land nav stuff Top. I have watched pretty much all of it. An awesome refresher. Been out a long time. I feel confident with it again. Thanks man!
Started doing ruck hikes in pa forests. First was 36 Mike second was a little more. Learned so much funny thing we found out was the maps we had there legend was completely off by a lot we tracked it with our garmam
Thanks for great land nav training videos. I think you are the only civilian resource on how to navigate in reality. Back to theory, what are your thoughts on using three 45's at a point for detouring an obstacle in ideal conditions, versus four 90's.
Scott, thanks amigo! I’m glad they resonate. I think situation dictates - if it’s 90s, 45s, or 33s - or even a combination. Should all depend on the situation your dealing - the size, shape, orientation, elevation, etc of the obstacle your dealing with. (And I’m active duty)
One of my biggest issues when trying to learn something in a classroom environment, is not having the Physical object to connect the classroom instructions, if I don't have both paperwork (instructions) and the physical object, iam lost. Following a game trail makes all the sence in the World, if there is anyone/ anything that knows where the food and water is at, it's wildlife. How about navigating in hill/ mountain type terrain, what is a way to figure out a mountains elevation?, Are the principles the same as navigating flat ground obstacles?. Excellent video without question. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.🇺🇸✌️👍
I feel ya on being lost without solid practical application following some good instruction! All principles remain the same in hill country - but you gotta take into account energy expenditure and know that sometimes you can't move in a straight line. A route may move you four times farther, but actually be quicker, and less tiring than just bushwhacking it up and down some crazy terrain.
Hmmm probably not overly specific but check out my 6 landnav tips - i do discuss attack points and handrails. Will keep it mind to address more of this soon!
You can find printed maps at REI or go to USGS website to save/print/order. I have a vid on it if you search. I prefer 1:25 or 1:50 for navigation purposes
Yeah that bank looked fun, 85 feet straight down. And in rain that would be even worse. That bank is a funeral waiting to happen. And then someone has to explain that to the family. Well we plotted wrong and he died, the end. Not a good conversation. Although as soon as I saw the map you put up first showing the river, I said well he's gonna have to box that out. And follow the edge around. Then you said it. Also side note. I like the facts you put up, I had no idea that is how Ft. Lewis was established. If I can get out of the rain, I will shoot a vid to show off some of the nice areas here. But probably not during rainy season. I actually knew some ppl here who got their house collapsed in heavy rain that turned into a landslide. They where smashed up against the windows on the opposite side.
It was a lot of fun! Glad I had the time to get out that day. Looking forward to creating similar content moving forward - maybe more experiential in nature rather than overtly instructional? We'll see. Hate to hear about the landslides - they are serious business!
@@STOKERMATIC I really enjoyed the video brother. I don't get to go out as much as I would like. And its always great to see the way others handle situation. I can honestly say I was not expecting there to be a car there for you. That was a cool surprise. I really look forward to see what you got next. Mind if I ask how long the over all time was for the travel? I figure it took at least 30 out of travel time to set up the video shots.
@@STOKERMATIC it was instructional, I would say that your channel and knowledge is where I go. Like a 10 digit grid number for kit refreshers and updates.
I think I was in the bush for ..... 2.5 hours that day? Probably 3.5 K maybe? could have done this stint in maybe 1.5 hours if I wasn’t thinking about the camera work and not rushing it. As much as I plan before I head out, there are always changes, angles, small details, etc.
Good video Stoker. I think I have met Murphy a time or two. Do you have any technique for using a Cammenga compass for sighting up or down steep hillsides? In one case you are looking straight at the hill in front of you, or in the other case you’re looking out through the treetops.
Jeff! That dang Murphy is always showing up at the wrong time! LOL I think when it comes to the technique(s) you're asking about, I'll offer up a few ideas knowing that there are 1,000 "what if's" - the situation will always be a little different. First, use a centerfold technique rather than compass to cheek - most people don't realize (I get you do because of your question) that our compass's don't point horizontal to the earth's surface, but actually dip, and that means that the angular difference can be huge. A centerhold technique enables us to cant our head up and down and keep the compass level to the ground. Find a steering mark, something identifiable that we can shoot an azimuth towards - preferable beyond our distance, but nearer if need be. Second is to look backwards - we can think outside the box and use steering mark on our reverse azimuth - then, move out and shoot an azimuth back towards where we started from. If need be, we can use engineer tape or other means or methods to mark our location as well. I'm starting to ramble - but hope that offers a few usable suggestions for such a great question!
@@STOKERMATIC it actually does, and even I had not thought to ask. Darn. But I did not realize, cause I did not think about it, that ppl don't know they dip. I guess I just took it for granted and always canted. But that's the kind of detail I was talking about brother. If I ever get my dream business up, I am hiring you as a consultant. That's a if, but dang, I really appreciate the completeness of your knowledge about these topics. I did basic and advanced survival, and basic, land nav. Since I was focused on medical. Medics dont usually have to plot points. But ever since I got out of that because of my back and started doing different stuff I realize how much my skills either rusted or disappeared.
Awesome video once again man. Do you have anything on night land nav? Actually trying to prepare for SFAS coming up and have not done much night land nav unfortunately. I'm decent with terrain association but I have a feeling that will not help me when it is pitch black outside and I cannot see, especially with cloud cover and no moon. Should you just shoot an azimuth and just follow that the whole way? Thanks!
Rob - short answer - I’m working on an SFAS land Nav video. Long answer - yes a few videos that discuss land land nav at night but no you don’t want to dead reckon the whole way. Your looking at upward of 6 kilometers between points. You need to break your distance down into legs, use hand rails, terrain association, attack points, to get within 400 meters and then shoot from there. Know how to adjust your bezel ring with no light and do it on the fly. All this and more I’ll discuss in detail and showcase in future vids.
My patience is wearing thin . . . 3 min 50 secs and we are not into the meat of this. Cease with the superfluous chatter and get on with it man. I'm tired of shouting at the screen. It can't be that hard.
Thanks for watching friends! Make sure you hit the like button and subscribe to stay up to date on future content. You can find gear on my Amazon Influencer Page Check out this page from www.amazon.com/shop/stokermatic
In 1969 I was stationed at fort Lewis army base I woke up every morning looking at Mt Rainier a fellow soldier lived in Tacoma and took a few of us to the nisqually for a hike and fishing I was straight out of Brooklyn to me this place was paradise watching your video brought back great memories of what a beautiful and rugged place that that country is, and yes you can easily get lost but we had a person who lived there all his life life and knew his way around.. thanks for the memories.
Man! First, thank you for your service! And I'm so glad the content brought back some good memories! Best to you!!
I'm always stoked to see your videos brother 👍. Even the old ones 😊
It would be cool to watch something like a chest camera video, where you take us through a mock-land nav test. That way, we can see each step of how you get from point A to point B. And for the more complex decisions or calculations we see you make, you can post the time-stamp and a link to one of your other videos that explains what's happening on the map or during that calculation. It would be nice to see you pull up a map at least a few times and calculate things before moving on. Regardless, your videos are a huge help man, thanks for taking the time to teach us this stuff.
Right on. I’m working on an extended demo right now. Working through 10k ish of movement. May have to work something smaller in though as well. Plus some low light etc. I’ll keep plugging away!
Thank you for taking the time to share your skills and knowledge. Very much appreciated.
Paul, thank you so much for the feedback! It means the world to know the content resonated with someone!
Dropping some good knowledge. Digging the walong by river tip. Will come in handy in hunting season.
🥃
Man that is some beautiful scenery.
Thanks for mentioning the fact that we would rarely encounter an easy 2-D square contour to circumnavigate. Definitely those 2-D examples everyone teaches should only have been used as an anecdote and 'not' considered as training by itself. I like that you emphasized navigation by contour of the land. Matching the map to the terrain is what has to be mastered in real world environment since many times you do not have a point of reference like a peak or sign.
Now on to your other video, 'Negotiate Impassable Obstacles While Conducting Land Navigation'.
You ain't kidding about Murphy throwing curves. What would have happened had you twisted your ankle, or taken a slide down on to some of those rocks. I was hiking in a state park in Oklahoma and when stepping off trail to check out a massive boulder, I hit chirt. Went face first into a tree, ( along with most of my right side) got spun and sent into the boulder, I managed to get a little run to the boulder and went up the side instead of into it, ( I did end up actually on top of the boulder). However between that, and almost taking a 300 or 400 foot nose dive off of a cliff. I have realized that I am blessed to be alive
Man that would be crazy! I'm super stoked you're around, and thankful our paths crossed Patrick!
@@STOKERMATIC you know I am really Stoked to have found your channel, and that our paths crossed too. I actually found your channel by chance, but I am very glad I did. And it's good to have a friend who speaks English. I think that's probably why I spend time on youtube. I am fluent in Spanish, but some times its nice to just speak and hear English. I actually found your channel while looking up some Tradoc, and then some sniper assault techniques. And then I typed in Land Nav Guide, into the search bar, and yours was the 1st channel to come up. So I watched a bunch of vids, and after a few months started commenting too. I actually only interact with very few ppl on TH-cam. Almost never get a reply to my comments, and between the in depth details you give in the videos, and the replies that actually clarify when there are questions. You have the highest quality channel for this type of content, philosophy of normal ppl, and explaining easy things to make out doors safer and more enjoyable I have seen. It may not be the biggest yet, but yours is the best out there. The biggest ones don't go into the depth that you do. And they leave out a lot of simple stuff like how to do a back azimuth, may not sound like a big deal, but it is. Not because I don't know how, but if a new person was watching, and did not think of it. They could wind up in a lot of trouble
Nice use of the handrail and also the matching of the intersection to the map (terrain association)
Rob, thanks man! I enjoyed getting out and using some different terrain rather than everything being so easy. Hope it resonates with everyone!
Love your land nav stuff Top. I have watched pretty much all of it. An awesome refresher. Been out a long time. I feel confident with it again. Thanks man!
I was thinking on my feet,like you said. I need some new socks,soon. Thanks Top.
Joe! Thanks amigo!
I just love the intro you use for these
Thanks Jimmy!
Stoke you’re awesome man! Would’ve loved to have you in the Unit.
Tom, I appreciate that brother!
Next time you go off on land Nav, I am going with you brother!
LET'S GO BROTHER!
I don’t know how many times I’ve walked that bluff in the pre roll during early archery season for deer.
It’s a pretty part of the area!
Started doing ruck hikes in pa forests. First was 36 Mike second was a little more. Learned so much funny thing we found out was the maps we had there legend was completely off by a lot we tracked it with our garmam
Loved it Top.
Thanks for great land nav training videos. I think you are the only civilian resource on how to navigate in reality. Back to theory, what are your thoughts on using three 45's at a point for detouring an obstacle in ideal conditions, versus four 90's.
Scott, thanks amigo! I’m glad they resonate. I think situation dictates - if it’s 90s, 45s, or 33s - or even a combination. Should all depend on the situation your dealing - the size, shape, orientation, elevation, etc of the obstacle your dealing with. (And I’m active duty)
One of my biggest issues when trying to learn something in a classroom environment, is not having the Physical object to connect the classroom instructions, if I don't have both paperwork (instructions) and the physical object, iam lost.
Following a game trail makes all the sence in the World, if there is anyone/ anything that knows where the food and water is at, it's wildlife.
How about navigating in hill/ mountain type terrain, what is a way to figure out a mountains elevation?, Are the principles the same as navigating flat ground obstacles?.
Excellent video without question. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.🇺🇸✌️👍
I feel ya on being lost without solid practical application following some good instruction! All principles remain the same in hill country - but you gotta take into account energy expenditure and know that sometimes you can't move in a straight line.
A route may move you four times farther, but actually be quicker, and less tiring than just bushwhacking it up and down some crazy terrain.
@@STOKERMATIC Gotcha Stokermatic Man, thank you for your reply.🇺🇸✌️👍
Do you have any content on navigation through hills and cliffs and how to get around them without messing up your pace count or azimuth?
Hmmm probably not overly specific but check out my 6 landnav tips - i do discuss attack points and handrails.
Will keep it mind to address more of this soon!
Have you done anything in the Leavenworth and the mountains around there,Skykomish area
Thanks
Hi! Where do you get the topographic maps from?
What is the ideal scale to use? I am located in WA too, around the Issquah area.
You can find printed maps at REI or go to USGS website to save/print/order. I have a vid on it if you search.
I prefer 1:25 or 1:50 for navigation purposes
@@STOKERMATIC Thank you!
When navigating what can cause magnetic interference, rock formations magnetic anomalies , equipment??
Yeah that bank looked fun, 85 feet straight down. And in rain that would be even worse. That bank is a funeral waiting to happen. And then someone has to explain that to the family. Well we plotted wrong and he died, the end. Not a good conversation.
Although as soon as I saw the map you put up first showing the river, I said well he's gonna have to box that out. And follow the edge around. Then you said it.
Also side note. I like the facts you put up, I had no idea that is how Ft. Lewis was established.
If I can get out of the rain, I will shoot a vid to show off some of the nice areas here. But probably not during rainy season.
I actually knew some ppl here who got their house collapsed in heavy rain that turned into a landslide. They where smashed up against the windows on the opposite side.
It was a lot of fun! Glad I had the time to get out that day. Looking forward to creating similar content moving forward - maybe more experiential in nature rather than overtly instructional? We'll see. Hate to hear about the landslides - they are serious business!
@@STOKERMATIC I really enjoyed the video brother. I don't get to go out as much as I would like. And its always great to see the way others handle situation. I can honestly say I was not expecting there to be a car there for you. That was a cool surprise. I really look forward to see what you got next.
Mind if I ask how long the over all time was for the travel? I figure it took at least 30 out of travel time to set up the video shots.
@@STOKERMATIC it was instructional, I would say that your channel and knowledge is where I go. Like a 10 digit grid number for kit refreshers and updates.
I think I was in the bush for ..... 2.5 hours that day? Probably 3.5 K maybe? could have done this stint in maybe 1.5 hours if I wasn’t thinking about the camera work and not rushing it.
As much as I plan before I head out, there are always changes, angles, small details, etc.
Good video Stoker. I think I have met Murphy a time or two. Do you have any technique for using a Cammenga compass for sighting up or down steep hillsides? In one case you are looking straight at the hill in front of you, or in the other case you’re looking out through the treetops.
Jeff! That dang Murphy is always showing up at the wrong time! LOL
I think when it comes to the technique(s) you're asking about, I'll offer up a few ideas knowing that there are 1,000 "what if's" - the situation will always be a little different.
First, use a centerfold technique rather than compass to cheek - most people don't realize (I get you do because of your question) that our compass's don't point horizontal to the earth's surface, but actually dip, and that means that the angular difference can be huge.
A centerhold technique enables us to cant our head up and down and keep the compass level to the ground. Find a steering mark, something identifiable that we can shoot an azimuth towards - preferable beyond our distance, but nearer if need be.
Second is to look backwards - we can think outside the box and use steering mark on our reverse azimuth - then, move out and shoot an azimuth back towards where we started from. If need be, we can use engineer tape or other means or methods to mark our location as well.
I'm starting to ramble - but hope that offers a few usable suggestions for such a great question!
@@STOKERMATIC it actually does, and even I had not thought to ask. Darn. But I did not realize, cause I did not think about it, that ppl don't know they dip. I guess I just took it for granted and always canted. But that's the kind of detail I was talking about brother. If I ever get my dream business up, I am hiring you as a consultant. That's a if, but dang, I really appreciate the completeness of your knowledge about these topics. I did basic and advanced survival, and basic, land nav. Since I was focused on medical. Medics dont usually have to plot points. But ever since I got out of that because of my back and started doing different stuff I realize how much my skills either rusted or disappeared.
STOKERMATIC thank you, using the centerhold technique is so obvious I completely overlooked it!
Just remember if it helps hide your sound, that's a two-way street. also helps the others side.
Very true brother!
Awesome video once again man. Do you have anything on night land nav? Actually trying to prepare for SFAS coming up and have not done much night land nav unfortunately. I'm decent with terrain association but I have a feeling that will not help me when it is pitch black outside and I cannot see, especially with cloud cover and no moon. Should you just shoot an azimuth and just follow that the whole way? Thanks!
Rob - short answer - I’m working on an SFAS land Nav video. Long answer - yes a few videos that discuss land land nav at night but no you don’t want to dead reckon the whole way. Your looking at upward of 6 kilometers between points.
You need to break your distance down into legs, use hand rails, terrain association, attack points, to get within 400 meters and then shoot from there.
Know how to adjust your bezel ring with no light and do it on the fly.
All this and more I’ll discuss in detail and showcase in future vids.
STOKERMATIC awesome, thanks!!
Don’t believe the dirt roads on a map, sometimes they change, especially on a land navigation course 😂
Do you have a school besides these videos ....if so where and cost ,thanks
Coming in 2024. North Ga. Cost TBD. Best way to keep up on this is to sub to my website or join telegram channel.
My patience is wearing thin . . . 3 min 50 secs and we are not into the meat of this. Cease with the superfluous chatter and get on with it man. I'm tired of shouting at the screen. It can't be that hard.